Have you or a loved one residing in Philadelphia suffered an injury while on the clock? If so, in Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers to get your claims settled.

What is workers compensation?

Workers' compensation is a government-regulated system that provides financial benefits to workers who become injured or disabled on the job. It's a type of insurance that offers employees compensation for injuries or disabilities that were sustained due to their employment.

How does it work?

Every state other than Texas is required for companies to carry workers' compensation insurance either through a private insurer or the state. A business can also decide to be self-insured. If a company fails to have the mandated insurance, there can be consequences (like paying penalties to the state).

Risky jobs like roofing or construction work carry higher premiums, while office job premiums are less expensive because of the lower risk of any injury or illness.

Whom does it protect?

Workers’ compensation protects both employers and employees. Employers are protected by not paying out of pocket for paying for the costs associated with treating an employee's work-related illnesses or injuries. Employees are protected by getting financial help in the event of unexpected medical costs after a work-related injury or illness.

Process Of Claiming Workers Compensation

  • The HR team makes sure the employee has their immediate medical needs tended to.
  • The employee or employer prepares a formal claim.
  • HR provides an outline to the employee about the claims process, detailing how and where they can receive medical care and how their pay can be supplemented while they'll be away from work.
  • A workers' compensation claim is then filed with the employer's insurance provider. Ideally, the claim should be filed within 24 to 48 hours after the incident of the injury.
  • The employer should stay in touch with the injured party until the insurer approves or denies the claim.
  • The insurance provider lets the employee and employer know whether the claim has been approved or denied. If the insurer denies the claim, the employee can ask for a further assessment.
  • If the claim is approved, the employee can receive additional medical care and return to work once they're cleared by a medical professional.

What Kind Of Injuries Workers' Compensation Covers?

Almost any injury or illness that happens on the job is eligible for workers' compensation, especially injuries that result in a lengthy absence for the employee. For example, an employee whose arm is injured while operating dangerous machinery can file a workers' compensation claim.

One thing to note is that work-related injuries can also happen off the company's property, and it still may be covered. If the employee worked for their employer while they were injured or became ill, they could file a workers' compensation claim. On the other hand, injuries or illnesses arising from an employees' commutes to and from work don't qualify for workers' compensation coverage.

There are many Philadelphia based workers compensation lawyers, and you may want to consider hiring one if your case is unique or complex. Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about workers compensation claims, how they work, and who they help protect.