What Should Every Home Healthcare Professional Know About Workers’ Comp Claims?

Home healthcare is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding jobs out there. Whether you’re a certified nursing assistant, home health aide, or licensed nurse, you spend your days lifting patients, working in tight spaces, and handling unpredictable situations—often without backup. When you get hurt on the job, you deserve support. Understanding how workers’ compensation works can help you protect yourself and get the benefits you need.

Common Injuries in Home Healthcare

Working inside someone else’s home comes with risks that you may not always see in hospitals or clinics. You may work alone in cramped bathrooms, cluttered hallways, or poorly lit rooms. Over time, the physical strain adds up.

Some of the most common injuries home healthcare workers face include:

Back and shoulder injuries from lifting or repositioning patients
Slip and fall accidents in bathrooms, kitchens, or on outdoor walkways
Repetitive stress injuries from bending, reaching, or standing for long periods
Exposure to infectious diseases when proper protective equipment isn’t available
Scratches, bites, or other injuries from patients or pets in the home

These injuries can keep you out of work for weeks or even months. Workers’ compensation exists to help cover your medical bills and replace some of your lost wages while you heal.

How Workers’ Comp Coverage Works for Home Healthcare Workers

In Pennsylvania, your right to workers’ compensation depends largely on who employs you. If you work for a home healthcare agency, your employer is most likely required to carry workers’ comp insurance. This means you can file a claim without proving anyone was at fault for your injury.

However, if a private family hires you directly or you work as an independent contractor, the situation becomes more complicated. Many private households don’t carry workers’ comp coverage, which may leave you without the same protections.

Knowing your employment status before an injury happens can save you confusion later. If you’re unsure whether your employer has coverage, ask. It’s a reasonable question, and the answer matters.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

If you get hurt while caring for a patient, acting quickly can make a big difference in your claim. Here’s what you should do:

Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 21 days
Put the details in writing, including when, where, and how the injury happened
Seek medical treatment from a doctor on your employer’s approved list for the first 90 days
Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and any communication about your injury
Follow up to confirm your employer filed the claim with their insurance carrier

Pennsylvania law gives you up to 120 days to report a work injury, but waiting too long can create problems. The sooner you report, the stronger your case will be.

When Your Claim Gets Complicated

Not every workers’ comp claim goes smoothly. Insurance companies sometimes request additional documentation or dispute whether your injury is work-related. This may lead to a claim denial. For home healthcare workers, proving what happened can be especially difficult when no one else witnessed the accident.

If your claim is denied or delayed, speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your options and fight for the benefits you’re owed.

Protecting Your Rights After an Injury

You shouldn’t have to struggle alone after getting hurt doing your job. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to help you recover without worrying about how you’ll pay your bills or support your family.