- Pennsylvania state law requires all employers in the state to carry workers' compensation insurance for employees. There are no waivers granted by the state. Further, no employers are exempted due to having a low number of employees. All companies with one or more employees must have some kind of workers' compensation insurance. Self-employed persons do not have to get workers' compensation insurance for themselves.
- Workers' compensation insurance does not cover all injuries in the state of Pennsylvania. There are a number of classes of injuries that are explicitly excluded from workers' compensation benefits under state statute. Self-inflicted injuries, including suicide are not covered, nor are accidents caused due to intoxication, violent attacks by coworkers and persons unrelated to an employer for reasons not related to their job and any injuries caused by breaking the law.
- Adjudication is the result of an employee, an insurance company or any employer filing a complaint with the Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication. When a petition is filed, the complainant must notify all other parties with a copy of the petition to the court. Adjudication frequently takes place at a number of stages including claims, suspension, modification, termination, medical review or employee challenge. You may wish to consult with an attorney at this stage to help you navigate the system.
- Your employer may offer you alternative employment, such as light duty at work. Refusal to take such a position may result in a modification or termination of your benefits. In the case that a company doctor clears you to return to work, but your doctor disagrees, you can refuse any job with no penalty. If your doctor thinks you are ready to return to work, but you disagree, there is a good chance that you will lose your benefits.