The state of Pennsylvania is known for having a dedicated workforce that has contributed to the health and growth of its beautiful cities. Unfortunately, the risk of accidental injury is a constant companion for many of the hardworking people residing in the state
Another serious job risk for workers is losing their position due to termination or a lay off of employees. Worker’s compensation is sometimes confused with unemployment compensation, but the two are nothing alike.
Unemployment compensation is a government program allowing terminated workers to acquire funds for a limited time. The amount of unemployment compensation a jobless worker receives is based on his or her last rate of pay and length of employment. It is not “free money” because you have paid for the program out of your wages. Whether the state awards you unemployment compensation or not depends on how you parted ways with your employer.
If you were fired because of downsizing or other economic reasons, you will likely qualify for unemployment. If you were let go because of insubordination, misconduct, illegal activities or other prohibited behavior, you will likely be denied unemployment benefits.
Workers’ compensation is also a government program. If you suffer an on-the-job injury or work-related illness, you can probably receive worker’s comp benefits. These benefits pay for medical expenses, lost wages from missing work and other expenses related to your recovery. For example, worker’s comp will pay for physical therapy if your doctor recommends it for your full recovery.
While these two programs are tremendously beneficial to workers, they are not always foolproof. Administrative mistakes or even employer misconduct could result in claim denials for either program. It would be wise for any worker in Pennsylvania that has received a claim denial for unemployment benefits or for worker’s compensation claims to seek a qualified legal opinion.
An attorney can help workers get to the truth of the matter, and help injured or terminated employees acquire the government benefits they need to continue as a functioning member of society.
