No. Although an employer may not make the determination of whether an illness or injury is work-related, an employer can deny a claim. In this situation, the worker can file a claim petition for a hearing to dispute the denial. In all likelihood, your employer will retain a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer. These proceedings are complex and may require that you also hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Your boss, the employer, the adjuster, the company doctor and their lawyers do not determine whether your injury or condition is work-related. The ultimate decider of the issue is the Workers’ Compensation Judge who makes a decision after presentation of all evidence in accordance with legal due process and the rules of evidence, including testimony subject to cross-examination.