Getting injured on the job can bring a worker’s life into turmoil. They will likely need to cover significant medical costs when they are worried about making an income.
Fortunately, Workers’ Compensation benefits are likely available to cover your work-related injuries. However, you must complete a number of steps in order to receive benefits. Further, these benefits will only cover a certain amount of your lost income, but working with our team can ensure that you recover the full extent of the benefits offered. If your claim is denied, we can help you identify why and help you refile or appeal the decision.
Call our Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 for a free assessment of your case.
Steps to Take After Getting Injured to Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Abington
Sustaining an injury while working in Abington can be a highly distressing experience. Fortunately, there are a few measures you can take to recuperate benefits. Our Workers’ Compensation attorneys can then help you organize your claim and file it immediately. First, it is crucial to report the injury to the employer in order to initiate the claims process. Additionally, obtaining medical treatment to document the injury and your recovery time is essential. Once you have received medical treatment, you will be ready to file your claim with the state.
Report Your Injuries
If you sustain an injury while working in Abington, it is crucial to report it to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Delaying the reporting could lead to a rejection of your Workers’ Compensation claim, which would prevent you from receiving any compensation for your injuries. Therefore, reporting the injuries promptly will increase your chances of having a successful claim and receiving the necessary compensation.
Get Medical Treatment
It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly after reporting an injury to your employer. Any work-related injuries left untreated could worsen over time, and you cannot recover benefits without a medical examination. Remember to keep track of all expenses related to medical care and prescriptions for reimbursement from your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer. In order to receive Workers’ Compensation, you must provide your medical records as evidence of your injuries. Without them, it is highly probable that your employer’s insurance will deny benefits.
Collect Evidence of Your Accident
It is also important to collect evidence that demonstrates the cause and parties involved in your workplace injuries. This can include photographs of your injuries and reports filed by your employer. Additionally, keep a record of the amount of time you missed from work due to the accident. If there were witnesses present during the incident, it is recommended that you obtain their contact information to get their statements about the event.
The best thing to do is to provide a detailed account of the events leading up to and following the accident. Your report should include specific information, such as the location of the accident, the time of day it occurred, and other relevant details. You can take photos of your injuries from various angles to clearly depict the extent of the damage. For example, if you have a fracture in your arm, taking pictures of the injured area can provide a better view of the severity of the injury. Additionally, taking pictures of the accident scene can help document the workplace conditions at the time of the incident.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
It is actually your responsibility to file a Workers’ Compensation claim with the state Workers’ Compensation Board in Pennsylvania rather than your employer. Once your claim has been approved, benefits will begin after a mandatory seven-day waiting period. If your claim is temporary, your employer’s insurance provider can conduct a further review before giving final approval. Keep in mind that insurance companies have up to 90 days to make a final determination on a Workers’ Compensation claim while you receive temporary benefits.
In case your claim gets denied, there could be various reasons behind it. However, you can appeal the denial of your claim. By doing this, you will have the chance to rectify any errors in your initial filing or gather additional evidence to support your appeal.
Why Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Denied in Abington
Navigating the Workers’ Compensation process can be difficult. Insurance companies often use various tactics to reject claims, whether appropriate or not. However, understanding the reasons behind claim denials can increase the likelihood of your claim being approved by meeting the necessary standards.
Your Injury was Not Work Related
One of the most frequent reasons for the denial of Workers’ Compensation claims is that the injuries sustained were not work-related. To receive benefits, it is necessary to prove that your injuries occurred while performing your work duties. Sometimes, a claim may be rejected on the grounds that the current injuries are the result of pre-existing injuries sustained elsewhere. However, medical examinations can demonstrate how your workplace injuries were caused by the specific accident for which you are filing a claim and whether previous injuries were made worse by your current injury.
Your Injury was Reported Incorrectly
One of the other reasons why claims are routinely denied is due to improper reporting of the accident to the employer. However, this can be prevented if you are aware of the regulations. Thus, it is important to report any injuries sustained during the accident to your employer immediately. If you are unable to do so, make sure to inform your employer within 21 days of the incident. Failing to report the accident within this timeframe can significantly increase the likelihood of having your claim denied.
It is important to provide comprehensive details when reporting an accident, such as the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as the task you were performing at that moment. By providing thorough information, you increase the likelihood of your claim being approved on the first submission.
Your Employer Does Not Provide Workers’ Compensation Benefits
It is possible that your claim could be rejected if your employer does not offer coverage. However, the majority of workers are typically covered by their employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance by law in Abington. There are only a few types of employees, like federal workers, who are not covered by Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation rules.
Sometimes employers are legally required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance, but some fail to do so, in violation of Pennsylvania law. However, if you are injured at work and your employer does not have coverage, you will be responsible for covering your own expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages. However, you will usually have the option to take legal action against your employer if they were required to provide coverage.
Our Abington Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help
For a free case evaluation, contact our Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Lerner, Steinberg & Associates today at (215) 355-6400.
