What type of injuries are generally excluded from Workers' Compensation coverage?

Injuries caused by self-inflicted harm are generally excluded from Workers' Compensation coverage because the purpose of Workers' Compensation is to provide benefits for injuries sustained in the course of employment due to work-related activities. When an individual inflicts harm upon themselves, it typically indicates that the injury is not connected to job duties or workplace environment, which is a core requirement for coverage. This exclusion aligns with the foundational principle of Workers' Compensation to support employees who are injured as a direct result of their work activities.

In contrast, off-duty injuries, injuries occurring during breaks, and injuries from commuting can sometimes be subject to specific circumstances under which they may be eligible for compensation. For instance, an injury during a break can still be related to work if it occurs on the employer's premises or in a context connected to employment. Similarly, commuting injuries might be covered if the employee is performing work-related tasks while commuting. Therefore, the self-inflicted harm exclusion stands out as a clear boundary within Workers' Compensation policies.