Workplace Injury — Pennsylvania

Workplace Injury in Pennsylvania — Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania workers compensation covers most workplace injuries — but it may not be your only option. Third-party claims can provide significantly more compensation.

Statute of Limitations

Pennsylvania workers compensation: report injury immediately. Personal injury claims against third parties: 2 years from the date of injury.

Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act

Pennsylvania requires employers to carry workers compensation insurance (77 P.S. § 1 et seq.). Benefits include medical treatment, wage loss benefits at 2/3 of average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries. Pennsylvania disputes are handled by Workers' Compensation Judges at the Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Pennsylvania-Specific Tip

Pennsylvania workers compensation has specific rules about employer-designated physicians — your employer can require you to treat with their designated medical provider for the first 90 days. After 90 days you can switch to your own doctor. An experienced Pennsylvania workers comp attorney is essential for navigating the 90-day treatment period.

📊 Pennsylvania's workers compensation system processes tens of thousands of claims annually. Third-party claims are frequently overlooked but can dramatically increase total recovery.

What To Do After a Workplace Injury in Pennsylvania

1

Report the injury to your supervisor in writing immediately

2

Seek medical attention immediately

3

File a workers compensation claim with your employer under Pennsylvania law

4

Document all expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs

5

Evaluate whether any third party contributed to your injury

6

Contact a Pennsylvania workplace injury attorney to evaluate all available claims

Frequently Asked Questions — Workplace Injury in Pennsylvania

What workers compensation benefits does Pennsylvania provide?

Pennsylvania requires employers to carry workers compensation insurance (77 P.S. § 1 et seq.). Benefits include medical treatment, wage loss benefits at 2/3 of average weekly wage, and specific loss benefits for permanent injuries. Pennsylvania disputes are handled by Workers' Compensation Judges at the Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Can I sue my Pennsylvania employer for a workplace injury?

Generally workers compensation is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer. However you can still pursue third-party claims against any other party whose negligence contributed to your injury — contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners.

What if a third party caused my Pennsylvania workplace injury?

Even if your employer carries workers compensation, you can sue any third party whose negligence contributed to your injury. These third-party claims can include pain and suffering damages that workers comp does not cover, and can be pursued simultaneously with a workers comp claim.

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