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Workers’ compensation can be a beneficial tool for those who have been injured on the job. Without these benefits, workers would be left in the dark, still having to cover large portions of their lost income and medical expenses. That being said, it’s essential to file a workers’ compensation claim immediately after an injury.
To help better understand how workers’ compensation workers, the Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. team created this blog to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about filing a claim in Pennsylvania.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers' compensation is a state-based system that provides benefits to employees who sustain an illness or injury on the job. Pennsylvania employers must carry workers’ comp insurance for their employees; however, some employers are exempt from providing insurance. These employers include:
- People already covered under workers’ compensation acts like federal employees and railroad workers.
- Agricultural employees who have worked less than 30 days or earned less than $1,200 in a year from one employer.
- Employees who are exempt due to their executive or religious status.
How does it work?
A person begins the workers’ compensation process after an injury in the workplace or the discovery of a work-related illness. It’s required for an employer and the injured imployee to fill out mandatory paperwork documenting the injury. Any delay in the paperwork process may hurt your chances of receiving full compensation.
The insurance company will then open up an investigation which typically takes a few weeks. The company can deny your claim in which you should file an appeal with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
What benefits will I receive?
The benefits you receive typically vary from state to state; however, most states provide up to two-thirds of your wages before the injury. These benefits will cover things like:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing care expenses
- Lost wages
- Death benefits
- Partial and total disability payment
A person can only be eligible for benefits if their workers’ compensation claim is approved. But they must meet the following requirements:
- Be an active employee prior to the accident or illness.
- Must hold workers’ compensation insurance.
- Have a work-related injury or illness.
- Must meet the injury report deadline.
As described above, there are many components to a workers’ compensation claim. While you can file a claim on your own, it’s always recommended to speak with an attorney first. The team at Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. can help with all of your workers’ comp needs.
To get in touch with one of our workers’ comp attorneys, call us at (844) 383-0565 or fill out a consultation request form.