Under the PA Workers’ Compensation Act a covered work injury or disease is an injury or disease sustained by an injured worker that arises in the course and scope of employment and is causally related to the injured workers’ employment. The PA Workers’ Compensation Act and case law defines these terms and the circumstances and facts necessary to prove a covered work injury.
The PA Workers’ Compensation Act covers all injuries “arising in the course and scope of employment.” This includes all injuries sustained on the employer’s premises, as well as off-premises injuries incurred while engaged in the furtherance of the employer’s business. All reasonable and necessary medical bills related to the injury must be paid along with wage loss benefits once the disability period exceeds seven days. Psychological injuries may also be covered, but very special standards are utilized by the courts to determine if, in fact, a psychological injury is covered by the Act.
Types of injuries that are included under the PA Workers’ Compensation Act include pre-existing injuries that are aggravated, accelerated as the result of the work injury. Heart attacks, angina, and other heart related problems may be covered if the conditions are caused by physical trauma or exertion related to the injured workers’ employment.
Additionally, injuries, diseases, and illnesses that are causally related to exposure to chemicals, fumes, or other substances in the work place are covered under the Act. The identity of chemicals used in the workplace must be made available employees and the public. If an injured worker develops a condition that may be related to exposure to chemicals at work that worker should speak with the employer and the injured worker’s physician.
Please feel free to contact us to determine if you have sustained a work related injury covered by the PA Workers’ Compensation Act.