Ineligibility for Workers’ Compensation
Despite what many people believe, not every injured worker is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when injured at the workplace. Workers’ compensation is classified as a “no fault” branch of insurance, which means that the insured worker could not have in any way caused his or her own injury due to negligence or incompetence.
However, if you have suffered an injury at work, it is still important to discuss your case with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania workers’ comp attorney in order to determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation. To discuss your case, contact Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today at 610-667-7511.
What Voids Workers’ Comp Eligibility?
There are several aspects of workplace injuries that will disqualify a worker from receiving workers’ compensation, including:
- If the sustained illness or injury was caused by misconduct/misbehavior of the employee
- If the sustained illness or injury occurred before employment began at the company in question, and the injured person blames the company
- Illegal or negligent action of the employee that leads to the illness or injury
- If the worker fails to file for workers’ compensation within contract deadlines (usually within 120 days of the injury)
It is important to remember that workers’ compensation laws, while founded on the federal level, are enforced at the state level. Misunderstanding of this fact could lead to confusion and even a failed lawsuit. Make sure that you understand both the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws and your individual contract with your employer before filing for these benefits.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know is unsure whether or not you qualify for workers’ compensation, you may benefit from the legal advice of the experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. We are dedicated to making this process more manageable for our clients. Call us today at 610-667-7511 to discuss your case.