One of the most contentious questions under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws is whether an injured worker is an employee or an independent contractor. This includes workers in the construction industry or truck drivers.
Accordingly, most would-be employers contend that the injured worker was an independent contractor who was not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits due to a workplace accident. Some of the most common instances in which an injured worker’s allegation that he or she was an independent contractor has been raised are as follows:
- Personal caregivers are those who are responsible for the well-being of others
- Nurses
- Couriers
- Reporters for the courts
- Laborers
- Painters
- Workers in the field of maintenance
If you’ve been hurt at work in Pennsylvania, you have the right to make a workers’ compensation claim.
On the other hand, Pennsylvania has a number of restrictions that regulate how much money you may obtain and for how long. If you don’t fulfill all of these requirements, you may be refused the benefits to which you are entitled.
If you try to make a claim on your own, it might be challenging to grasp Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation regulations. Our experienced worker’s compensation attorneys at Philadelphia Workers Compensation Lawyer, on the other hand, can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Our law practice is dedicated to defending the rights of ordinary, hardworking professionals like you.
Rules for Independent Contractors in Pennsylvania
Employers in Pennsylvania are not required to acquire workers’ compensation insurance that protects independent contractors who work for them. Workers who are formally categorized as employees are the only ones entitled to such coverage. If you’ve worked in construction in Pennsylvania for any length of time, you’re undoubtedly already aware that many personnel on a normal job site are contractors rather than employees.
Moreover, many law firms can help you with the compensation.
Benefits Provided by PA Workers’ Compensation Laws
Workers in Pennsylvania are entitled to a range of benefits following a workplace injury, including:
- Medical expenditures, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, surgeries, treatments, and medical equipment, are all covered.
- Wage benefits to replace lost income when you’re unable to work.
- If you lose a bodily part, lose your hearing, or your face, neck, or head is permanently scarred, you may be entitled to permanent damage compensation.
- If you are unable to return to work due to your injuries, you will get total disability benefits.
- If your injuries cause you to take work that pays less than your former position, you may be eligible for partial disability compensation for up to 500 weeks.
- If an employee dies due to work-related injuries, death benefits are offered to loved ones such as the worker’s spouse or dependents.
The complexities of Pennsylvania’s personal injury, workplace injury, and workers’ compensation statutes create a perplexing situation for anybody unfamiliar with legalese.
Working with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as feasible following a construction site accident is strongly recommended to avoid the pain of dealing with legal intricacies and insurance company obstacles.
