If you have experienced a job-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost income, vocational rehabilitation and other benefits through your employer’s insurance provider.
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, most businesses must provide this type of coverage. However, to receive benefits, it is important that you report your injury promptly, seek needed care and document your ongoing recovery.
1. Notify your employer of the injury
The first step in establishing a WC claim is notifying your employer or supervisor of your injury. Keep in mind that, Under PA law, you may have to report a job-related incident within a limited period to remain eligible for benefits.
2. Visit an approved physician
Once you have reported your injury, your employer should provide a list of physicians approved to treat you during the initial months of your recovery. Make sure to let health care providers know that your injury happened in the course of your work duties.
3. Keep track of medical documentation
Even if an incident seems minor, seeking treatment helps to establish a medical record that could become invaluable if you need to file for benefits later. In addition to keeping copies of medical bills, reports and tests, it may be helpful to record the names, locations, dates and contact information of specialists you visit during your rehabilitation.
You may have applied for benefits already and received a denial. However, a claim rejection may not mean you are ineligible for compensation. With better medical documentation and more careful preparation of your workers’ comp case, you may be able to receive needed benefits by filing a petition for appeal.
