What Is the Workers' Compensation Process in Pennsylvania?

The rules concerning independent contractors are complex. Simply because an employer considers someone an independent contractor doesn't mean they qualify as such under the law, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. For example, under the following criteria, an independent contractor may be considered an employee:

• If they work at a location that was directed by the employer                                           
• If they are subject to supervision and instruction concerning the details of the work
• If they are subject to termination by the employer
• The individual performs ongoing work for the employer
• They use tools, materials, and equipment provided by the employer
• Has taxes such as federal income and FICA deducted by the employer
• Performs responsibilities assigned by the employer
• Works set hours dictated by employer
• If they receive a regular salary from the employer usually based on hourly, weekly, or monthly rate

When it comes to defining whether you're an independent contractor and thus ineligible for workers' compensation benefits, you may need the help of one of our workers' comp lawyers to defend your rights to payment for your on-the-job injury.

• Your injury did not happen while working
• You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the injury occurred
• You were engaged in horseplay or fighting when the injury occurred
• You were injured at another location during break time, such as lunch

When injured on the job in Pennsylvania, it's natural to have questions about the process of filing a claim. It's important to understand the filing process, deadlines, and timeframes. You may be lucky and have an employer that recognizes your injury and makes the process simple, and even helps you. However, that may not be the case, and you're getting pushback, threats, or even get fired. In that case, you need to contact us right away. We can help you understand your rights and explain the process better for you.

Timing is everything in a workers' compensation claim. As soon as you are injured or suspect that you have developed a work-related illness, it's imperative to bring this to the attention of a supervisor or Human Resources Department if your employer has one. You're limited to 120 days from the time your injury or illness developed to report it. After that, you're out of luck, so never wait until the last moment, hoping you'll feel better. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to tie your injury to your employer. 

When you delay reporting workplace injuries, it makes it easier for your employer and the insurance company to argue that the injury occurred elsewhere or not under the circumstances you describe. For example, let's say you were just hired as a new chef for a restaurant, but early on in your employment, you cut yourself badly with a knife. You don't report it because you want to make a good impression. Still, later on, the cut gets infected, and now you have sepsis requiring a hospital stay for treatment. Because you waited to report it, your employer could argue the injury happened anywhere, and they'd likely be successful unless there were witnesses or CCTV footage documenting the injury.

Once you've reported your injury and you miss out on time at work, your employer is required to contact the Bureau of Workers' Compensation to notify them. This is called the First Report of Injury (FROI) and needs to be completed within three days of your first missed day at work. Should death occur, the requirement is within 48-hours. Notifying the Bureau of Workers' Compensation of your FROI doesn't activate anything. It's simply notifying the bureau of the timeline should you choose to file a claim. 

Furthermore, your employer is required to notify their insurance company which will have 21 days from the time of notification, to either approve or deny your workers' comp claim. If the insurance company approves the claim, you will receive a Notice of Compensation Payable and start to receive benefits. If the insurance company requires more time to rule if your claim is valid, you will receive a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable which means you get some benefits while they make a final decision. 

If the insurance company denies benefits, you will receive a Notice of Workers' Compensation Denial. You have three years from the date of your injury or discovery of illness to file a claim petition or reopen the claim to be assigned a Workers' Compensation Judge. Suppose you're in the situation of being denied your benefits and feel the decision is unfair. In that case, it's time to lawyer up.

When you notify your employer of your injury or illness within 21 days of the occurrence of injury or the discovery of illness, you will receive benefits from the date of the development. If you wait to report after the 21 days, but within the 120-day window, your benefits will kick in from the date it was reported.

To be successful in your workers' comp claim, it's important to see a doctor immediately after injury, even if you think it's minor. Tell the doctor you were injured on the job and ask them to include that in your medical file. Failure to see a doctor quickly opens up an avenue for the insurance company to decide your injury must not have been very serious since you delayed seeking treatment. When you see a physician or therapist, be sure to document everything you can, including the time and date. Be sure to get copies of all documentation. In Pennsylvania, you are required to see a doctor chosen from a panel of doctors of your employer choosing within the first 90 days or pay your own medical bills. After the 90-day period, you can see a doctor of your choice.

One of the trickiest workplace injuries comes from repetitive movements or illnesses that develop over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common if your work requires you to be at the keyboard eight hours a day. However, your employer could argue that since you're also an avid gamer or write novellas as a hobby, that is the real reason for your injury. Denial of benefits can be fought with the right type of workers' comp lawyer.

Another example would be COPD. Say you work in a chemical factory and are exposed to fumes all day. Then you start to notice long-term symptoms like shortness of breath and cough. However, you're also known to ride dirt bikes, and as the name implies, you kick up a lot of dust on your weekends. An insurance company could use this as a reason to deny your benefits. However, getting expert legal counsel may help you overcome these objections.

Morgan & Morgan can help minimize your frustration and save you loads of time while you recover in peace. We've been advocates for workers since the beginning of our firm over 35 years ago. In fact, an on-the-job injury was one of the reasons our founder went into law in the first place. We understand the damaging impact a work injury can have on individuals and their families both in the short and long term. We're all about fighting for your rights, so you don't have to worry about medical bills and lost wages due to your injury. If you've been denied workers' comp or are having a difficult time with the process, contact us for a free case evaluation today.