Am I covered?

Most Likely. Nearly every Pennsylvania worker is covered by the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act. Employers must provide coverage for all of their employees, including seasonal and part-time workers. Non-profit corporations, unincorporated businesses, and even employers with only one employee, must comply with the Acts requirements.

Some Pennsylvania employees are covered by other compensation laws, rather than the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, including: Federal civilian employees, railroad workers, longshoremen, shipyard and harbor workers. Some others who may not be covered are volunteer workers, agricultural laborers, casual employees, domestics and employees who have been granted a personal religious exemption from the Act. Certain types of executive officers of for-profit and not-for-profit corporations may elect exemption from the Act.

If you are uncertain if you are covered for a workplace injury or illness, call our office at (814) 943-5500 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

What kinds of injuries and illnesses are covered?

If your work causes an injury, illness or disease, you may be entitled to workers compensation. No compensation will be paid if an injury or death is intentionally self-inflicted, or is caused by an employee's violation of the law including, but not limited to, the illegal use of drugs. An injury or death caused by intoxication also may not be covered.

Occupational diseases under the Act are covered if caused by or aggravated by employment. Your disability must occur within 300 weeks of your last employment in an occupation where you were exposed to the hazard.

For certain lung diseases, you must have worked in an occupation with a silica, coal or asbestos hazard for at least two years in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the ten years prior to your disability.

When am I covered?

Coverage begins on the date of hire. Medical benefits are payable from the first day of injury.

source: PA Department of Labor and Industry

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