Work injuries can be the result of:

Accidents (e.g., back injury due to lifting)

Repetitive trauma (e.g., typing that leads to carpal tunnel)

Occupational exposure (e.g., inhaling fumes)

Employees have the right to claim workers' compensation insurance benefits, just as they have the right to any other insurance benefits like health insurance or homeowners insurance. The only difference is how the claim is pursued; and, the rights of the parties are defined by statute instead of by a policy.