What is Workers Compensation

Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that provides employees with cash benefits and medical care if they become disabled and cannot work due to a job-related injury or illness. In Pennsylvania, almost all employees are entitled to these benefits as the law mandates every employer to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. The benefits and compensation under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act depend on the specific circumstances of the incident.

Scope and Coverage

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry reports that 85,000 people are injured each year in work-related accidents in Pennsylvania alone. Fortunately, these workers are protected by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, which applies to almost all work-related injuries, illnesses, and diseases occurring in Pennsylvania or to Pennsylvania employees working under certain conditions in another state. Generally, every Pennsylvania employee is entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits if they sustain an injury, illness, or disease during employment.

Exceptions and Additional Claims

However, there are exceptions to these general rules. Some employees may be covered by additional compensation laws or not covered at all, depending on their job type or position. Additionally, if a work-related injury results from third-party negligence or defective products, the injured employee may have a third-party cause of action alongside a workers’ compensation claim.

Types of Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits include payments for lost wages, specific loss benefits, death benefits, and medical care. An employee may be entitled to one or more types of benefits depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the work-related injury, illness, or disease.