Navigating workers' compensation in Pennsylvania can be confusing—especially when your recovery period overlaps with a decision to leave your job. Whether you're considering a career change, facing workplace issues, or simply unable to return to your current role, many injured workers ask the same question: Can I quit my job while on workers' comp in PA? The answer is yes, but the full implications depend on your situation. Understanding how quitting affects your benefits is key to making an informed decision.

Understanding How Workers' Comp Works in Pennsylvania

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system designed to provide medical care and wage replacement to employees injured on the job. In Pennsylvania, employers are generally required to carry workers' compensation insurance, and employees are eligible for benefits regardless of who caused the accident—so long as it occurred during the course of employment.

Benefits typically include:

• Payment for medical treatment
• Partial wage replacement (usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
• Specific loss benefits for permanent impairment
• Vocational rehabilitation in some cases

Once approved, your benefits are tied to your work-related injury, not your continued employment. However, quitting your job while receiving these benefits can change the landscape.

Yes, You Can Quit—But Here's What You Need to Know

While the law does not prevent you from resigning while receiving workers' compensation, doing so can impact certain types of benefits—particularly wage loss benefits.

Medical Benefits Stay Intact

Your right to have medical expenses covered for your work-related injury typically remains, even if you leave your job. As long as the treatment is related to the original injury and deemed reasonable and necessary by your physician, your employer's insurer is still responsible.

Wage Loss Benefits May Be Reduced or Terminated

This is where things get more complicated. If you voluntarily resign, the insurance company may argue that you've removed yourself from the workforce, potentially cutting off your wage loss benefits. Their stance may be: you could be working, but you've chosen not to. That opens the door for them to reduce or stop those payments.

However, the outcome largely depends on your medical status:

• If you're totally disabled and cannot work in any capacity: Quitting shouldn't affect your wage loss benefits. Your inability to work is due to your injury—not your resignation.
• If you're partially disabled and capable of light-duty or modified work: The insurer might argue that suitable work is available, and by quitting, you've declined it—potentially reducing or suspending your benefits.

Ultimately, the workers' compensation judge will look at whether your resignation materially changed your earning capacity due to your injury. If not, the employer or insurer may file a petition to modify or suspend your benefits.

What If You Quit for Good Cause?

Pennsylvania courts have occasionally sided with injured workers who resign for "good cause." For example, if a toxic work environment is negatively impacting your recovery, or if your employer is refusing to accommodate medical restrictions, resigning may not automatically jeopardize your wage benefits.

Still, proving "good cause" is a high bar and should not be assumed. Documentation from your treating physician or vocational expert may help support your case, but ultimately, the burden of proof falls on the injured worker.

Switching Jobs While on Workers' Comp

What if you're not just quitting—but switching to another job entirely? That's a different situation.

If you accept a new job that pays less than your previous position due to your injury, you may be entitled to partial disability benefits to make up for the wage gap. However, you must notify your current workers' comp insurer, and they may monitor your new employment to ensure compliance with your medical restrictions.

On the other hand, if your new job pays equal or more than your previous wage, wage loss benefits could end—but you would still retain access to medical benefits related to the original injury.

Potential Risks of Quitting While on Workers' Comp

Before making any decisions, it's important to weigh the risks:

• Loss of wage benefits: If the insurer successfully petitions to stop wage loss payments after you resign, your income could drop significantly.
• Difficulty proving disability status later: Once you leave the company, you lose access to modified duty roles your employer might have offered. This could work against you if your case is challenged.
• Impact on settlement negotiations: If you're planning to negotiate a lump-sum workers' comp settlement (commonly known as a Compromise & Release), quitting beforehand could weaken your bargaining position.

Tips Before You Resign While Receiving Workers' Comp

If you're seriously considering leaving your job while receiving workers' comp in PA, keep the following in mind:

• Consult with a workers' compensation attorney. The nuances of Pennsylvania's workers' comp law make it risky to make decisions without legal guidance.
• Get your medical documentation in order. Ensure your physician clearly outlines your restrictions and disability status.
• Explore modified duty options. If your employer can't accommodate you, that strengthens your claim for ongoing benefits.
• Communicate clearly. Keep a record of all interactions with your employer, insurance carrier, and medical providers.
• Do not assume quitting severs your right to all benefits—but be prepared for the insurer to challenge your claim.

Conclusion

In Pennsylvania, quitting your job while on workers' compensation is allowed—but it's far from simple. While your medical coverage should continue, your wage loss benefits may be at risk depending on your work capacity and the circumstances around your resignation. If you're thinking about resigning during an open workers' comp claim, speak with an experienced attorney first. The right legal strategy can help protect your benefits and ensure you're making the best decision for your health and future livelihood.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Pennsylvania workers' compensation claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.