What is workers compensation?
Workers compensation is the oldest social insurance program. It is a non- fault system, meaning that injured worker need not prove the injury was someones fault in order to receive workers compensation benefits for an on the job injury. If you are injured on the job or suffer a work related illness that prevents you from working you are eligible to receive benefits from your state workers compensation program. You are also entitled to free medical care. If your disability is classified as permanent or results in death, additional benefits are available to you and your family. The workers compensation system is based on a trade off between employees and employers. Injured employees receive limited statuary workers compensation benefits and these are the exclusive remedy for injured employees against their employer, even when the employer negligently caused the injury. This eliminates litigation over whether the employer was negligent in causing the workers injury.
Workers compensation provides benefits for employees in Pennsylvania who are injured or contract a disease caused or made worse by work. An injury can include a traumatic injury or a disease. An employee may not sue the employer because of a work-related injury or disease, except in rare instances (Section 330, Workmens compensation Act). Workers may be entitled to other benefits provided by contract, or other laws, as well as workers compensation. Under some circumstances, an injured worker may be able to sue a third person, other than the employer or a co-worker, who may be responsible for the injury.
