Receiving workers’ compensation benefits is essential to your daily life when you suffer an injury while performing work-related duties. However, it can be confusing, leaving you with many questions, such as wondering how long you can stay on workers’ compensation. Pennsylvania has the Workers’ Compensation Act detailing what benefits an injured worker receives and how long. When you are injured while performing work-related duties, you can receive medical benefits and wage loss benefits. A doctor will evaluate your injury or[…] Read More
Category: Work Benefits
Can Seasonal Employees Collect Workers’ Compensation?
Seasonal employees are vital to the operations of many businesses, but they are afforded different benefits than a full-time workers. Even though seasonal employees work fewer hours, they are not entirely immune to injury. Seasonal employees may be more susceptible to injury because they need more experience and training. So, it is fair to wonder if a seasonal employee is covered under workers’ compensation benefits like full-time employees. In Pennsylvania, almost all employees are covered under workers’ compensation benefits, including part-time,[…] Read More
Can I Choose My Own Treatment Plan After a Workplace Accident?
After a workplace accident, the injured worker must be seen by a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan. It is important to note that in Pennsylvania, you must see an employer-approved doctor within the first 90 days of treatment. The employer must also establish a list of at least six designated health care providers for the employee, and the employee is required to visit one of them or another designated physician. The employee must continue to[…] Read More
Can I Collect Workers’ Compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the passageway that surrounds the median nerve that provides sensation to the hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compensable injury if you can show your condition is directly related to your workplace. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company may try to deny your claim by saying your injury originated somewhere else, such as a sport you play regularly outside of work. Contact an experienced lawyer right away if your[…] Read More
Teachers and Workers’ Compensation
Like employees working outside of education, teachers usually are covered by workers’ compensation insurance that is purchased by their respective employers. Those employers usually are school districts or private schools, and they are subject to state requirements to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Whether you teach for a public school district or a private school, Pennsylvania law says your employer must provide you with workers’ compensation protection. If you suffer any kind of work-related injury or illness while teaching, the insurance[…] Read More
What Should Workers Know About Job Site Holes?
On job sites, there are many hazards. Many of these hazards can be dealt with, but accidents do occur. One of the biggest hazards on job sites are holes, which can lead to many injuries from falls. When workers have fallen and sustain various injuries because of onsite working conditions, an experienced lawyer can work with victims to aid them in getting Workers’ Compensation. The lawyer can ensure victims know their rights, have the representation they need, and work to[…] Read More
New OSHA Program to Enhance Worker Safety
On March 12, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) responded to the executive order to enhance workplace safety during the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The OSHA has launched a COVID-19 National Emphasis Program (NEP) to minimize exposure in high-risk occupations. The NEP focuses on increased inspections and sanitation as well as retaliation protect for workers. Some people have criticized OSHA after COVID-19 spread rampantly in some workplaces, such as in the meatpacking industry in the fall of 2020.[…] Read More
Are Older Employees More Likely to be Injured at Work?
Each day, employees can be injured at work. At workplaces where there are many moving parts and heavy equipment, there is a higher likelihood of work injuries. Additionally, the age of the worker may also influence the likelihood of an injury. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has tracked fatal work injuries since 1992 and has provided some insightful data on trends. Also, the National Safety Council (NSC) has studied work injuries from 2011 to 2019. According to the[…] Read More
What Should Workers Know About Third-Degree Burns?
Workers can sustain many different types of injuries at work. In certain types of jobs, employees may be at risk for burn work injuries. In 2017, over 3,300 Pennsylvania workers were burned on the job. Burns do not only happen as a result of an open flame. The different types of burn injuries include: Chemical burns. Radiation burns. Burns from explosions. Electrical burns. Thermal burns from coals or other gases materials. Scalding burns are caused by exposure to hot liquids.[…] Read More
Updated Safety Rules will Help Protect Workers from Coronavirus
At the end of January 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provided updated guidance for employers regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). The guidelines should be used to identify risks for workers who could be exposed to COVID-19. The OSHA is tasked to ensure that employers provide their workers with a workplace that is free from recognized hazards that could cause physical harm or death. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is highly infectious and can be spread from person to[…] Read More