Workers in Manheim Township typically go to their jobs without incident. However, workplace accidents may occur, resulting in injuries and a need for compensation.
Thankfully, if you were hurt while working, you have the right to receive the appropriate workers’ compensation benefits. It is important to follow the necessary steps in order to receive coverage for any damages you may have sustained. This involves reporting the accident to your employer and seeking medical attention as soon as possible. If your claim is rejected, our team can assist you in appealing the decision, ensuring that you receive the compensation that is rightfully yours.
For a free review of your case with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys, contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400.
Who Can File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Manheim Township
Most employees who are injured while working in Manheim Township can rely on Workers’ Compensation to cover their medical expenses and lost wages. Pennsylvania law requires that most employers have Workers’ Compensation insurance, which typically provides benefits regardless of who is at fault. To qualify for coverage, you must be classified as an employee by your employer. If you are classified as an independent contractor, you might not be covered by your employer’s insurance.
However, in the state of Pennsylvania, if your employer has designated you as an independent contractor, you might not be recognized as a standard employee according to Workers’ Compensation law. This could potentially hinder your ability to file a claim. However, our team is available to evaluate your circumstances and determine if your employer has made a misclassification.
How Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help Your Case in Manheim Township
When filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in Manheim Township, having an attorney on your side can be advantageous. While it is not obligatory to hire legal representation, it can provide valuable assistance in navigating the system and addressing any complications that might arise. Our team is capable of offering guidance in a variety of ways, such as the ways listed below:
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
After receiving medical attention, we can guide you through the necessary steps to file your Workers’ Compensation claim. It is important to note that in Pennsylvania, claimants are responsible for filing their own claims, which some might not realize. Your employer is obligated to notify their Workers’ Compensation insurance provider of your injuries, but you must handle the rest, including understanding crucial deadlines for filing. This can be overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with the claims process.
It is crucial to provide all necessary supporting documents and ensure that there are no mistakes in your paperwork to avoid costly delays or claim denial. We are here to assist you in reviewing your case, identifying missing evidence, and guiding you in obtaining it. With organized and gathered evidence, you can submit your claim with confidence and increase the likelihood of its approval.
Appeal Your Claim If It is Denied
If your Workers’ Compensation claim has not been approved, employers and insurance companies will need to provide an explanation to support their choice. Our firm can aid you in challenging the decision. In some cases, the denial might be the result of clerical mistakes, which can be fixed by gathering the appropriate paperwork or correctly filling out the filing forms when resubmitting the claim.
If your claim is denied for valid reasons, you have the option to appeal the decision. Keep in mind that seeking legal advice might not guarantee a positive outcome. Your appeal will first be evaluated by a Workers’ Compensation judge, with the possibility of subsequent appeals to the Pennsylvania state court. However, it is important to note that if the initial reasons for the denial are not addressed, the judge or court might uphold the rejection of your claim.
Determine Whether Filing a Lawsuit is Necessary
There might be instances where Workers’ Compensation is not an available option. While most individuals are prohibited from suing for work-related injuries if they receive Workers’ Compensation, some injuries that are not covered require a lawsuit to receive compensation. For instance, if you are an independent contractor, you will likely need to file a lawsuit since such workers are typically not covered under their employer’s insurance. Similarly, if your injuries were caused by a third party not liable to your employer, a lawsuit is usually necessary.
What to Do After Suffering an Injury at Work in Manheim Township
Getting compensation for a workplace accident through Workers’ Compensation involves a number of important steps. It is a complicated process, so leaving out any of those steps could lead to your claim being denied. You stand the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve by taking the following steps after getting injured on the job in Manheim Township:
Notify Your Employer
In the event of a work-related injury, it is crucial to inform your employer promptly to file for Workers’ Compensation. Failing to do so might negatively affect your claim and prevent you from receiving appropriate compensation. While it is best to report the incident right after it happens, Pennsylvania law allows you up to 21 days from the injury date to notify your employer. However, delaying until the deadline can increase the likelihood of complications and reduce your chances of obtaining compensation.
Get Medical Care
Once you inform your employer about your accident, they will inform their insurance provider. It is important for you to undergo a medical evaluation, which is typically conducted by a doctor selected by your employer. If your employer does not provide a list of doctors, you might choose one yourself. However, it is crucial to do so promptly in order to prevent the insurance company from questioning the severity of your injuries and possibly rejecting your claim. If the doctor recommends a treatment that does not seem suitable for your injuries or insists that you can return to work even if you have not fully recovered, you are entitled to seek a second opinion from your own doctor.
File Your Claim
If you have been injured while working, it is your responsibility to file a Workers’ Compensation claim for compensation. In order for your claim to be approved, you need to provide evidence that clearly shows the extent of your injuries and the amount of time needed for recovery before you can return to work. Once your claim is approved, you will start receiving payments after a 7-day waiting period. However, it is important to note that the insurance company might reject your claim even after payments have started. They have a 90-day period to do so. In case your claim is denied, you can challenge the decision and have your evidence reviewed by a Workers’ Compensation judge.
Our Manheim Township Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates today at (215) 355-6400 for a free case evaluation with our Workers’ Compensation lawyers.
