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Your employer has responsibilities if you are hurt at work

On Behalf of | Feb 19, 2018 | Firm News |

As an employee, you have specific rights in the workplace. Your employer has specific responsibilities. If you are hurt at work, you should make sure that you know what these are because this can have a big impact on what you are able to do afterwards.

One of the first things that you need to do when you are hurt at work is to report the accident or injury to your employer, no matter how small the injury seems to be or whether you think it will be better in a few days.  If you require medical treatment, you should get it right away. The medical care you receive should be covered by workers’ compensation coverage that your employer pays for.

On top of the medical coverage that comes with workers’ compensation, you might be due other benefits if you are hurt at work, such as wage loss benefits or disfigurement or scarring benefits. These vary depending on the situation so speak with a certified specialist workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your particular situation.

Another thing to remember is that even if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation coverage, the employer can still be held liable for the expenses related to the injury. Some employers don’t want to cover this expense, but it is their duty. It is a criminal offense to fail to have workers’ compensation coverage in Pennsylvania.  You might have to fight for these benefits from your employer.

Being hurt at work starts a chain of events that can seem overwhelming at first. Working through each one can be a challenge, but it is necessary. One thing for you to remember throughout the process is that you need to ensure you are complying with the deadlines that come with claims for workers’ compensation. Speak with a knowledgeable lawyer to learn your rights.

Source: FindLaw, “I Have a Job-Related Injury: What are My Employer’s Responsibilities?,” accessed Feb. 09, 2018

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