What Types of Injuries Are Covered Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act?

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law Covers all Work Injuries

The easy answer is that all injuries that happen in the course of a worker’s employment — whether from an accident, from lifting, from a slip and fall, or some other cause — are covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, regardless of the worker’s prior or pre-existing physical condition. In addition, the Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act also provides virtually identical benefits to workers who contract a disease as a result of their employment. There are many types of work-related physical injuries, including:

  • Neck Injuries
  • Back Injuries
  • Shoulder Injuries
  • Arm, Leg, and Knee Injuries, Including “Wear and Tear”
  • Facial Injuries
  • Burns, Lacerations, and Other Facial Scarring
  • Broken Bones/Fractures
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Pinched Nerves
  • Herniated Disks
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Brain Injuries and Closed-Head Trauma
  • Amputations
  • Electrocutions and Electric Shocks
  • Crushed Bones, Including Limbs
  • Heart Attacks

Occupational diseases are covered if they are caused by or aggravated by your employment. Your disability from the occupational disease must occur within 300 weeks of your last employment in the occupation where you were exposed to the hazard. There are additional requirements for certain lung diseases, including occupations with silica, coal, or asbestos hazards.

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits for many occupational diseases, including:

  • Asthma
  • Hepatitis
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Lung Diseases
  • Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
  • Dermatitis
  • Hearing Loss
  • Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals
  • Lead Poisoning
  • Asbestosis
  • Silicosis
  • Mesothelioma
  • Chemical Hypersensitivity
  • Latex Allergies
  • Reactive Airways Disease and Other Breathing Problems

If you would like to speak with our office about a work injury or occupational disease, call (610) 446-3457 or send an email, and we will respond promptly. All workers’ compensation matters are handled on a contingent fee basis, which means that you only pay a fee if our office gets you benefits or successfully prevents your employer from stopping your benefits. Give us a call at (610) 446-3457 or send an email.