How to Determine if Your Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Coverage

December 25, 2025 | Workers’ Compensation

How to Determine if Your Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Coverage

If you are hurt in a workplace accident, whether or not your employer has workers’ compensation insurance can play a huge role in your ability to get benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages. Each state sets its own rules regarding which employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and coverage details also vary from state to state. 

Keep reading below to learn how to tell whether your employer has workers’ compensation coverage, as well as understand what these benefits cover.

Which Employers Must Carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law requires nearly all employers in the state to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer has at least one employee, they are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage. This applies to both full-time and part-time employees, and it even applies to family members who are working in the business.

There are very few, limited exceptions to the workers’ compensation requirements. Sole proprietors are generally not required to have coverage for themselves, and there may also be exceptions for some federal employees and agricultural workers.

How Can I Tell if My Employer Has Workers’ Compensation Coverage?

Although your employer is likely required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, some employers might not comply with these rules. Checking to ensure they have this coverage can help ensure you are properly compensated in the event you get hurt on the job. There are several ways to verify that they have coverage. 

Those ways include:

If your employer does not have coverage, this could be a red flag. If you are hurt on the job, you might be unable to get the benefits to which you are legally entitled.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation provides many great benefits for injured workers. The specific benefits available to you depend on the specifics of your injuries. Generally, workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania covers:

Medical Expenses

All reasonable and necessary medical expenses relating to your injury will be covered. 

This includes:

  • Emergency treatment
  • Follow-up doctor office visits
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery
  • Rehabilitation
  • Medical equipment or devices

As long as the medical service is truly needed to treat your injury, it will likely be covered by workers’ compensation benefits.

Lost Wages

Workers’ compensation will help replace a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work. These benefits start once you miss seven days of work, and you can get retroactive benefits for these first seven days if your disability lasts for 14 days or more. Typically, you can expect to receive about two-thirds of your average wages before your injury.

Specific Losses

Injured workers who suffer a specific loss, such as the loss of a limb, may be entitled to receive a one-time, lump-sum payment. The particular amount of the payment depends on the type of injury you suffered.

Death Benefits

In the event your workplace accident results in your death, your family will be entitled to receive death benefits. This may include funeral and burial expenses as well as ongoing wage replacement.

If you are hurt on the job, it can be devastating to learn that your employer does not have workers’ compensation coverage. You may be wondering where you can turn for help. Thankfully, you have some options.

First, you may turn to the Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF). You will be required to file specific forms, but this fund will pay your valid claim if your employer fails to pay it. Next, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.

Not carrying workers’ compensation insurance is illegal in Pennsylvania, and employers can face liability for your workplace injuries. Personal injury lawsuits also open the door to non-economic damages, such as:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • PTSD
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Loss of consortium

After a job-related injury, you should always seek help from an experienced lawyer. Your lawyer can help you determine the best legal options for your case.

Contact the Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for Help Today

If you’ve been injured on the job in Harrisburg, PA, Marzzacco Niven & Associates is here to help. Our Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

If you’ve been injured or need a lawyer to help you with your case, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

Marzzacco Niven & Associates York
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Wyomissing
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lancaster
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Marzzacco Niven & Associates Lebanon
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963