Can You Get Workers Comp For a Heart Attack on the Job?

It is a common assumption that if something happens to you on the job that it must be workers’ compensation.  A heart attack on the job is a sudden, unexpected, and often fatal occurrence, so it must be work-related, right?  If you are doing your normal job in the normal way, and have a heart attack, it is not considered an injury arising out of an accident and in the scope and course of your employment.

If a person suffers an injury, or dies due to a heart attack on the job, they must show it was precipitated by some unusual, or extraordinary exertion.  Past cases where someone was working under tremendous heat, and unusually exerting themselves and had heart attacks have been found compensable.  A case where a firefighter suffered a heart attack fighting a fire was not found compensable as the heat, smoke, excitement, and physical exertion were all part of a firefighter’s normal job duties, and expected parts of his employment.

If you get in an auto accident, or are injured on the job in North Carolina, or South Carolina, Tippens & Zurosky is available to serve your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you.