For 111 years, the attorneys at Powell, Zero, Mundy have represented all types of workers in workers’ compensation cases. Our decades of experience make us the clear and obvious choice for representation in workers’ compensation matters in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas. At Powell, Zero, Mundy, we effectively assist clients throughout the entire workers’ compensation claims process.

Entrepreneurs who own and operate a new business, or are expanding a current operation to include employees, must know that Pennsylvania state law requires them as employers to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their eligible employees. Generally, workers’ compensation insurance coverage is mandatory for all employers who have one or more employees, whether part-time, full-time, or family members.

Workers’ compensation insurance coverage ensures that workers injured during the course of their employment will receive medical and wage-loss benefits. In return, employers who provide coverage are insulated from civil lawsuits filed by injured workers.

Larger employers that are financially secure employers that have been operating for three or more years may apply for Bureau of Workers’ Compensation approval to individually self-insure any potential liability. Employers may also be eligible for joining a certified group self-insurance fund, provided there is an existing fund that covers their type of business.

Many, if not most, new businesses have difficulty obtaining workers’ compensation insurance. A state agency, the State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF), is required to provide coverage to all businesses, especially those having difficulty obtaining coverage from private sector insurers.

Businesses may obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage in Pennsylvania through the following four ways:

  • Obtain insurance from an insurance agent or broker.
  • Obtain insurance directly from one of the more than 300 private sector insurance carriers who offer workers’ compensation insurance policies.
  • Obtain insurance from the State Workers’ Insurance Fund (SWIF).
  • Apply for self-insurance status.