When employees sustain injuries or illnesses while at work, they may be able to receive compensation. This is provided by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act in order to cover certain expenses related to the accident if the individual cannot return back to work. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, death benefits, and more.
Who is Covered?
In the state of Pennsylvania, almost every working individual is covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. By law, employers must provide workers’ compensation benefits for all of their employees. This includes both seasonal and part-time workers. In addition to this, non-profit corporations, unincorporated businesses, and employees with only one employee are required to provide the benefits as well.
It is important to know that some employees may be covered by other compensation laws. This can include any federal civilian employees, railroad workers, longshoremen, shipyard and harbor workers. People who are not covered under the Act may consist of volunteer workers, agricultural laborers, domestics, casual employees, and employees that are granted personal religious exemptions.

When Does Coverage Begin?
The day an employee is hired, their workers’ compensation coverage begins. In the event that they become injured or ill and need these services, the benefits are payable from the first day of their injury. Wage-loss payments may be made to individuals who are disabled for more than seven calendar days, including weekends. Benefits for lost wages can be paid on the eighth day after the injury. If an employee cannot return to work for 14 days, they may receive retroactive payments.
How Do I Receive Benefits?
It is crucial that after an accident happens or illness is contracted, it is reported to an employer or supervisor. This allows the date and place it occurred to be documented. If an employer is not notified, it may delay or result in a denial of workers’ compensation benefits. Once the injured or sick employee misses a day of work due to the matter, the employer is required to report it to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. If an employer denies a claim, the individual can file a claim petition with the Bureau for a hearing in front of a judge.

Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form