Hazleton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
When you are injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. This type of insurance is designed to help provide medical benefits and wage replacement for your injuries, regardless of who is at fault. You must file a claim immediately, otherwise, you may not be eligible for benefits. If your claim was overlooked or denied, you need the assistance of an experienced Hazleton workers’ compensation lawyer. At O’Donnell Law Offices, our team of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers has years of experience helping clients whose benefits have been wrongfully denied.
We understand how scary this can be, especially if you cannot work at all right now. You shouldn’t go through this alone. Our workers’ compensation lawyers will work tirelessly to make sure you get the benefits you’re entitled to, and thereby the compensation you need to live on until you are fully back on your feet again.
What Benefits are Available Under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Coverage?
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act dates back to 1915 and allows workers injured on the job to receive special compensation, even if they inadvertently caused the incident. The law is meant to protect both employees and employers. It allows employees to file a claim for benefits while protecting the employer from being sued by the employee.
Some potential benefits available to an injured worker can include:
- Reimbursement of medical expenses, including doctor visits, lab tests, surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy, etc.
- Compensation for a permanent injury, like the loss of a limb
- Partial or total disability payments when an employee cannot work, either at full capacity or not at all
- Death benefits that will be paid to minor dependents and the spouse in the event that the employee passes away from the work-related injury
How the Workers’ Compensation Process Works in Pennsylvania
While the concept seems simple, the process is far more complicated when it comes time to use benefits. The workers’ compensation carrier may deny your benefits if you don’t fill out the claim paperwork properly or follow the exact procedures. For example, you must let your employer know within 21 days of being injured. If you do not let someone know by 120 days, your claim could be barred entirely.
Notifying your employer right away is crucial to helping your case. It gives them time to investigate and determine whether or not your claim should be approved. You shouldn’t go out on your own to seek treatment and then try to get them to reimburse you. Depending on the circumstances of your injuries, the workers’ compensation carrier may require that you see a healthcare provider of their choice to examine you.
Contact a Hazleton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can still file an appeal. There is a time limit applicable in appeals as well. You’ll need to file a petition, appear at a hearing, and present evidence that supports your claim for worker’s compensation benefits. Don’t run the risk of having your appeal denied as well; let our Hazleton workers’ compensation lawyers help. Contact O’Donnell Law Offices today to schedule an initial consultation.
