Pennsylvania employees who are injured in the course of employment are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Under the no-fault system, employees are not required to prove that their employer’s negligence caused their injuries. However, they may not sue their employers personally for work injuries; workers’ compensation is generally a worker’s exclusive remedy. If you were injured in a work accident, it is important that you understand your rights.
Your Right to Benefits for Work Injuries
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, employees who suffer injuries during employment are entitled to compensation without regard to negligence. Therefore, even if an employee negligently caused or contributed to their injuries, they may still receive benefits.
The type and amount of benefits a worker will receive depends on the type and severity of their work injury. Some of the benefits available after a work accident include:
- Medical expenses: Pennsylvania employees are entitled to compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses, including payment for medication, surgery, physical rehabilitation, and travel expenses to and from the doctor.
- Lost wages: Those who are unable to return to work for more than seven days due to their work accident are eligible for retroactive pay for all days missed once they are absent for 14 days.
- Specific loss: Workers who suffer certain types of severe injuries, such as facial disfigurement, amputations, or hearing loss may be eligible for specific loss benefits, even if their injury does not cause them to miss work.
Your Right to See a Doctor
It is imperative to seek medical assistance as soon as possible after a work accident. You may be required to seek treatment from a doctor who is pre-approved by your employer for the first 90 days if you wish to be reimbursed for your medical expenses. However, this requirement applies only if:
- Your employer has a list of at least six medical providers on a panel posting prominently displayed in the workplace, no more than four of which are from the same practice and at least three of which are physicians
- You signed an acknowledgement that you are aware of such panel both at the time of hire and after your work accident
Protect Your Rights
As a Pennsylvania employee, you have the right to pursue a workers’ compensation claim for injuries arising out of work accidents. To protect the viability of your claim, you must comply with all legal requirements and deadlines. You may need an attorney to help guide you through the process and ensure that all procedures are properly followed in your case, especially if your claim is complex or is initially denied.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Philadelphia at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. For Assistance with Your Claim
If you were injured in a work accident, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Philadelphia at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. to discuss your case and legal options today. We will review your case and fight for the benefits you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, complete our online contact form or call us at 888-PITT-LAW.
Located in Philadelphia, Bensalem, Lansdowne, and Reading, we represent injured workers in Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and throughout Pennsylvania, including those in the communities of Abington, Ambler, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, Clifton Heights, Crum Lynne, Darby, Downingtown, Doylestown, Drexel Hill, Essington, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford, Havertown, Holmes, Kutztown, Lansdowne, Media, Merion Station, Morton, Narberth, Norristown, Norwood, Philadelphia, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Reading, Roxborough, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, West Chester, and Wynnewood.
