Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that most employers are required to provide to protect their employees in case of work-related injury. The laws and specifications that regulate workers' comp can be confusing, especially to those who have not had to navigate this system before. To help clarify the subject, below are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the topic.

A Guide to Workers’ Compensation

1. Does It Cover Me?

Coverage depends on what type of employee you are. In Pennsylvania, as in most states, any business with employees must carry it. But the keyword here is "employees." Some workers might not be considered as such; for instance, independent contractors like freelancers, are not included. If you are a regular, salaried member of the staff, however, you likely qualify.

2. Is Workers' Comp a No-Fault System?

A no-fault system means that the hurt worker does not have to prove their employer is responsible for the injury to receive these benefits. There are limits, however. If you were found to be under the influence or not wearing the required protective gear, for example, you may have disqualified yourself from workers' compensation.

3. I've Been Injured at Work. What Do I Do?

Report your injury to your supervisor or human resources department. They’ll want you to see a medical professional—likely a doctor of their choosing. You will be asked to complete an accident report, which is an essential document in any workers' comp case.

4. My Employer's Insurer Denied My Claim. What Are My Next Steps?

If you have sufficient evidence to back up your claim and your employer has the required workers' comp insurance, you have every right to pursue coverage. Hire a lawyer to streamline the process, deal with insurers and employers on your behalf, and design a legal case that gets you the needed benefits.

The workers' compensation and disability law attorneys at Achille Law, P.C., have been serving Brookville, PA, since 1975. They offer representation in several different practice areas, including bankruptcy, family law, and personal injury cases. Call (814) 849-6701 to arrange a consultation, or visit them online to learn more about them. Trust Achille, Ellermeyer, Wallisch & Sobol, Attorneys at Law, to protect your health, recovery, and employment throughout your workers' comp claim.