To obtain benefits under workers’ compensation law, the employee must report their injury to their employer immediately. Failure to report the work-related injury or illness can prevent the worker from receiving Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits.

Pennsylvania law allows for the following types of benefits:

• Lost Wages: Wage-loss compensation is offered to employees who become totally disabled and unable to work or partially disabled and receiving wages less than their earnings before the accident.


• Death Benefits: If an employee dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness, their surviving dependents may be entitled to death benefits.


• Specific Loss Benefits: Workers who lose a specific body part, such as a hand, arm, leg or foot, or suffer serious disfigurement to the head or face may be entitled to specific loss benefits. Workers who lose their hearing or vision can also qualify for these benefits.


• Medical Care: Employers are obligated to inform their workers of their medical benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. A written notice of the employees’ rights must be supplied to the employee at the time of the injury or immediately following the accident. Workers covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act can recover expenses stemming from reasonable medical care rendered by a doctor or other health care professional. Medicine, hospital services, orthopedic appliances, prostheses, and supplies are also covered. 

Choice of Doctor under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law

Pennsylvania employees who are injured at work have the right to choose their own doctor. However, if the employer accepts the claim and has posted a list in the workplace of at least six medical providers, the injured worker must see one of these doctors for the initial treatment. The injured worker must continue treatment with that physician or another medical provider on the list for at least 90 days after the first visit. The employee has the right to choose any doctor on the list; the company cannot direct the worker to a certain physician. In addition, if the listed doctor advises invasive surgery, the worker can receive a second opinion, which will be paid for by the employer.

If you have been hurt at work in Pennsylvania, you have the right to legal counsel. It is important to remember that workers’ compensation litigation can be complex, and your employer and their insurer will be represented by an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer. Fill out our free case evaluation form on the right to speak to a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney today to ensure your rights are protected.