When an employee experiences a work-related injury or illness, the company’s workers’ compensation insurance policy covers the costs. These expenses include disability, lost wages and medical bills.
Review the workers’ compensation process in Pennsylvania before filing an application for benefits.
Seeking medical care
Workers should document all treatment after a workplace injury or illness. After an employee applies for Pennsylvania workers’ comp, he or she must see a company-approved doctor for the first 90 days. After 90 days, the worker can return to the primary or specialty care provider of his or her choice for covered medical services. If the company does not post a list of at least six approved doctors in the workplace, the person can see his or her preferred doctor right away.
Providing official notice
Pennsylvania workers have 21 days to notify the employer after a workplace injury or work-related injury diagnosis. Waiting longer than 120 days can result in claim denial.
After receiving notification, the company has seven days to submit an injury report form to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The worker can also start this process if the employer does not do so.
Payments start immediately for employees who are eligible for workers’ compensation. They will receive information about benefits on the official Notification of Compensation Payable form.
Individuals who do not receive benefits can file an appeal. They also have the right to legal representation during this process.
The employer can petition the state to stop benefits if they make a job offer that adheres to the person’s medical restrictions and he or she does not accept.
