You may pride yourself on being someone who goes to work each day and always gives your best effort. Because you also always follow work-related rules and safety protocols, you never anticipated possibly suffering a work-related injury. Unfortunately, even the most conscientious and safety-minded workers could end up involved in an unexpected accident that leaves them with serious injuries.
If this recently happened to you, you may understandably have many questions about your recovery, time off work and income. Specifically, you may wonder whether you could receive workers’ compensation to help you address the financial challenges resulting from the on-the-job injury.
Is workers’ comp always awarded?
It is not uncommon for workers to assume that they will receive some type of compensation after suffering a work-related injury. However, that is not always the case. In some instances, it is not a requirement for employers to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage under Pennsylvania law. If the company for which you work has fewer than a certain number of employees, your employer may not have to provide workers’ comp. Additionally, even if an employer does have insurance, it may not cover all employees, such as those who work seasonally.
It is also necessary to prove that the injury occurred while you were on the job and while doing work-related duties. If your employer believes the injury occurred outside of work, while you were violating safety protocols or as the result of horseplay, your claim to compensation could face denial.
What does workers’ comp cover?
Workers’ compensation can provide various benefits and coverage, but most commonly, a qualifying injured worker will receive compensation for lost wages and medical bills. When it comes to lost wages, workers’ comp will provide only a portion of your typical income, intended to keep you financially afloat while you recover from your injury. Workers’ comp typically covers all expenses accrued from reasonable and necessary medical attention.
If you believe that your employer’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you may wonder whether you could file a lawsuit to gain additional compensation. While lawsuits do happen in some work-related injury cases, it is important to know that you cannot file a lawsuit against your employer if you receive workers’ compensation. To determine what method of obtaining the compensation you deserve suits your needs and how to successfully navigate the workers’ comp process while recovering from an injury, gaining more information on your legal rights and options is wise.