If you are injured at work, you will likely be worrying how to cover the costs of your injuries and how you will derive income while out of work. Fortunately, most workers in in Scranton are covered by their employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance.
When injured on the job, you will need to confirm that your employer does, in fact, provide coverage. If so, you should report your accident at once. This way, you can get medical treatment immediately and get the claims process moving. If your claim is approved, you can rest easy knowing that your medical expenses will be covered. Also, you will receive benefits to cover your lost income, albeit at a reduced amount.
For a free case evaluation with our Workers’ Compensation lawyers, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400.
What to Do to Claim Workers’ Compensation in Scranton
It is essential to know what steps to take if you get injured while on the job to ensure that you receive compensation promptly. Initially, you must confirm that your employer provides Workers’ Compensation insurance to cover your injuries. If that is the case, you can be eligible for compensation even if you were responsible for your workplace accident. Our Workers’ Compensation lawyers can help you prepare the necessary documentation so your claim can get approved. However, the process is not instant, and it could take up to seven days for your benefits to commence.
Determine If Your Employer Provides Coverage
Starting a Workers’ Compensation claim can be a confusing process. Many people do not anticipate getting injured at work and are unaware of the necessary steps to take. Fortunately, if your employer is subject to 34 Pa Code § 121.3b(a), they are required to post information about Workers’ Compensation rights and instructions on how to file a claim. Further, new employees should be informed of their rights on the first day, which is when your coverage begins.
If an employer has no Workers’ Compensation insurance information posted on their walls, they might not be in compliance with the law. The good news is that you can easily check if your employer has coverage by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website. If you find that they are not providing the required coverage, it could be necessary to take legal action to seek damages for any injuries you sustained on the job.
Report Your Accident and Submit Your Claim
To start the Workers’ Compensation process, it is important to report any injuries you suffered immediately. Early reporting increases the chances of getting your claim approved without complications. In case you are unable to report immediately due to the severity of the injuries, you have 21 days to inform your employer about the accident.
After reporting your accident, your employer is required to file a claim with their Workers’ Compensation insurance provider within seven days. To support your claim for benefits, you will need to provide evidence, such as medical examinations and diagnoses related to your injuries, which should include your likely recovery period. Once you have collected the necessary documentation, you must personally submit your Workers’ Compensation claim. You can find the required steps and forms here.
Receive Your Benefits
Once your claim is approved, you can expect to start receiving benefits after seven days. However, it is important to determine whether the compensation is temporary or not. Temporary compensation means that the insurance company needs more time to investigate your claim, which can take up to 90 days. After that, the insurance company must either approve or deny your claim. Once your claim is finally approved, you will receive a notice of compensation payable confirming your compensation agreement. If your claim is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision to a Workers’ Compensation Judge and can appeal further if that proves unsuccessful.
What Doctor to Visit for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Scranton
When workers sustain injuries while on the job, they are often unsure about where to seek medical treatment. Generally, the employer will provide a list of physicians to choose from. Each doctor on the list is contracted with the employer to provide healthcare, but you must choose one from that list if one is provided.
Usually, this is not a problem. However, there are instances when a doctor may misdiagnose or advise you to go back to work despite your inability to do so. Alternatively, your company’s physician may suggest surgery. In such cases, seeking a second opinion from your own doctor is possible. Nevertheless, if the second opinion confirms the initial physician’s recommendation, you must have the procedure with the initial doctor.
Types of Damages that Workers’ Compensation Covers in Scranton
If you sustain an injury while working in Scranton, Workers’ Compensation can provide you with benefits to cover certain losses, commonly known as “damages.” While you are unable to work, Workers’ Compensation will cover a portion of your income in addition to medical expenses incurred while treating your injuries. However, it is important to note that compensation for pain and suffering cannot be recovered through Worker’s Compensation.
Medical Expenses
Workers who have been injured on the job are eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses related to their injuries. This includes doctor visits, visits to chiropractors, and prescription medications. In addition, many injured workers require physical therapy to fully recover, which should also be covered by your Workers’ Compensation benefits.
You can expect coverage for additional medical expenses related to your injuries, such as braces, crutches, and other necessary supplies. Additionally, surgeries will usually be covered if they are relevant to treating your injuries. However, any treatments, procedures, or medications that are considered unnecessary will likely not be covered.
Lost Income
If you suffer from a work-related injury or illness, Workers’ Compensation insurance can help you recover lost income. Its purpose is to cover your wages until you are able to return to work after recovering from your injuries. For instance, if you break your leg while on the job and are unable to work for several weeks, you will receive compensation for the days you missed until you are cleared by your doctor to return to work with accommodations for your injury.
However, under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation rules, lost wages are not compensated at the same rate as your normal pay. Typically, injured workers receive two-thirds, or 66%, of their weekly income while out of work. The good news is that benefits for lost wages are not taxed. But the duration of your compensation will vary depending on the nature of your injury. For example, the loss of a body part is compensated for a specific number of weeks based on which appendage was lost.
Our Scranton Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 today for a free case assessment with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys.
