Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Explained
Suffering an illness or an injury on the job can be devastating in multiple ways. In addition to the physical pain and discomfort you experience, your condition might result in considerable medical expenses. At the same time, you may be unable to return to work, jeopardizing your ability to make a living. Those who can eventually work again may have ongoing disabilities preventing them from returning to the job they previously held.
Pennsylvania recognizes the personal and professional challenges workplace injuries can create, which is why the law makes workers’ compensation insurance compulsory for all employers. If you have recently suffered harm or become ill at work, here’s what you need to know about workers’ comp in Pennsylvania.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ comp is a form of insurance providing benefits to employees who suffer on-the-job illnesses or injuries. It provides benefit payments for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of the use of specific parts of the body, and employee death. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Pennsylvania, meaning an injured employee does not need to provide evidence that their employer caused their workplace injury.
In Pennsylvania, nearly every employee is covered by workers’ compensation from their first day on the job. This includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Even if an employee’s actions contributed to their condition, they are still eligible for benefits. However, workers’ compensation does not offer benefits for self-inflicted injuries or those caused by an employee’s violation of law (illegal use of drugs, etc). A violation of an employer’s company policy may preclude benefits if the injury was caused by a violation of the policy; the injured worker actually knew about the policy; and the policy implicated an activity not connected with the injured workers’ work duties.
What Benefits Are Available for Injured or Ill Workers?
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation offers benefits such as:
- Healthcare Expenses – All reasonable and necessary medical treatment relating to the work injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and medical devices
- Ongoing Care Expenses – Long-term treatment and care for work-related injuries or illnesses
- Partial Disability Benefits – Payments for employees who can return to work who must take a lower-paying job due to their injury or illness
- Total Disability Benefits – Payments for employees who are entirely unable to work due to their injury or illness
- Permanent Injury Benefits – Compensation for employees who have suffered disfigurement or a permanent loss of function of a body part
- Death Benefits – Compensation to the surviving family members of an employee who loses their life due to a work-related injury or medical condition
What Is the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process?
To file a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim, you must notify your employer of your condition within 120 days of its occurrence or discovery. Your employer must report your injury to their insurer immediately, and then has 120 days to either accept or deny your claim. If your claim is accepted, you will begin receiving benefits. If your claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision with the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney. It’s worth noting that there are strict deadlines for filing claims and appeals, so it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights.
Contact a Westmoreland County Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
At Stine & Associates, P.C., we understand how overwhelming a workplace injury or illness can be. Our attorneys have been helping employees in Pennsylvania recover the benefits they deserve for over 30 years, and we are ready to give you the support and advocacy you need at this difficult time. We will investigate the circumstances leading to your condition, help you through the claims process, and represent you in any appeals. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation.