When an accident occurs at work, your injury should receive medical attention regardless of how minor it may seem at first. If you do not have the means to pay for an ER or doctor visit, you should still seek treatment. Workers’ compensation can cover the medical costs for Pennsylvania employees injured on the job.
Maintaining complete records of your medical expenses will help you receive coverage for the financial costs incurred by your work-related injury. You do not need to prove the cause of the accident to receive benefits.
Applying for benefits regardless of fault
If a workplace accident occurred because of your own negligence, you may still qualify for benefits. There is no need to show that you did all you could to prevent the accident. Workers’ compensation is basically a no-fault system. As long as your injury was work-related and occurred while you were performing duties for your employer, you may file a claim.
Covering medical expenses
The benefits you receive can cover hospital or doctor visits, prescriptions, lab testing and any out-patient treatments required to heal from your work-related injury. If your injury requires surgery, the operation also qualifies for coverage.
Seeing a designated physician
Your employer may have already provided you with a list of at least six designated physicians that injured employees can visit to seek treatment. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry, you must initially see one of your employer’s listed providers for a minimum of 90 days. Afterward, you may visit any doctor for treatment.
Taking time off for recovery
Many work-related injuries require taking time off to recover. You may take up to 500 weeks of time off when a doctor determines a partial disability. Workers’ compensation benefits may also cover rehabilitation, physical therapy and ongoing health care during the recovery period.