Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Laws

Have you or a loved one suffered a work-related injury or illness? Our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers may be able to obtain compensation on your behalf to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws and how we can help you.

Pennsylvania businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA) protects employers from negligence lawsuits filed by employees. An employee cannot file a civil lawsuit against his/her employer for damages unless the employer is uninsured, the employee suffers an occupational disease that is not covered by the act, or the employer intentionally injures the employee. Employers must provide employees with workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses. Employees can obtain compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

An employee must report his/her work-related injury or illness to his/her supervisor within 120 days from the incident occurring. If the employee is unable to work after suffering an injury, the incident must be reported to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). If the employee’s employer rejects the workers’ compensation claim, the employee can file a claim with the BWC for a hearing before a workers’ compensation administrative law judge. An employee has 3 years to file a claim with BWC from the date the employer denied his/her workers’ compensation claim. Contact our law office for more information about how to obtain workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. Employees should hire an experienced attorney before filing a claim with the BWC.

Depending on the nature of the injuries the employee suffered, he/she may be entitled to the following benefits:

• Payment for Lost Wages
  Payment for lost wages includes wages that are less than an employee’s pre-injury earnings. An employee will be awarded partial or total disability benefits. Total disability benefits will be awarded to an employee in the event he/she is unable to work. Partial disability benefits are awarded to an employee if he/she cannot perform certain work-related duties.
• Death Benefits
  If an employee passes away due to a work-related injury or illness, his/her surviving dependents can seek workers’ compensation. Surviving dependents may also receive compensation for burial expenses.
• Specific Loss Benefits
  Specific loss benefits compensate an employee for the permanent loss of a limb, sight, or hearing.
• Medical Care Benefits
  
• Medical care benefits cover current and future healthcare needs of the employee arising from the injury or illness. The employee is compensated for all out of pocket related expenses.

Contact our law office to discuss your claim with our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney. We can review your claim and provide you with legal guidance and advice on how to obtain compensation for your work-related injury or illness. Do not delay in filing a claim or consulting with an attorney before accepting a workers’ compensation award. Doing so can bar your right to recovery and obtaining the maximum payout possible.