Workers’ compensation provides employees with critical financial benefits that workers need in the aftermath of a work accident or when work conditions contribute to an injury or illness. This employer-provided insurance is intended to help cover costs associated with an employee’s medical bills and lost wages.

Most employers in Pennsylvania are required to carry this type of insurance, and many are happy to have it because it also shields them from being sued by employees. This means that workers are generally able to secure financial benefits without having to go through a lengthy court process or prove that any party was negligent. However, there are some factors that could exclude a worker from being eligible for coverage.

According to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, benefits may be denied if a person suffered injuries in at least a few different situations.

• If it is determined that an injury or illness was not suffered in the course of a person’s employment, an application for benefits may be denied.
• If a worker was injured while intoxicated, he or she may be ineligible for compensation.
• If the worker was engaged in reckless behaviors that illustrate indifference toward danger, compensation may not be available.

While many claims for compensation can be fairly straightforward, there are situations when insurance companies deny benefits for certain reasons, including those mentioned above. There are also times when an employer will try to dissuade a worker from filing a workers’ compensation claim, so it can be crucial to remember that employees have the right to work with an attorney to understand their options to pursue benefits.

Suffering a work-related injury or illness can be stressful enough without also having to be concerned about how to navigate the process of pursuing benefits. With the guidance and support of an attorney, injured workers can stay focused on their health and recovery.