Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The workplace environment can be a dangerous one, no matter what industry. Work-related and on-the-job hazards are common, and you might not realize how frequently employees are exposed to risks. According to data from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, there are approximately 161,500 reports of workplace medical conditions reported to state officials every year.
More than 60 percent of these employees will be forced to take time off, work through a job restriction, or get transferred because of their injuries. Along with medical costs, wage loss, and other consequences are devastating. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law is intended to provide the essential support and services injured workers need during these difficult times.
However, the claims process can be overwhelming when you are trying to recover from your injuries. You can count on our team at the Quinn Law Group to tackle the important tasks and deal with your employer’s insurance company, so please contact us today. We are happy to set up a free consultation with a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney who can provide specifics, but an overview is useful.
Overview of Workers’ Comp and Eligibility Rules
The goal of the system is to get injured workers back to health and back to work quickly, so it is not necessary to prove that your employer was at fault. The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation act requires companies to carry workers’ comp insurance to pay out claims when an employee suffers from an on-the-job medical condition. Therefore, you must qualify under the three key criteria:
- You must be a covered employee, rather than an independent contractor.
- Your medical condition must be the result of a work-related accident or occupational disease.
- You must notify your employer about your workplace injuries within 21 days.
Though you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent in causing your injuries, there is a caveat. Filing a workers’ compensation claim is your sole remedy under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, so you cannot pursue a civil lawsuit in court. There are exceptions where a third party was the cause of a job-related accident, such as if you were injured in a car crash while working.
Philadelphia, PA Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Injured Workers
If you qualify for coverage due to a work-related injury or occupational disease, there is a wide range of benefits available through a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:
- Medical Bills: Workers’ comp pays for all reasonable and necessary expenses to treat your injuries or occupational illness.
- Wage Replacement: Injured workers may be eligible to receive a percentage of their average weekly wages if they miss time from work.
- Disability: Total disability payments are available for workers who are unable to return to their job because of a work-related medical condition. Those employees who can work, but at a lower capacity, may obtain amounts for partial disability.
- Permanent Injury: If a workplace accident results in amputation or other loss of a body part, vision, or hearing, workers’ compensation benefits pay for permanent injury.
- Death Benefits: When an employee is killed in an on-the-job accident or dies because of an occupational disease, surviving family members may obtain amounts for death benefits.
Challenges with a Workers’ Compensation Claim
It may seem that filing a workers’ comp claim with your employer’s insurer would be as simple as filling out forms, but you could encounter pitfalls. These companies are in business for profit, so they may try to evade paying your claim. The adjuster may allege that your injuries did not warrant certain medical treatment or contest your ability to work.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney at the Quinn Law Group can deal with insurance companies and are relentless in enforcing the rights of injured workers. You can count on a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney to take on such tasks as:
- Gathering evidence and reviewing medical records.
- Completing all forms and submitting supporting documentation to prove your claim.
- Discussing settlement options with your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company.
- Participating in mediation or other proceedings before the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry; and,
- Taking your workers’ compensation case to court if the insurer refuses to pay fair workers’ comp benefits.
Consult with Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Legal Help
Challenges with the workers’ comp claims process can lead to delays or denials at a time when you need your workers’ compensation benefits most. The Quinn Law Group is ready to support injured workers, so please call (215) 360-3666 or visit us online to schedule a complimentary case review with a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer. After learning more about your circumstances, our law firm can discuss the next steps.