Every day, hardworking employees in Bristol Township, Croydon, and Edgely head to their jobs, but unfortunately, some of them will experience work-related injuries. However, the majority of these employees are protected by their employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance in case of injury.
If you have been injured while working, there is a good chance that your injuries will be covered by Workers’ Compensation, unless your employer is exempt or the accident was intentional. It is important to report your accident promptly and seek medical attention. Our team of Workers’ Compensation lawyers is available to assist you with filing your claim and to ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the recovery process.
For a free case assessment with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys, contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 today.
What Our Bristol Township Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Do to Help Your Claim
There are several advantages to having our attorneys on your side when filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in Bristol Township. Injured workers in the communities of Croydon and Edgely can also take advantage of our services in the event they are injured on the job. Although it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer to advocate for you in a Workers’ Compensation claim, having one can provide you with the necessary guidance to navigate the system in case of any issues. Our attorneys can assist you in a number of ways, including the following:
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Once you receive medical attention, we can assist you in taking the appropriate actions to file your Workers’ Compensation claim. It is possible that some people are unaware that Pennsylvania places the responsibility of filing the claim on the claimant. Although your employer is required to inform their Workers’ Compensation insurance provider of your injuries, you must handle the remaining steps, which include understanding important deadlines for filing. This can be a daunting task for those who are unfamiliar with the Workers’ Compensation claims procedure.
Ensuring that all necessary supporting documents are provided and that there are no mistakes in your paperwork is crucial to avoid costly delays or a claim denial. We are here to assist you in reviewing your case, identifying any missing evidence, and guiding you on how to obtain it. With the necessary evidence gathered and organized, you can submit your claim with confidence, increasing the likelihood of its approval.
Appeal Your Claim If It is Denied
If your Workers’ Compensation claim has been denied, insurance companies and employers might try to find a reason to justify their decision. However, our firm can assist you in appealing the decision. Sometimes, the denial may be due to clerical errors, which can be corrected by obtaining the correct documentation or accurately completing the filing forms when resubmitting the claim.
In the event that you receive a denial for valid reasons, there are options available for appealing the decision. However, seeking legal advice could lead to a final rejection of your claim. Initially, your appeal will be assessed by a Workers’ Compensation judge, but you can proceed to appeal to the Pennsylvania state court. Nonetheless, if the initial grounds for the denial are not addressed, the judge or court may uphold the rejection of your claim.
Determine If Filing a Lawsuit is Necessary
In certain situations, Workers’ Compensation might not be available as an option. Although most victims are barred from filing a lawsuit for work-related injuries if they receive Workers’ Compensation, there are some injuries not covered by it that require filing a lawsuit to receive compensation. For example, if you work as an independent contractor, you will likely need to file a lawsuit since such workers are typically not covered by their employer’s insurance. Similarly, if your injuries were caused by a third party not liable to your employer, a lawsuit is usually necessary.
Individuals that Can File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Bristol Township
Fortunately, Workers’ Compensation covers most workers injured on the job in Bristol Township, Croydon, and Edgely. In Pennsylvania, the majority of employers are obligated to provide Workers’ compensation insurance and are typically obligated to provide benefits regardless of fault. To be covered by your employer’s insurance, you must be classified as a traditional employee. This is usually not a problem for most employees. However, if you are classified as an independent contractor, your employer’s insurance will probably not cover you.
If your employer has classified you as an independent contractor, you might not be considered a typical employee under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation law, which can prevent you from filing a claim. However, our team can assess your situation and investigate whether your employer has misclassified you.
Steps You Should Take to Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Rights in Bristol Township
Receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits after a workplace accident involves several crucial steps. As it is a complex bureaucratic process, missing any one of these steps could result in a denial of your claim.
Notify Your Employer of Your Workplace Accident
If you have sustained an injury while on the job and need to file a Workers’ Compensation claim, it is important to notify your employer of the incident as soon as possible. Failing to do so could have a significant impact on your claim and result in a loss of compensation. Although it is advisable to report the injury immediately after the accident, Pennsylvania law allows you up to 21 days from the date of the injury to inform your employer. However, waiting until the deadline may increase the likelihood of complications and reduce your chances of receiving compensation.
Receive Medical Treatment
After notifying your employer of your accident, they will report it to their insurance provider. It is necessary for you to have a medical evaluation, typically performed by a doctor selected by your employer. If your employer does not provide a list of doctors, you can choose one yourself. However, it is important to do so without delay to avoid the insurance company disputing the severity of your injuries and potentially rejecting your claim. If the doctor suggests a treatment that does not seem appropriate for your injuries or insists that you can go back to work even if you are not fully recovered, you have the right to seek a second opinion from your own doctor.
Prepare and File Your Claim
If you are seeking compensation for a work-related injury, it is important to take responsibility for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. In order for your claim to be approved, you will need to provide evidence that clearly demonstrates the severity of your injuries and the projected recovery time needed before you can return to work. Once your claim is approved, you will receive payments after a 7-day waiting period. However, it is important to keep in mind that the insurance company may still deny your claim even after payments have begun. They have up to 90 days to do so. If your claim is denied, though, you can appeal the decision and have your evidence reviewed by a Workers’ Compensation judge.
Our Bristol Township Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 for a free case evaluation with our Workers’ Compensation lawyers.
