If you’ve been injured at work, you may be wondering whether you’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Determining this involves a few different factors, and in western Pennsylvania, the lawyers at Bitar & Bitar LLP can assist you in making sense of what is often a confusing and complex process. Here they describe a few of the main elements that affect your coverage.

3 Factors That Affect Workers’ Comp

1. Whether Your Employer Has the Insurance

To have coverage, your employer must have an active workers’ compensation policy. In fact, most are required to have it in place. There are a few exceptions, however, including some smaller companies or a sole proprietorship. The laws vary quite a bit from state to state, so many confer with a lawyer about the rules in their region.

2. Your Status As an Employee

If your employer is obligated to carry workers’ compensation coverage, only full-time employees are eligible. This removes anyone who is working as an independent contractor. However, many staff members are incorrectly categorized. Even if you are considered separate from a business or company, you should look into your job designation when hurt. You could be eligible for benefits despite your classification.

3. The Circumstances Surrounding Your Illness or Injury

You’ll also need to establish that your injury is work-related. That doesn’t mean the incident must have occurred on the job site; rather, to be eligible for compensation, your damages must have resulted from workplace duties. For instance, a truck driver may be able to file a claim if he or she sustained injuries while on the road.

If you’ve been hurt at work, the seasoned team at Bitar & Bitar have forged a reputation for skilled legal guidance that gets results. Call (724) 339-1025 today to learn more about how you can access free legal advice and schedule a consultation. You can also visit the firm online for more information on how a personal injury lawyer can help you.