Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation

If you cannot work because of a job injury or a work-related illness, Pennsylvania workers' compensation pays medical expenses and lost wage benefits until you can return to work. For work related deaths, death benefits are paid to dependent survivors.

Your employer should provide workers' compensation
insurance for you. Under Pennsylvania law, in exchange for receiving workers' compensation, workers usually give up the right to sue their employers for causing the work injury.

The law places much of the responsibility on the injured worker to take the correct action. Be aware of your rights, and if you are unsure, contact an attorney.

Workers' compensation insurers may delay or deny claims, hoping that you will not pursue them. Don't give them the chance! They may also look for any excuse to deny your claim. The following steps will help you get compensation and minimize frustration.

What You Should Do Immediately

Give Notice: Tell your immediate supervisor (and union representative, if you have one):
• That you have been injured or suffered illness.
• That this condition is a result of your work.

Whenever possible, put it in writing. Your shop steward is required by OSHA to keep a log of all injuries in case your employer "forgets."

Very Soon After You Are Injured Or Suffer An Illness

Seek Medical Attention: Your employer may provide a list of health care providers. If your employer provides a proper list, and can prove you signed a form containing certain information, choose a provider from that list. You must visit that medical provider for the first 90 days of your treatment.

Our 57-page booklet contains much more information.

For more information, click here and receive
a free booklet about your rights.

Injured At Work — A Guide to Your Rights includes considerable basic information. However, this information and the information on this website is not offered as legal advice or instruction. If you have a legal problem or question, you should contact an attorney. If you have questions about the information in this booklet, please feel free to contact Al Dragon at (215)772-1407. In this booklet you will find general information about the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act. As time goes on, the benefits and laws described here may change. This is not all the law on these issues. Space limitations prevent discussion of many legal questions, and variations in the facts of your situation may bring about a different result.