Workers' Compensation

The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act was created to provide for your medical expenses if you are injured on the job or contract a work related illness.  In the event you are unable to work, the Workers Compensation Act also provides wage-loss compensation benefits until you’re able to return to work.  Additionally, death benefits- for work-related deaths -are paid to your dependent survivors.

Workers’ Compensation benefits are paid by private insurance companies (this also includes third party administrators), the State Workers’ Insurance Fund (a state-run Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier), or by the employers themselves (if they are self- insured).  All employers must provide Workers’ Compensation coverage for all of their employees.  This includes non-profit corporations, unincorporated businesses, seasonal & part-time workers- even companies with only a single employee. 

The key to getting your Workers’ Compensation Benefits is prompt reporting of your work injury to your supervisor. If your supervisor or other manager is not available, leave a message on their voicemail.   Make sure you explain exactly how you injured yourself, as well as when and where the injury took place.  Also, make sure you obtain a copy of the incident report for your files.   If you fail to notify your employer, it can result in the delay or denial of Workers’ Compensation benefits.  Once you have lost a day, shift, or turn of work, your employer is required to report your injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by filing a First Report of Injury.  
 
Your employer may choose to either accept of deny the claim.  If your claim is denied, you have the right to file a Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for a hearing before a Workers’ Compensation judge.



Cullen Legal- Championing the rights of PA's workers.   Call 267.812.5870 for a free consultation.