Working in construction, there is always the chance that you could get hurt on the job. Whether you are injured due to a fall from scaffolding or suffer from injuries because of working with power tools, it’s possible that you could seek workers’ compensation to cover your financial losses if you have to seek medical attention.
Workers’ compensation is designed to protect workers who have been hurt on the job by making it so that they can access compensation for their lost wages, medical benefits and other benefits to help them return to work.
Can all construction workers file a workers’ compensation claim?
Not all construction workers will qualify. To get workers’ compensation, you will need to be employed. If you are an independent contractor, then you will need to make a personal injury claim instead of a workers’ compensation claim.
Do all employers have to carry workers’ compensation?
Under Pennsylvania law, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation benefits. If an employer does not carry workers’ compensation, then they could be sued by their employees and face criminal prosecution by the state.
How do you start a workers’ compensation claim?
To start a workers’ compensation claim, you will need to inform your employer that you’ve been injured as soon as possible after the injury. Your employer then has to report the injury to their insurance provider. If your employer is self-insured, then you may need to follow a different process.
Once your claim is filed, the insurance company will go over it and determine if your claim should be denied or approved. If it is approved, you should begin to receive workers’ compensation.
At the time when you seek medical care, remember to let the medical provider know that you suffered this injury on the job. They’ll help you by putting together information to help you make a workers’ compensation claim. They will have notes needed for the insurance company.
What happens if your claim is denied?
It is possible for your claim to be denied. If this happens, don’t panic. You can appeal and work on building a strong case, so you can get the compensation that you are entitled to.