What is the difference between a maritime injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim?

The difference between a maritime injury claim and a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania is significant. Maritime injury claims are based on federal maritime law, while workers’ compensation claims are based on Pennsylvania state law. A maritime injury claim typically applies when an injury occurs on navigable waters, or when a person is engaged in activities related to maritime commerce, such as working on a vessel, fishing, or building docks. Maritime law is more generous to injured seafarers than most states’ workers’ compensation laws. For example, a maritime injury claim may provide compensation for lost earning capacity, physical pain, and emotional suffering. On the other hand, a workers’ compensation claim is a state-regulated form of insurance that a company purchases and pays premiums for. It is limited to covering medical expenses and lost wages. It is also usually reserved for employees injured while performing their job duties, and is limited to the accidents that occur within the employee’s state. Both claims have the same goal of providing workers with financial assistance after an injury, but the differences between them are significant. It is important to understand the distinctions between the two types of claims in order to ensure that injured individuals are properly compensated after a work-related injury.

Related FAQs

What if my employer is located in a different state than where I was injured?
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