What Happens When Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance In Harrisburg?

Getting hurt on the job in Harrisburg is stressful enough. Finding out your employer doesn’t offer workers’ compensation makes the situation even more overwhelming.

Pennsylvania requires most employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, yet some don’t. If you are injured and your employer lacks coverage, you still have options. Our experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer explains your rights when filing a claim and how to get the full amount you are owed.

What Pennsylvania Law Requires of Employers When It Comes To Workers’ Compensation

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act requires almost all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance or get approval to self-insure. This coverage exists to ensure injured workers can access medical treatment and wage-replacement benefits without having to sue their employers.

When an employer ignores this requirement, they aren’t just putting workers at risk; they’re also violating the law. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry warns that those who fail to carry the required workers’ compensation coverage may face significant penalties, including fines and even criminal charges.

If you were hurt while working for an uninsured employer in Harrisburg, you may still be entitled to benefits through the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF). It is a state resource that steps in to cover injured workers in these situations. Benefits available to workers, which depend on what happened and the extent of their injuries, include:

• Medical coverage for injury-related treatment.
• Payment for lost wages if the injury keeps you from working.
• Compensation for permanent impairment and long-term disabilities.
• Job retraining is available if your injury prevents you from performing the same type of work.

You may be entitled to these benefits, regardless of the insurer and even if your employer disputes the claim.

Your Legal Options After an Uninsured Workplace Injury in Harrisburg

Filing an injury claim against an uninsured employer is more complicated than a standard Harrisburg workers’ compensation case, but it’s far from impossible. Here’s what you need to know about the process:

• The UEGF allows injured workers to file claims when their employer lacks coverage, though specific steps and deadlines apply.
• The UEGF is administered by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
• You must still report your injury and meet standard filing deadlines.
• Your employer may face separate enforcement action from the state.

In some cases, workers may also file a civil lawsuit directly against an uninsured employer. Unlike claims involving insurers, a lawsuit can entitle you to other types of compensation, such as pain and suffering.

Request a Consultation To Discuss The Options With Our Experienced Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Discovering that your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with serious injuries. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we have extensive experience handling these claims and help injured workers get the maximum amount they are entitled to.

Don’t let your employer’s failure to follow the law cost you the benefits you need. Contact our office today and request a consultation with our Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your options.

Sources:

dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Workers-Compensation/Pages/Workers-Compensation.aspx pa.gov/agencies/dli/resources/compliance-laws-and-regulations/workers-compensation/uegf.html