Does workers compensation pay for heat exhaustion?

Broadly, workers compensation benefits are payable for those illnesses or conditions that occur while in the course and scope of employment.

The historical trade-off was that rather than suing the employer for fault in causing or contributing to the occurrence that caused the illness or condition, and having to prove fault and damages, the employee would be able to collect workers compensation benefits. Benefits are lower than one might get in a lawsuit, but recovery is far more guaranteed, in that it is necessary to show only that the injury or illness occurred within the course and scope of employment. The level of benefits are set by state law. They consist of payment of medical expenses and a percentage of the average lost wage.

All of that said, if the heat exhaustion resulted from a work-related activity, resulted in the need for medical care, and resulted in lost wages, recovery can be obtained. Of course, this is subject to any statutory prohibition for recovery for this condition.