Suffering an injury at work can be both physical devastating as well as financially devastating. Fortunately, the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act covers nearly every employee. A worker who is injured on the job may be entitled to significant payments for their injuries. However, the Workers’ Compensation process can be difficult to navigate and if you fail to follow all the procedures and guidelines, then you may find your Workers’ Compensation claim denied.
That is why if you have suffered a workplace injury you should work with an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney who can help not only guide you through the process but who can help you file an appeal if your claim is denied. At Lerner, Steinberg & Associates we strive to help you through every step of the Workers’ Compensation process. Our results-driven attorneys have established themselves as some of the most respected Workers’ Compensation attorneys in the Philadelphia region. If you have questions or concerns about your Workers’ Compensation claim, contact us today for a free consultation at (215) 355-6400, or fill out our online contact form.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ Compensation benefits are used by those who have been injured on the job or have become ill as a result of their work, or even for those who have aggravated a pre-existing condition as a result of their work. These payments are designed to pay for medical expenses as well as cover lost wages a worker suffers as a result of work-related injury. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act you may be entitled to several types of benefits such as:
- Payments For Lost Wages -Wage-loss benefits are available if it is determined that you are totally disabled and unable to work or partially disabled and receiving wages less than your pre-injury earnings.
- Death Benefits If the injury results in death, surviving dependents may be entitled to benefits.
- Specific Loss Benefits If you have lost the permanent use of all or part of your thumb, finger, hand, arm, leg, foot, toe, sight, hearing or have a serious and permanent disfigurement on your head, face or neck, you may be entitled to a specific loss award.
- Medical Care Employers are responsible for advising workers of their rights and duties under Section 306(f.1)(1)(i) of the Act. The written notice of these rights and duties is to be provided to the employee at the time of injury or as soon after the injury as is practicable.
The Workers’ Compensation system in Pennsylvania is truly designed to help those workers who have been injured recover for their injuries.
Workplace Injuries that are Common in Reading
According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 2.9 million nonfatal workplace injuries in 2015. According to Liberty Mutual, one of the most common injuries in the workplace stems from overexertion and costs employers nearly $25 billion dollars in Workers’ Compensation every year. In addition to this injury type other common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Knee injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured on the job nearly every seven seconds which results in 12,900 workers who are injured every day.
What Should You do if You have been Injured on the Job?
If you have been injured on the job, the first thing that you should do is notify your employer that you have sustained an injury while on the job. This is a critical component of any Workers’ Compensation case because if a worker fails to give their employer notice of their injury within 21 days of their injury, then their Workers’ Compensation payments may be delayed or even denied. In addition, if you do not notify your employer or a workplace injury within 120 days of the injury, then you will not be entitled to receive Workers’ Compensation payments.
Our Reading, Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Are Here to Help
The Reading, Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Lerner, Steinberg & Associates bring a combined total of 60 years of experience to your work-related injury claim. Please contact us immediately upon sustaining an injury from a work-related accident or activity in any Southeast Pennsylvania workplace located in Delaware County, Chester County, Berks County, Bucks County, Montgomery County or Philadelphia County. Our Delaware County Workers’ Compensation lawyers can advise you on the best strategy for maximizing benefits, whether as a lump-sum cash settlement or ongoing benefits. We will listen to the details of your case, explain your options, and be there with you every step of the way. Contact us online or call us at (215) 355-6400 for a free consultation with one of our Chester County Workers’ Compensation lawyers about your rights and the value of your work-related injury claim.
