Most workers in Lower Merion show up to their jobs every day without incident. However, sometimes the unthinkable occurs, leaving you injured after a workplace accident and in need of compensation.
Fortunately, you can claim the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to if you were injured on the job. However, you must ensure you complete the necessary steps of the process to get coverage for your damages. This includes reporting your accident to your employer and receiving prompt medical treatment. If your claim is denied for some reason, our team can help you appeal a denial so that you get the compensation you deserve.
Call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates today at (215) 355-6400 for a free case evaluation with our Workers’ Compensation lawyers.
What to Do to Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Lower Merion
If you sustain an injury while working in Lower Merion, it can be an extremely stressful experience. However, there are certain steps you can take to increase your chances of obtaining benefits for your Workers’ Compensation claim. Although the process may seem daunting, our team of Workers’ Compensation lawyers is here to guide you through every step. With our help, you can have the best possible chance of recovering the benefits that you rightfully deserve.
Seek Medical Care
If you sustain an injury at work, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Failing to do so may cause your injuries to worsen and could even lead to your Workers’ Compensation claim being denied. Your medical records will be essential evidence of your injuries and will help ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Without them, your employer’s insurance is unlikely to cover your medical expenses or time off work, as there will be no professional assessment of your recovery prospects. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of your medical expenses and prescriptions, so you can claim reimbursement from your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer later on.
Workers’ Compensation should cover your medical treatment, but there is a caveat. If your employer has a designated network of physicians for workplace injuries, you will typically have to seek medical care from one of those doctors. However, you may have the option to choose a different doctor under specific circumstances or if your employer does not provide a list of doctors.
Report Your Injuries to Your Employer
In the event of a work-related injury in Lower Merion, it is crucial to inform your supervisor or employer immediately. Failure to do so promptly might result in the denial of your Workers’ Compensation claim by your employer’s insurance provider. To avoid this, report your accident to your employer within 21 days. The quicker you report your injury, the sooner your employer can inform the insurance company of your injuries. Delaying the reporting of your injuries could result in the rejection of your claim, which would prevent you from receiving compensation for your injuries.
Gather Evidence Relating to Your Accident
It is also important to gather evidence that establishes the cause of the incident and the individuals involved. This may involve taking photos of the scene and your injuries, as well as reviewing any reports filed by your employer. You should also try to obtain any surveillance footage that may have captured the accident, as it may be erased if you delay. It is also crucial to keep track of any time you have to take off work due to the accident.
For a higher chance of the approval of your Workers’ Compensation claim, it is essential to provide information about the events leading up to and after the accident. Try to remember details such as weather, location, and time of day and include them in your report. The more specifics you can provide, the better your chances of receiving the necessary compensation.
Also, talk to anyone who witnessed your accident and gather their account of what happened. If they are willing, be sure to get their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable information that can help support your claim and prove the facts of the incident.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
In Lower Merion and throughout Pennsylvania, it is the responsibility of workers to file their Workers’ Compensation claim with the state Workers’ Compensation Board. Despite the common practice in other states, employers do not take on this task. Once your claim is approved, you will receive benefits after a seven-day waiting period. In some cases, you may receive temporary benefits while your employer’s insurance provider investigates your claim further. The insurance company has up to 90 days to make a final decision on your Workers’ Compensation claim as per the law.
In case your claim gets denied, there could be various reasons behind it. However, the good news is that you can challenge the denial by filing an appeal. This will enable you to rectify any errors in your initial filing or gather additional evidence to support your appeal.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied in Lower Merion
Sometimes, claims are not approved due to missing or inaccurate information submitted by the victim. Additionally, claims may be rejected if the injuries did not happen during work hours or if they were not reported in a timely manner. In cases where medical records are not adequate to prove that the injuries prevented the victim from working, the claim could also be denied.
If your claim is denied, it is not the end of the road. You have the option to appeal to a Workers’ Compensation judge, who will be assigned to your case. During the hearing, both sides will present evidence and arguments, and the judge will make a decision based on what they hear.
In case the judge does not rule in your favor, you have the option to file an appeal within 20 calendar days of the decision, either electronically or by mail, with the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board. If the board affirms the judge’s decision to deny your claim, you can further appeal to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.
If you are not satisfied with an adverse decision made by the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, you have a 30-day period to file an appeal with the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. If your claim is still denied, you can pursue a final appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Keep in mind that the appeal must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court within 30 days of receiving the Commonwealth Court’s decision.
Our Lower Merion Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help
For a free review of your case with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys, contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400.
