Injuries sustained in the workplace can be extremely detrimental to employees. Thankfully, those who are harmed while working in Hempfield Township might qualify for Workers’ Compensation, which can aid in covering their losses.
As a worker in Hempfield Township, there are various hazards that can jeopardize your safety, and mishaps can happen in numerous ways. Fortunately, our firm is available to help you in completing your Workers’ Compensation claim and ensuring that your rights are protected. We will assist you in gathering the required paperwork to bolster your application and increase your chances of receiving approval on the first submission.
For a free case evaluation with our Workers’ Compensation lawyers, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 today.
Typical Accidents that Workers’ Compensation Claims are Filed for in Hempfield Township
In Hempfield Township, there are numerous ways in which a person might sustain injuries while on the job. Regrettably, these incidents can result in severe harm that can have a significant impact on one’s life. Nevertheless, our Workers’ Compensation attorneys are here to assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve, no matter the cause of your workplace accident. Below are the most common causes of workplace accidents in Hempfield Township:
Falling Object Accidents
Falling objects pose a significant risk and can lead to serious injuries such as paralysis or brain damage if they hit someone’s head or face. Falling objects can come in many forms, such as tools, bricks, cement blocks, and even scaffolding, that might collapse due to inadequate support structures or design flaws. Even small objects can cause significant harm if they fall from a high enough point. Therefore, it is important to remain alert and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while working on construction sites.
Slip and Fall Accidents
In Hempfield Township, Workers’ Compensation claims are often filed due to slip and fall accidents. These types of accidents frequently occur at work as a result of uneven surfaces or holes. Workers can also slip and fall if they leave cables, ladders, or other items on the ground or if standing water accumulates due to a coworker’s failure to clean their workspace. Slip and fall injuries can be more severe than anticipated, and many victims require surgery and physical therapy for a complete recovery.
Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving vehicles in Hempfield Township can result in serious injuries or even fatalities in the workplace. Workers are particularly at risk from inattentive drivers, especially on open construction sites where individuals come and go daily. However, if you are providing services or making deliveries for your employer, you could also be injured by a negligent driver. In such cases, you might be entitled to compensation from either the responsible individual or the company that maintains the vehicle that caused your injuries.
Workers’ Compensation Procedures After Getting Injured at Work in Hempfield Township
If you have experienced an injury while working in Hempfield Township, it can be a very stressful situation. However, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving benefits in a Workers’ Compensation claim. Our team of lawyers specializing in Workers’ Compensation can guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Report Your Accident to Your Employer
It is crucial to inform your employer or supervisor immediately if you suffer a work-related injury in Hempfield Township. Failing to report the injury in a timely manner could result in the denial of your Workers’ Compensation claim by your employer’s insurance provider. To prevent this, notify your employer of the accident within 21 days. The faster you report your accident, the sooner your employer can inform the insurance company about your injuries. Failure to report your injuries promptly might lead to the rejection of your claim, which would prevent you from receiving compensation for your injuries.
Get Medical Care
After reporting the incident to your employer, you should seek medical attention promptly. Failing to do so could result in your injuries worsening over time and a potential denial of your Workers’ Compensation claim. Your medical records will serve as critical evidence of your injuries and are necessary to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. Without them, it is unlikely that your employer’s insurance will cover your medical costs or time off work since there will be no professional opinion on your recovery prospects. Therefore, it is essential to keep track of your medical expenses and prescriptions to claim reimbursement from your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer later on.
If you sustain an injury at work, your medical expenses should be covered by Workers’ Compensation. However, there is a requirement to follow if your employer has a specific network of physicians for workplace injuries. Usually, you will have to receive medical treatment from one of those doctors. You might have some flexibility to choose your own doctor in certain situations or if your employer does not offer a list of physicians.
Gather Relevant Evidence
In the event of a workplace accident in Hempfield Township, it is important to gather evidence that highlights what caused the incident and who was involved. This can include taking pictures of the scene and your injuries, as well as obtaining any reports that your employer might have filed. If there were surveillance cameras present, it is possible that the accident was recorded, but it is crucial to act quickly to obtain the footage before it is deleted. Additionally, keeping a record of the time you missed work due to the accident is recommended.
For the best chance of a successful Workers’ Compensation claim, it is important to provide details of the events leading up to and following the accident. Specifics like the weather, location, and time of day should be included if possible. The more precise and comprehensive your account, the higher the likelihood of receiving the necessary compensation.
It would also be helpful to talk to anyone who witnessed your accident and ask them to share their recollection of the events. If they are willing, get their contact information and names. Witnesses might be able to provide important details that can support your claim and establish the facts.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
In Pennsylvania, it is the responsibility of workers to file their Workers’ Compensation claims directly with the state board instead of relying on their employers to do so. Once the claim is approved, benefits can be expected to start after a seven-day waiting period, and temporary benefits might also be available. In the event of a temporary claim, the insurance provider for your employer might investigate further. As per the law, insurance companies have 90 days to make a final decision on a Workers’ Compensation claim.
In the event that your claim is rejected, there could be various reasons for it. But you do have the option to challenge the denial of your claim. This will allow you to rectify any errors in your initial filing or obtain additional evidence that you can include in your appeal.
Our Hempfield Township Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help
Contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 for a free case review with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys.