In Pennsylvania and beyond, workers who suffer injury on the job may have a right to certain benefits through their employer’s insurance program. To collect such benefits, you would first inform your employer of your injury, then initiate the process of filing a claim. In recent years, the total number of workers’ compensation claims filed in this state has greatly varied.
In some cases, workers who may have the right to collect benefits might hesitate to file a comp claim because they find the process intimidating. However, if you suffer injuries in the workplace and are unsure how to file a claim or have encountered obstacles in the claims process, you can reach out for guidance and support.
More than 6,500 less claims between 2022 and the previous year
Between the years 2020 and 2021, the total of new workers’ compensation claims in Pennsylvania were similar in number. However, from 2021 to 2022, the total number dropped by more than 6,500 claims. In 2021, there were 13,745 new claims, and the following year, there were 7,098.
How do you know if workers’ comp covers your injuries?
If your injuries occurred during the normal course of duty in the workplace or while you were on break or at lunch on company premises, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. Even if you had a pre-existing condition made worse while you were doing your job, you may be able to collect benefits.
Workers’ comp also covers certain mental illness conditions caused by work-related stress, harassment in the workplace or other issues. For instance, if you develop an anxiety condition because your boss or a manager has been bullying or hassling you, you might be eligible for certain benefits through the workers’ compensation program.
Challenges may arise as you navigate the system
It’s not always as simple as suffering an injury at work, filing a workers’ compensation claim, then waiting for a check to arrive in the mail. Much happens in between, including potential obstacles that may delay or impede your ability to collect benefits. For instance, if your employer fails to report your injury to the insurance carrier, this can cause significant delays.
If your employer or an insurance agency denies your claim, this causes a delay but doesn’t necessarily mean you will never collect benefits. Claim denials are not uncommon. You can appeal such a decision and hope that your claim will be approved, and the initial denial will be overturned.