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Harrisburg Worker’s Compensation Lawyer > Blog > Workers Compensation > Can You Be Denied Workers’ Compensation In Harrisburg for Failing a Drug Test?

Can You Be Denied Workers’ Compensation In Harrisburg for Failing a Drug Test?

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When you’re injured on the job in Harrisburg, workers’ compensation helps cover your medical care and lost income. However, if your employer orders a drug test following an accident, you may be concerned that a positive result will automatically cost you your benefits.

While failed drug tests can complicate a claim, Pennsylvania law does not allow insurers to deny coverage automatically based on drug or alcohol use alone. Our experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer represents clients in these cases and explains how substance use impacts your rights to benefits.

How Drug Tests Impact Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania

Many Harrisburg residents have authorization to use medical marijuana through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, but that doesn’t mean it is ok with their employer. Most workplaces follow strict rules when it comes to drugs or alcohol. If an on-the-job accident happens and testing shows you were under the influence, you can expect insurers to deny or dispute your claim.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you can get benefits even if the accident was partly your fault. However, Pennsylvania law does allow insurers to challenge a claim if they believe intoxication was to blame. A positive drug test alone is not enough. They need to prove:

  • You were under the influence at the time of the accident.
  • It impaired your ability to work safely.
  • The impairment directly caused the injury.
  • The test was properly administered and documented.
  • No other workplace hazards caused or contributed to the injury.

If an employer cannot meet this legal standard, they have no legal footing to deny Harrisburg workers’ compensation benefits.

How To Dispute Drug Test Results in A Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Claim

Workers’ compensation benefits in Harrisburg prevent you from paying out of pocket when on-the-job injuries happen. While alcohol and drug testing are common in the aftermath of a workplace accident, these tests often raise serious legal and procedural concerns:

  • Delays between the accident and testing.
  • Tests that detect prior use, rather than current impairment.
  • Not following proper testing protocols.
  • Failing to account for prescribed medications.

Workplace accidents often happen due to equipment failure, lack of training, or hazardous environments, not impairment. When insurers rely solely on test results, they ignore broader safety issues.

Request a Consultation Today With An Experienced Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Was your Harrisburg workers’ compensation claim disputed due to a drug test? You still have options. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we protect your rights to benefits by reviewing testing procedures, examining accident reports, and identifying alternative causes of injury. If your claim is denied, we provide the fierce legal representation you need to file an appeal.

A positive test result does not automatically end your case. If you were injured at work and your benefits are being questioned due to a drug or alcohol test, contact our office to get trusted legal help. Request a confidential consultation with our experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorney today.

Sources:

pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/medical-marijuana

legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/PDF/1915/0/0338..PDF

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By Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. | Posted on February 27, 2026