In State College, the majority of employees attend work regularly and without any issues. Nevertheless, there are instances where unexpected events take place, resulting in injuries due to workplace accidents, which might require compensation.
If you were injured while working, you have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. To ensure that you receive coverage for your damages, it is important that you follow the necessary steps in the process. This includes reporting the accident to your employer and seeking medical attention right away. If your claim is denied, our team is available to assist you in appealing the decision so that you can receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
Contact Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400 today for a free case assessment with our Workers’ Compensation attorneys.
Steps to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in State College
If you sustain an injury while working, it is crucial to know what steps to take to ensure that you receive timely compensation. Firstly, you should verify if your employer provides Workers’ Compensation insurance to cover your injuries. In case they do, you could still qualify for compensation even if the accident was your fault. Our Workers’ Compensation attorneys can help you compile essential documentation to increase the chances of your claim being approved. However, it is important to note that the process is not immediate, and it might take up to seven days for your benefits to begin.
Determine Whether You Are Covered
Initiating a claim for Workers’ Compensation can be perplexing for many individuals. Sustaining an injury at work might not have been anticipated, leaving people unsure of the necessary steps to take. The good news is that if your employer is subject to 34 Pa Code § 121.3b(a), they are obligated to display information regarding Workers’ Compensation rights and instructions on how to file a claim. Additionally, new employees should be informed of their rights on the first day of employment, which is also when your coverage begins.
If an employer does not have any Workers’ Compensation insurance information displayed on their walls, they might not be meeting legal requirements. Fortunately, you can determine if your employer has coverage by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website. If you discover that they are not offering the necessary coverage, it might be necessary to pursue legal action to receive compensation for any workplace injuries you might have sustained.
Report and File Your Claim
If you want to begin the process for Workers’ Compensation, it is crucial to report any injuries you have sustained as soon as possible. This will improve your chances of having your claim approved without any issues. If you are unable to report immediately due to the severity of your injuries, you have up to 21 days to inform your employer about the accident.
When you inform your employer about your accident, they have to submit a claim to their Workers’ Compensation insurance provider within a week. To validate your request for benefits, you must provide proof, such as medical assessments and diagnoses that relate to your injuries, including an estimated time for recovery. After gathering all the necessary documents, you are responsible for submitting your Workers’ Compensation claim on your own. You can find the necessary procedures and forms at this link.
Visit an Approved Doctor
In the event of a work-related injury, employees might be unsure of where to go for medical attention. Employers typically offer a roster of doctors to select from, all of whom are contracted to provide healthcare. However, if a list is provided, one must choose a doctor from it.
Sometimes, doctors might give you advice that is not accurate or suggest that you return to work when you are unable to do so. Additionally, your employer’s physician might recommend surgery. If this happens, you can get a second opinion from your own doctor. However, if your doctor agrees with the initial recommendation, you should proceed with the procedure with the initial physician.
Receive Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
After your claim has been approved, you can expect to begin receiving benefits in about a week’s time. It is, however, crucial to determine whether the compensation is temporary or not. Temporary compensation means that the insurance company requires more time to investigate your claim, which can take up to 90 days. Following this, the insurance company must either approve or deny your claim. Once your claim is ultimately 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 necessary.
Compensation That Can Be Recovered in a Workers’ Compensation Claim in State College
If you happen to get injured while working in State College, you can receive benefits from Workers’ Compensation to cover some of your losses, which are commonly referred to as “damages.” During your period of inability to work, Workers’ Compensation will cover part of your income and medical expenses that arise from treating your injuries. However, it is essential to understand that you cannot recover any compensation for pain and suffering through Worker’s Compensation.
Medical Expenses
Employees who have suffered injuries while working are entitled to receive compensation that will cover the medical costs associated with their injuries. This might include expenses for seeing doctors, chiropractors and purchasing prescribed medicines. Furthermore, a lot of injured workers might require physical therapy to recover completely, which should also be covered under their Workers’ Compensation benefits.
You should anticipate receiving compensation for any extra medical costs that are connected to your injuries, including items like braces, crutches, and other essential supplies. In the same vein, surgeries that are relevant to treating your injuries will typically be covered. Nevertheless, any treatments, procedures, or medications that are considered surplus to requirements will probably not be included.
Lost Income
If you experience an injury or illness related to your work, you can rely on Workers’ Compensation insurance to help you recuperate lost wages. Its objective is to compensate you for your earnings until you can resume your work after recovering from your injuries. For example, if you fracture your leg while on duty and are not able to work for a few weeks, you will receive compensation for the days you missed until your doctor clears you to go back to work with adjustments for your injury.
Under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation rules, lost wages are not compensated at the same rate as your normal pay. Typically, injured workers receive two-thirds (66%) of their weekly income while out of work. However, the good news is that benefits for lost wages are not taxed. The duration of your compensation will vary based on the nature of your injury. For instance, the loss of a body part is compensated for a specific number of weeks, depending on which appendage was lost.
Our State College Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
For a free case evaluation with our Workers’ Compensation lawyers, call Lerner, Steinberg & Associates at (215) 355-6400.
