The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recognizes that high-risk workers deserve added protections because they are more likely to be injured on the job due to the inherent dangers they face. If you are in a high-risk occupation, extra financial protection is provided by the Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act. The Heart & Lung Act pays the injured worker full salary, with no tax deductions, and no use of sick time, during the period of temporary disability from performing the duties of the job.

The Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act covers police, firefighters, and specified enforcement officers (including corrections employees, sheriffs, and deputy sheriffs), who are injured or contract certain diseases while in the line of duty.

Quatrini Law Group has helped eligible workers all across Pennsylvania secure these special benefits:

  • An eligible employee is entitled to 100 percent of their normal (no overtime) weekly salary-tax free.
  • An eligible employee may be required to file for workers’ compensation benefits first. These benefits will be reimbursed to the employer paying the Heart and Lung Act benefits.
  • An eligible employee does not have to use any sick leave to cover their absence once they have been injured in the line of duty.
  • An eligible employee’s Heart and Lung benefits may not be terminated without a due process hearing.
  • Heart & Lung Act benefits are considered a ‘property right’ under the U.S. Constitution.

How Heart & Lung Act Benefits Affect Injured Workers in Pennsylvania

Quatrini Law Group has helped numerous first responders determine if their injury falls under the Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act, and assisted them through every stage. The Heart & Lung Act applies to temporary disabilities and covers 100% of your regular compensation, unlike regular Workers’ Compensation that only covers ⅔ of lost wages.

Public Service Workers Covered by the Heart & Lung Act

Persons employed in designated high-risk occupations in Pennsylvania include:

  • State Police
  • Liquor Control Board Officers and Investigators
  • Parole and Enforcement Officers
  • Capitol Police
  • Department of Corrections employees
  • Office of Attorney General drug enforcement agents and special agents
  • Delaware River Port Authority Police
  • Policemen, Firemen and Park Guards of any County, City, Borough, Town or Township
  • Sheriff, deputy sheriff or special fire police

Common Situations Where Heart & Lung Act Benefits Apply

A heart attack while on duty; smoke inhalation; an injury while pursuing a suspect. The heightened risk means more protections are available to you. Whether you were injured as a firefighter, a park ranger, or while working as a port authority officer, Quatrini Law Group can help you to get the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Issues That Can Arise With Heart & Lung Act Benefits

Quatrini Law Group has represented injured workers since 1985 and many times, we have seen clients placed in the wrong benefit program, or denied benefits – sometimes by the Employer, sometimes by the insurance carrier, and sometimes by the Commonwealth itself. We can closely examine your specific case and determine the proper benefits you are eligible for.

How Heart & Lung Act Benefits Work Alongside Workers’ Compensation

In Pennsylvania, Heart & Lung Act Benefits apply to any injury that occurs in the line of duty, as opposed to Workers’ Compensation Benefits that apply during the course of employment. The Heart and Lung Act supersedes the Workers’ Compensation Act, but in some instances, the worker may need to apply for Workers’ Compensation first. However, the eligible employee cannot collect both simultaneously.

The PA Heart & Lung Act does NOT apply to permanent disabilities – only temporary, recoverable injuries. Should your injuries ultimately turn out to be permanent in nature, we have experienced and highly skilled attorneys who can help to transition you into a Social Security Disability claim.

How Our Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Help With Heart & Lung Act Matters

The attorneys of Quatrinii Law Group represent first responders all day, every day. We know the rules. We know the solutions. If you face a life changing event at work, please call us first. There is no fee for an initial consultation with one of our certified attorneys in Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Latrobe, Uniontown, Somerset or Altoona.

If you believe you qualify for benefits under the Heart and Lung Act, our team can help guide you through the process for Heart and Lung Act benefits.

Meet Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Understanding Heart & Lung Act Benefits Under Pennsylvania Law

Video coming soon.

Related Workers’ Compensation Issues We Handle

Frequently Asked Questions About Heart & Lung Act Benefits

Who is covered under the Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Act?

The Heart & Lung Act covers specific categories of public safety employees in Pennsylvania, including police officers, firefighters, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, corrections officers, and certain other law enforcement personnel employed by the state or a municipality. To qualify, you must be a permanent employee — temporary or probationary employees are generally not covered.

What benefits does the Heart & Lung Act provide?

If you are injured in the line of duty and temporarily disabled, the Heart & Lung Act entitles you to receive your full tax-free salary for the duration of your disability, rather than the partial wage replacement provided under workers’ compensation. This benefit continues as long as you remain temporarily disabled and unable to perform your duties — there is no set time limit, which is one of the Act’s most significant advantages over standard workers’ compensation.

Can my employer terminate my Heart & Lung benefits, and what can I do if they do?

Yes, your employer can seek to suspend or terminate your benefits — most commonly by having you examined by an Independent Medical Examiner (IME) who may conclude you are fit to return to work. If your benefits are denied or discontinued and you believe the decision is wrong, you have the right to appeal. An attorney experienced in Heart & Lung Act cases can help you challenge the employer’s medical evidence, present your own medical testimony, and navigate the administrative and court proceedings necessary to protect your benefits.

Get Help With Heart & Lung Act Benefits in Pennsylvania

If you have been injured in the line of duty, contact Quatrini Law Group online or at 888-534-6016. Our consultations are free and we have offices in Greensburg, Latrobe, Pittsburgh, Altoona, Somerset, and Uniontown. If needed, we can come to you. Trust our team to help you through the process of getting the medical and monetary benefits you need to get well.