Getting injured at work can be a confusing time. You must recover from the injury and might also wonder what steps you need to take to claim your workers’ compensation benefits. You may even consider hiring a lawyer if you have questions or you are running into issues with your claim, such as a denial.
Every state has a workers’ compensation benefits program designed to protect workers in case they are injured. These benefits include partial income for the injured worker, covered medical expenses, and other benefits, regardless of who caused the injury. However, typically workers give up their right to sue their employer in exchange for this coverage.
The following details what to do following a workplace injury and how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania:
- Seek medical attention: As soon as your injury occurs, you should seek medical attention and document how your injury occurred, when and where, and if there were any witnesses. Within the first 90 days of your injury, your employer may require you to see a doctor approved by them.
- Notify your employer: Following your injury or illness, you must tell your employer as soon as possible. This must be done within the first 21 days of the injury to receive benefits; after the first 21 days, you have the first 120 days to file a claim to receive any benefits, beginning from the date of reporting your injury. Your employer’s insurance company has 21 days from notification to accept or deny the claim.
- Do not delay: Even though it may seem you have plenty of time to report your injury or file your injury claim, you need to inform your employer immediately. The longer you wait, the higher the chance your claim will be denied.
- Maintain medical records: When you first visit a doctor, you should explain that your injury occurred at work so they can start documentation. Any subsequent visits and treatments should be documented and preserved following your first visit. Not only does prompt medical treatment mean you get the proper treatment right away, but it can also improve your chances of the insurance company accepting your claim.
After you report your injury to your employer, they will file a form with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Bureau. If your claim is denied, you have three years from the date of injury to file a claim petition with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
The entire workers’ compensation process can be complex and time-consuming. It will benefit you and your claim to discuss your situation with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as your injury occurs, especially if you believe your employer failed to act appropriately or your injury claim was denied. A lawyer can review each detail of your case, ensure the proper forms are filled out, and direct you on how to get the most out of your claim.
West Chester Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Injured Workers
If you have been injured at work, you likely have many questions about how to receive your benefits. Let our West Chester workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC help you today. Call us at 610-594-1600 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.