Most, but not all, workers in Pennsylvania are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act. But what is the Workers’ Compensation Act, and how can it protect you in the event of a workplace accident?
Many workers in Pennsylvania are covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act. This piece of legislation requires certain employers to get Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage in case of a workplace accident. Some employees are exempt from coverage, such as federal employees and sole proprietors. Certain employees might also file for an exemption from Workers’ Compensation insurance because of their religious beliefs or executive status in a corporation. All in all, the Workers’ Compensation Act protects employees, providing them with an easy path to recovery after a workplace injury.
Our attorneys are here to help injured workers throughout Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve. For a free and confidential case evaluation with the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lerner, Steinberg & Associates, call today at (215) 355-6400.
Which Workers Are Covered Under the Workers’ Compensation Act in Pennsylvania?
As a worker in Pennsylvania, it is important to know your rights and protections. In all likelihood, you are covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act. This piece of legislation applies to most employees and employers in Pennsylvania, protecting them in the event of a workplace accident.
Most employers in Pennsylvania are required to purchase Workers’ Compensation insurance under the Workers’ Compensation Act. While there are some exceptions to this, the general rule is that any business with at least one employee who might sustain a work-related injury must have coverage in Pennsylvania. This means that you are most likely covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act and your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance policy.
Just because your employer is required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance by law in Pennsylvania does not mean that they have necessarily complied with that mandate. Our Bucks County Workers’ Compensation lawyers can determine if you are covered under your employer’s policy so that you can recover compensation after being injured on the job.
As an employee covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act, you are covered under your employer’s policy from your first day of employment. This means any work-related injuries or illnesses you sustain at any point of your employment will likely be covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance in Pennsylvania.
Which Workers Are Not Covered Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act?
The Workers’ Compensation Act does not cover all workers and businesses. There are some notable exceptions to this legislation, meaning recovery after a workplace accident might differ for exempt employees. Our attorneys can determine if you are exempt from the Workers’ Compensation Act so that you can pursue recovery in the proper manner.
While the Workers’ Compensation Act does apply to most workers in Pennsylvania, there are some exceptions. The following workers are exempt from the Workers’ Compensation Act in Pennsylvania:
- Employees covered under other Workers’ Compensation acts, such as longshore fishermen, railroad workers, and federal employees
- Sole proprietors
- General partners
- Certain domestic workers
- Certain agricultural workers
- Certain real estate salespersons or associate real estate brokers
- Employees who request an exemption for religious purposes
- Employees who request an exemption because of corporate status
Suppose you are automatically exempt from the Workers’ Compensation Act and are not covered by another Workers’ Compensation act. What do you do if you sustain a work-related injury? In all likelihood, you can sue your employer or other party that caused your injuries. Our Delaware County Workers’ Compensation lawyers can determine if that is the case based on your exemption status.
But what if you choose to file for an exemption based on your religious beliefs or your executive status in a corporation? In that case, recovering compensation after a workplace injury might get a bit more complicated. Our attorneys can help you navigate such circumstances if you were hurt on the job and require compensation in Pennsylvania.
It is important to note that independent contractors are not covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act, as they are not considered employees. It is necessary to understand your employment status so that you know how to proceed if you sustain a work-related injury.
How Are Workers Protected by the Workers’ Compensation Act in Pennsylvania?
The Workers’ Compensation Act protects employees and employers in Pennsylvania. If you are covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act, you can most likely file a claim after sustaining a work-related injury. Typically, filing a Workers’ Compensation insurance claim is the sole recovery method for injured employees in Pennsylvania.
Laws surrounding Workers’ Compensation insurance requirements protect employees injured on the job. Workers’ Compensation insurance covers various work-related injuries and illnesses, allowing employees to claim benefits that compensate them for medical bills and lost wages.
It is important to understand the Workers’ Compensation Act and how it protects, or doesn’t protect, you. Remember, employees not covered in Pennsylvania can’t file a Workers’ Compensation claim if injured while performing work duties. For those that are covered, filing a Workers’ Compensation is generally the exclusive remedy for recovery. In most cases, injured workers can’t sue an employer if they are covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
The Workers’ Compensation Act mandates that certain employers in Pennsylvania get adequate insurance. While certain workers are exempt, most are not, meaning most workers are protected in Pennsylvania. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with the ins and outs of the Workers’ Compensation Act, enabling them to represent you following a workplace accident.
Call Our Pennsylvania Lawyers After a Workplace Accident
If you were recently injured on the job and need help filing a Workers’ Compensation insurance claim, reach out to our attorneys. For a free case evaluation with the Berks County Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lerner, Steinberg & Associates, call today at (215) 355-6400.