Workplace injuries can have a devastating impact on individuals. Fortunately, workers who are injured in Perkasie could be eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation to help cover their damages.
There are numerous dangers that pose a risk to Perkasie workers, and accidents can occur in countless ways. Fortunately, our firm is here to assist you in preparing your Workers’ Compensation claim and ensuring that your rights are protected. We will help you collect the necessary documentation to strengthen your claim and give you the best chance of having your claim approved the first time it is submitted.
Contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 for a free case consultation with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys.
What You Must Do to Recover Workers’ Compensation in Perkasie
Sustaining an injury while working in Perkasie can be a highly stressful ordeal. Nevertheless, there are several measures you can take to help in obtaining benefits for your Workers’ Compensation claim. While the process might seem overwhelming, our Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help you navigate your case through every step. This will give you the best possible chance to recover the benefits you deserve.
Report the Accident
If you sustain a work-related injury in Perkasie, it is important to inform your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Failure to report the injury promptly might result in your employer’s insurance provider denying your Workers’ Compensation claim. To avoid this, report your accident to your employer within 21 days. The sooner your accident is reported, the sooner your employer can report your injuries to the insurance company. Delaying the reporting of your injuries could lead to a rejection of your claim, which would prevent you from receiving compensation for your injuries.
Get Medical Treatment
It is essential that you promptly seek medical attention after reporting the incident to your employer. Delaying treatment could not only lead to your injuries worsening over time, but it could also result in a Workers’ Compensation claims denial. Your medical records will serve as crucial evidence of your injuries and will be 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, as there will be no professional opinion on your recovery prospects. Thus, it is vital that you keep track of your medical expenses and prescriptions, so you can claim reimbursement from your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurer later on.
While your medical treatment should be covered by Workers’ Compensation, there is a catch. If your employer works with a certain network of physicians in the event of a workplace injury, you will usually need to seek medical care with one of those doctors. You can see you choose under limited circumstances or if your employer does not provide a doctors list.
Gather Information
After a Perkasie workplace accident, you should collect evidence that demonstrates the cause of the incident and the parties involved. This evidence can include pictures of your injuries and the incident scene, as well as any reports filed by your employer. It is also possible that your accident was captured on surveillance cameras, but you will need to act quickly to obtain the footage before it is erased. Additionally, you should keep a record of the time you had to take off work due to the accident.
To give your Workers’ Compensation claim the best chance of getting approved, you should include information about what occurred immediately before and after the accident. If you can recall specific details such as weather conditions, location, and time of day, be sure to include those, as well. The more specific and detailed your report, the more likely you will receive the compensation you need.
Also, speak with anyone who was present during your accident to get their account of what happened. If they are willing to provide it, get their names and contact information. Witnesses can often provide valuable information that will help victims prove the facts made out in their claims.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
It might seem counterintuitive, but it is not your employer who will be the one to file your Workers’ Compensation claim. While that is the standard in other states, Pennsylvania workers are responsible for filing their claims with the state Workers’ Compensation Board. If your claim is approved, you can expect to start receiving benefits after a mandatory seven-day waiting period. You could also start receiving benefits on a temporary basis. In this situation, your employer’s insurance provider can look further into your claim. The law provides 90 days for insurance companies to make a final determination on a Workers’ Compensation claim.
If your claim is denied, it could be for any number of reasons. Fortunately, you can appeal a claim’s denial. This will give you the opportunity to correct any mistakes in your filing or gather other necessary evidence to submit with your appeal.
Common Types of Accidents that Workers’ Compensation Can Cover in Perkasie
If you work in Perkasie, there are several ways you might get hurt on the job. Unfortunately, many of these incidents can lead to severe injuries that can drastically alter your life. The following are the most frequent reasons for workplace accidents in Perkasie:
Vehicle Accidents
Workplace accidents in Perkasie involving vehicles can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Inattentive drivers can be a significant risk to workers, especially on open worksites like construction jobs where parties come in and out daily. However, you could be injured by a negligent driver while making deliveries or providing other services for your employer. If you are injured due to a careless driver, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible individual or the company that maintains the vehicle that injured you.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are another frequent cause of Workers’ Compensation claims in Perkasie. Many slip and fall accidents occur at work due to uneven surfaces or holes. These accidents can also happen when workers leave cables, ladders, or other items on the ground or if standing water is collected because a coworker failed to clean their work area. Slip and fall injuries can be much more severe than workers expect, with many victims often needing surgery and physical therapy to recover fully.
Falling Accidents
Workplace injuries caused by falling from heights are prevalent in Perkasie. Such incidents happen when workers fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated workspaces. The resulting injuries from falls frequently involve traumatic head injuries and back and spinal cord injuries, which can be debilitating and even life-threatening.
Inadequate training for working at heights can lead to fall accidents. This can happen when employees are not given enough information on proper equipment use, including fall protection systems and guardrails, as well as safe walking areas on elevated surfaces. Employers have the responsibility of providing comprehensive training to their employees so that they are protected.
Our Perkasie Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
For a free case evaluation with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 today.
