Quite a few employees perform at least part of their job in a vehicle every day. Police officers may spend hours out on patrol, while a business manager might need to go to the bank or drive to another company’s premises for a client meeting.
Driving is a common work responsibility imposed on people of all different professions. Unfortunately, it is one of the top reasons that workers get severely hurt or die while on the clock. A crash on the job will obviously mean that someone doesn’t finish their shift and might put them in the hospital. In more severe cases, a victim may require a long leave of absence from their job.
Any on-the-job injury could qualify for benefits
The workers’ compensation program in Pennsylvania provides no-fault coverage to employees for any medical issue directly related to their employment. Injuries obtained on the job, including injuries that are technically the fault of a third party, are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Someone injured in a crash could theoretically apply for workers’ compensation benefits to cover their expenses for medical care and also any wages they lost out on while recovering from their injuries. A worker will not need to establish fault for the crash to qualify for benefits the way they might if they wanted to bring an insurance claim against the other driver.
Even if someone was technically at fault for a collision, the no-fault nature of workers’ compensation coverage would potentially still make them eligible for coverage. They can receive comprehensive medical coverage to pay for their treatment and disability benefits. Workers who lose income due to time off can receive up to two-thirds of their lost wages. Those with reduced future earning potential can receive benefits for those losses as well in many cases.
Although many workers find applying for workers’ compensation coverage to be an intimidating process, it could be more accessible with the right support. People who are aware of when they may qualify for benefits often have an easier time making use of the protections that exist to reduce their employment-related risks and losses.
Understanding what types of coverage may apply can clearly benefit those recently involved in a work-related collision in Pennsylvania. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to gain that clarity.