You know you got hurt while doing your job, but your employer says the injury did not happen at work. What happens next? This dispute can affect your medical care and income. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation can cover injuries connected to your work, even when the injury does not happen inside the workplace.
When an injury may qualify
Pennsylvania law can cover an injury that happens while you perform your job duties or while you engage in activities connected to your employment. The injury does not always need to come from one sudden accident. A condition that develops from repeated work activities or a condition that work makes worse may also qualify.
The details of your injury and your job duties can therefore matter. Next, consider what information can support your account.
What can help support your claim?
If your employer disputes the connection between your injury and your job, keep records that explain what happened and when. Helpful information may include:
- Your written injury report and other reports made at work
- Medical records that describe your injury and how it occurred
- Statements from coworkers who saw the incident or knew about your symptoms
- Work schedules, job assignments or other records showing what you were doing
- Messages or emails about your injury, symptoms or work duties
You should also report a work injury as soon as possible. Pennsylvania generally requires notice within 120 days, although earlier notice can protect your ability to receive benefits for an earlier period.
If the dispute continues, Pennsylvania provides a process for challenging a denied claim. That process leads to the next step.
What happens after a denial?
An injured worker can file a workers’ compensation claim petition when the employer or insurer disputes whether the injury qualifies. A workers’ compensation judge can then decide the disputed claim after reviewing the evidence.
Understanding your position
An employer’s disagreement does not automatically settle whether your injury qualifies for workers’ compensation. Your medical records, work history and other evidence can help establish what happened and how your job affected your condition. Understanding the dispute and responding with accurate information can help you protect your workers’ compensation claim.