Workers Compensation in Philadelphia, PA

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Pennsylvania state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Philadelphia, PA workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

The Center for Workforce Information & Analysis reported that Pennsylvania’s rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses was greater than the national rate. One industry, health care and social assistance, accounted for over 25% of all workplace incidents. In addition, the percentage of Philadelphians employed in this high-risk industry is almost double the national average. Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city, with over 5 times the population of the next largest city. This could lead to higher rates of injuries when compared to nearby cities.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor stipulates any employer with one or more employees must have workers compensation insurance. Consequently, almost all Philadelphia employees are covered, starting from the first day of employment. Exemptions include domestics and certain agricultural laborers. Regardless of fault, an injured employee can receive medical benefits and wage-loss benefits. To obtain compensation for PTSD, an employee must prove they sustained their condition due to an abnormal workplace event.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Philadelphia, PA are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Philadelphia, PA healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

In Pennsylvania, you must notify your employer within 21 days of the accident. The insurer must submit a First Report of Injury to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Bureau within 7 days of your notice. The insurer must also accept or deny your application within 21 days. The statute of limitations for filing a suit is three years from the date of injury. For residents of Philadelphia, there is a Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication conveniently located at 110 North 8th Street.

Timeline and Other Information

In Pennsylvania, there is a 7-day waiting period to receive compensation. An employee must miss 14 days or more of work to be paid for the first 7 days. Payment should be made no later than the 21st day. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor, injured workers can receive benefits of two thirds of their average weekly wage, up to $1,130.00.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about. Typically about the incident and to any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in others it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Philadelphia workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Philadelphia, PA you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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