Injured While Working at a School in Pennsylvania? Here’s What You Need to Know
Schools are meant to be safe spaces, but for the employees who keep them running, the job can come with serious physical risks. Whether you’re a teacher, custodian, nurse, food service worker, or classroom aide, it’s important to know that if you’re injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Pennsylvania law.
Common Workplace Injuries in School Settings
Working in a school environment involves more physical activity than many people realize. Employees regularly suffer injuries such as:
- Slips and falls on wet floors, icy sidewalks, or cluttered hallways
- Lifting injuries, especially when handling heavy objects like books, desks, or cafeteria supplies
- Injuries caused by student altercations or aggressive behavior
- Repetitive motion injuries from typing, lifting, or bending
- Exposure to harmful substances, such as cleaning chemicals or mold
No matter your job title, if your injury happened while performing your work duties, it may qualify for compensation.
Who’s Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?
Most employees in Pennsylvania — including school district staff and private school workers — are covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system. That includes:
- Teachers and substitute teachers
- Classroom aides and paraprofessionals
- Custodians and janitorial staff
- School nurses and counselors
- Food service workers and cafeteria staff
- Administrative assistants and office personnel
Workers’ comp provides medical coverage, wage replacement, and other benefits if you’ve been injured or become ill due to your job.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured at a School Job
If you get hurt while working in a school, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Report the injury to your supervisor or principal right away
- Document what happened, including photos if possible
- Seek medical attention — and follow your doctor’s instructions
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights
Let Stern & Cohen Help You Navigate the Process
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming — especially when you’re recovering from an injury. At Stern & Cohen, we help injured school employees across Pennsylvania understand their rights and fight for the benefits they deserve.
Our team focuses exclusively on workers’ compensation law and knows how to handle cases involving school district insurance and policies. If you’ve been hurt at work, we’re here to guide you through every step.
Call us for a free consultation and let’s talk about how we can help.