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Garnet Valley Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Living and working in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, is a great way to make a living. But if you are injured on the job, it pays to know your rights. As an employee in Pennsylvania, you are protected by law for your workplace injuries. Knowing what workers’ compensation covers and how to file a claim can be key to getting the care and benefits you need after an accident or illness at work.

Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC has been helping injured workers and their families. For over 40 years, our firm has helped people file workers’ compensation claims to get the money and support they need to recover. Whether you work in agriculture or health care, accidents can happen at work, and you could be entitled to compensation from your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage.

Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Insurance Requirements

In Pennsylvania, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This means that if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of their job, they may seek medical care and receive financial benefits from the employer’s insurance policy. In some cases, employers may also be liable for additional damages, such as pain and suffering or lost wages, due to being unable to work while recovering from an injury or illness.

What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?

Workers’ compensation (also known as workers’ comp or workman’s comp) typically covers medical bills related to the injury or illness as well as lost wages if the employee is unable to work while recovering. It can also cover vocational rehabilitation if needed after a serious injury that prevents an employee from returning to their old job. In addition, some workers’ comp policies may provide death benefits for family members of employees who have died because of workplace accident or illness.

Filing A Workers’ Comp Claim

Filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits can be confusing and complicated. An injured worker should contact their employer’s Human Resources department as soon as possible after an injury so that all necessary paperwork can be completed correctly and quickly. The employer will then submit all relevant documents directly to their insurance carrier so that they can begin processing the claim promptly.

Even if your injury falls within the scope of what is eligible for workers’ compensation coverage in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, filing a claim can be difficult. Some insurance companies may try to deny claims out of hand because they are concerned about costs increasing or other repercussions associated with workplace accidents. In these cases, it is important to have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you appeal any decision denying your claim and assist with any disputes that arise along the way.

Common Reasons for Denial

Insurance companies have several reasons they may deny a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. The most common reasons include:

  • The injury did not occur while working: If an employee was injured outside of work—even while performing a task related to their job—it is unlikely that their claim will be approved.
  • The injury was self-inflicted or intentional: Workers’ compensation does not cover injuries sustained as the result of fights or other intentional behavior.
  • The injury was caused by intoxication or illegal drug use: If an employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they were injured, then their claim will likely be denied.
  • The employee did not report the injury within the given time period: Each state has its own rules when it comes to reporting an injury; if you do not report your injury within the allotted time frame, then your claim is likely to be denied.

Appealing a Denied Insurance Claim

Insurance companies may initially reject claims initially due to incomplete paperwork or lack of evidence proving that the injury was sustained at work. If your claim has been denied by an insurance company, you have the right to file an appeal. This appeals process begins with submitting a formal request for reconsideration with the insurance company. You will also need to provide additional evidence or information in support of your case for it to be reconsidered and possibly approved.

If this happens to you, do not panic. A workers’ compensation lawyer familiar with the ins-and-outs of the workers’ compensation system in Garnet Valley will be able to guide you through the process of appealing any denied claims and ensure that all your paperwork is completed accurately and thoroughly.

Can You Get Additional Compensation?

Yes, it is possible to seek financial compensation outside of workers’ compensation if you are injured at work. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a third party rather than your employer.

Under most workers’ compensation laws, benefits are your exclusive remedy for an on-the-job illness or injury. This means that when you receive workers’ comp benefits from your employer, you cannot sue them for additional damages related to the injury.

However, if a third party was responsible for a workplace accident—such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer—you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. If someone other than your employer contributed to or caused your injury in any way, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about whether you have grounds for a claim against that person or business. Your lawyer will help evaluate the situation and determine what options are available to you.

The Garnet Valley Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help You Recover

Let a guiding hand help you get through your workplace accident and work to help you get the compensation you need to recover. Speak with the Garnet Valley workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC to find trusted, experienced legal counsel. Contact us online or at 610-594-1600 today to schedule your free consultation where you can learn more about our services. With offices in Exton, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve our neighbors in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchland, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.