Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law provides benefits to workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits may include medical benefits, wage-loss compensation or death benefits if the worker dies as a result of his or her job-related injury or illness. Benefits offered by Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law are paid by private insurance companies, Pennsylvania Workers’ Insurance Fund or by self-insured employers.

Nearly every employee in Pennsylvania is covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. Employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage for every employee including part-time and seasonal workers. In addition, non-profit organizations, unincorporated business and even companies with only one employee must comply with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. Other employees, such as railroad and harbor workers, are typically covered by other Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws. To find out which Pennsylvania law you are covered by, fill out our free case evaluation form on the right to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer today.

If you are injured on the job, report the accident to your supervisor immediately. You must inform your employer of the date and place of the injury. Failure to notify the company of the work-related injury can prevent you from receiving benefits. Once you have lost a day or shift of work, the company must file a First Report of Injury with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Injured Pennsylvania employees can select their own doctor, unless the employer accepts the claim and has posted at least six physicians in the workplace; then, the employee must select one of those doctors. The injured worker must continue treatment with that doctor, or another on the list for at least 90 days following the initial visit. The employee can select any of the medical providers on the list; the employer does not have the authority to direct the worker to a specific physician.

If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, speak with a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney immediately. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Pennsylvania can help inform you of your rights under workers’ compensation law and help ensure you get the benefits you need to get back on your feet.