Workers Compensation in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Pennsylvania requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance through private insurers or self-insurance.
How Pennsylvania treats Workers Compensation
Pennsylvania's system is administered by the Department of Labor & Industry and allows employers to insure through private carriers or qualify as self-insured. Coverage is mandatory for all employers with one or more employees, with limited exemptions for sole proprietors and partners. Benefits include medical care, temporary disability payments at two-thirds of wages, permanent partial disability awards based on scheduled body parts, and vocational rehabilitation. Pennsylvania has a workers' compensation appeals board that hears disputed claims.
The general definition of Workers Compensation
Insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured during work.
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that employers are required to carry to protect employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. When an employee is hurt at work, workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers. In exchange, the employee generally gives up the right to sue the employer for the injury. The system is designed to provide quick, predictable benefits without the need for a lawsuit. Benefits vary by state and depend on the severity of the injury.
Read the full Workers Compensation entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.