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Jump to: What Is Workers’ Compensation?, What Types Of Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover In Pennsylvania?, Contact Workers Comp Lawyers Near You
Suffering an injury while on the job can be a life-altering event for many individuals in Pennsylvania. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can cause physical, emotional, and financial hardship for the victim and their family. Not only can it affect the individual’s ability to work and provide for themselves and their loved ones, but it can also result in long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation, and in some cases, even death can occur.
To help workers who are injured on the job, workers’ compensation laws were implemented. This system was established to ensure that workers receive the necessary support and compensation they need to recover from their injuries and return to work. According to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the number of reported work injury and illness cases increased from 147,918 in 2020 to 161,592 in 2021, an increase of 13,674 cases. Fatalities also increased from 72 in 2020 to 85 in 2021, with the highest number of fatalities occurring in trade, transportation & utilities, followed by Public Administration, and construction, manufacturing, and professional & business services. The injury rate per 1,000 workers also increased from 26.3 in 2020 to 28.2 in 2021. Additionally, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, workplace injuries were up 30% as of September 2022.
These statistics are a stark reminder that injuries at the workplace can certainly happen, and injured employees are entitled to compensation for any injuries they sustain while on the clock. If an employee has sustained an injury on the job or is suffering from a work-related illness, they may be concerned about how they will cover their medical bills, replace their lost wages, and support their family. Such an injury can be a daunting experience, especially if it is severe enough to prevent them from working for an extended period of time. Contacting the skilled workers’ compensation lawyers at The Pearce Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. will provide injured employees with all the knowledge and support they need to pursue compensation for their workplace injuries.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. The program is designed to protect workers by providing them with financial support while they are unable to work due to their injury or illness. It provides a safety net for workers and helps to ensure that they are not left without the necessary resources to support themselves and their families during difficult times. In addition to covering medical expenses, workers’ compensation also provides wage replacement benefits to help compensate for lost income.
The process for filing a workers’ compensation claim varies by state, but in Pennsylvania, employees must report their injury to their employer as soon as possible. The employer will then file a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, and the employee will receive medical treatment as needed.
Once a claim is approved, the employee will receive benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and any other related costs. The amount of benefits depends on the severity of the injury and the laws in the state where the employee works. Some states also offer vocational rehabilitation services to help injured workers return to their job or find new employment.
One of the most significant advantages of workers’ compensation is that it is a “no-fault” system. This means that regardless of who was at fault for the injury or illness, the employee is entitled to benefits. This is intended to provide injured employees with financial support and to avoid lengthy legal battles to determine fault.
What Types Of Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover In Pennsylvania?
It is mandatory for employers in Pennsylvania to have workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring that employees have access to the necessary support and benefits in the event of a work-related injury. In the workplace, work-related injuries can happen unexpectedly and at any time. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, an injury sustained at work can encompass a range of conditions, including back injuries, repetitive stress injuries, and burn injuries resulting from electric shock. Eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania does not require a minimum period of employment, and coverage for these benefits begins from the moment an employee begins working. It is commonly misunderstood that a pre-existing medical condition, such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or degenerative joint disease, can be an injury and can lead to an award of workers’ compensation benefits.
In many cases, an injured worker may be unaware of pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or degenerative joint disease, as they may not have caused any noticeable pain or issues previously. Unfortunately, the presence of these conditions can provide the workers’ compensation insurance company with a reason to deny a claim. This is precisely why it is crucial to have an experienced attorney who specializes in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation matters to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. They will provide sufficient information and evidence to prove that the previous conditions were aggravated by working. Take a look at some of our workers’ compensation settlement results.
Contact Workers Comp Lawyers Near You
If you or a loved one have been injured at work, don’t wait to seek legal help. At The Pearce Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C., we have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation and get the compensation you deserve. Most people do not think of workers’ compensation coverage when they are involved in a car accident, however, if your car accident involved a trip or errand for your company, it may be covered under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation.
Our team of dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers near you, will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you get back on your feet after a work-related injury.