Heart Attacks On The Job – Can I Get Workers Compensation for a Heart Attack?

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits for employees who are either injured on the job or who become sick on the job. There is no requirement that some kind of accident or catalyst precedes the injury, and there is no requirement to prove negligence. Though some claims, such as those caused by a repetitive physical motion, are considered to be fairly straightforward, other injuries – including heart attacks –  may be more difficult to prove. Though some states place a high burden of proof on heart attack workers’ compensation claims, the state of Pennsylvania has established straightforward criteria for whether an employee whose heart attack occurred on the job is eligible for workers’ compensation. The attorneys at Vanasse Law have extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania law and how best to prepare a workers’ compensation claim for a work-related heart attack. Contact us today to discuss your case.

There are many circumstances that can lead to a heart attack on the job. Some work puts employees under great physical stress, while others cause mental and emotional stress. A worker can appear to be healthy and then suffer a heart attack after receiving news that they have been poorly reviewed or that they did not receive a promotion that they had worked towards and counted on. Though there was a time that workers were required to show that a work-related heart attack was the result of their job requiring a significant level of physical exertion, things have changed. The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has indicated that when a purely physical injury occurs following a stressful situation or interaction at work, it can qualify as a work-related injury. What is required is that the worker provides proof that they suffered the injury, as well as that it occurred in relation to and during the course of their work. If, in submitting the claim, the employee provides a medical opinion that indicates that the heart attack is a result of work-related stress — whether physical, mental, or emotional — then that is proof enough to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

When an employee suffers a heart attack on the job, they are faced with enormous medical bills and the loss of wages necessitated by their treatment and recovery. Under the best of circumstances, they will require rehabilitation, and under the worst their heart attack may result in death, leaving their family without their companionship and financial support. Though those who have been impacted by a workplace heart attack may be hesitant about filing a workers’ compensation claim indicating that the attack was work-related, the Lancaster workers’ compensation law firm of Vanasse Law has the experience and knowledge that you need to navigate the challenges ahead and to help you get the benefits that you need and deserve. Call us today to set up an appointment to discuss your case. We are here to help.

Learn more about what you can do about Heart Attacks on the Job HERE.