An on-the-job injury might prevent you from returning to work, but it should not prevent you from continuing to support yourself and your family. A Workers’ Compensation claim can help you stay afloat while you recover.
In Pennsylvania, all employers are legally required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance. Typically, claimants are barred from suing their employers for their injuries, and Workers’ Compensation is often the exclusive remedy available. You can usually claim medical coverage through Workers’ Compensation beginning on the date of your injury, and lost wages may be paid once you have been disabled for more than 7 days. Your claim begins on the day of your injury, and you should immediately report the accident to your employer. Once you have received medical attention, contact a lawyer to discuss getting your claim started.
If you were hurt in a work-related accident, the Workers’ Compensation system might help pay for medical bills and make up for lost income. Call our Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation lawyers to discuss your situation in a free case review. Call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400.
How the Workers’ Compensation System Works in Quakertown, PA
Workers’ Compensation is paid through insurance, and most employers in Pennsylvania are required by law to carry this insurance. Certain employers might be exempt from Workers’ Compensation, such as people who employ domestic servants. If you are unsure whether your employer carries Workers; Compensation insurance, speak to our Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation attorneys for guidance.
If Workers’ Compensation applies in your case, it is usually considered the sole legal remedy, meaning your only legal option is to file a Workers’ Compensation claim. Lawsuits against employers are typically prohibited, barring special exceptions. You can sue your boss if they do not carry the necessary insurance or if they willfully or intentionally caused the accident.
Workers’ Compensation generally pays for medical bills, lost income, specific losses, and death benefits, at least to a certain extent. Injured employees must usually see a doctor before receiving any benefits. Your employer can request you to visit a doctor of their choosing for initial treatment and evaluation, but any additional care may be from a doctor of your own choosing.
Workers’ Compensation is not meant to be permanent. If you are still disabled and unable to return to work after your Workers’ Compensation claim has been exhausted, you might want to consider filing for more permanent disability benefits.
When You Can Claim Workers’ Compensation in Quakertown, PA
Exactly when you can start collecting Workers’ Compensation payments may vary from case to case. Certain benefits might be available immediately, while others become available after a specific period of time. Additionally, Workers’ Compensation benefits do not last forever, and there are limits on how you can receive payments depending on the extent of your injuries.
Payments for medical expenses are usually available beginning on the date of your injury. This is why it is important to immediately report your accident to your employer and seek immediate medical care. If you do not notify your employer or wait to seek medical care, your payments for medical expenses might be delayed or even denied.
Workers’ Compensation might also cover your lost income to a certain extent. Lost wages are usually payable after the claimant is disabled for more than 7 days. These days do not have to be consecutive and may occur over a period of time. You can receive retroactive payments for lost income beginning from the date of your injury once you have been disabled for 14 days. Our Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help you provide notice to your employer and start your claim quickly.
Again, it is of the utmost importance that you notify your employer of your injuries the day they occur. Unless you inform the employer of the accident within 21 days or they otherwise know about the accident, no compensation will be paid until notice is given. If at least 120 days have passed and no notice has been given, you might be unable to claim compensation.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Quakertown, PA
Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim always begins with notifying your employer of the accident and your injuries. As discussed earlier, waiting to notify your employer could jeopardize your claim and prevent you from receiving payments. If you are unsure where to begin, call our Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation lawyers for help.
Once you report your accident and injuries to your employer, they must send a report to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. However, your employer has the right to accept or deny your claim. If your employer decides to deny your claim, you and your attorney can file a petition with the Bureau and arrange a hearing with a Workers’ Compensation judge.
Once your claim is filed, you will likely have to see a doctor to be evaluated. This is important as a medical evaluation may be used to determine what kind of benefits you receive and for how long. For example, there are different benefits for total and partial disability.
Total disability benefits are paid when a claimant is considered totally disabled and unable to work at all. These benefits last 104 weeks before your employer or the insurance company can request another medical evaluation to see if your condition has improved. Partial disability payments apply to claimants who can still work but at a capacity of at least 35% and may last for 500 weeks.
How a Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Assist You
An attorney can help you as soon as possible. For many injured workers, just getting their claim filed can be difficult. They might not realize that they have to notify their employer, or their employer might refuse to submit a report to the proper authorities. In such cases, our Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help you get your claim filed.
An attorney can also help you schedule doctor’s appointments so you have the necessary documentation and evidence from a doctor to prove that your injuries are real and prevent you from working. Suppose you are still disabled after some time of collecting Workers’ Compensation payments. In that case, your attorney can help you explore other legal options, such as a more permanent option for disability benefits.
Call Our Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation
A work-related injury can be a significant hindrance that prevents you from making a living and supporting yourself. Our Quakertown, PA Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help you file a claim to receive medical expenses and lost income payments. For a free case review, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400.
