Malvern Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Pennsylvania workers who suffer an injury are typically eligible for benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. Workers’ compensation covers an injured worker’s medical bills and a portion of lost wages. Employers and insurance companies may dispute or deny claims for various reasons, leaving injured workers and their loved ones needing skilled legal guidance.
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law is complicated with stringent timelines and requirements. It can be challenging to navigate the legal complexities that often arise in workers’ compensation cases. Our legal team has decades of experience fighting for the maximum compensation our injured clients need and deserve.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, workers are entitled to certain benefits after experiencing a work-related injury or illness. Pennsylvania law provides that the only considerations for workers’ compensation are whether you can perform gainful employment and whether your injury has impacted your wages. Workers’ compensation benefits include coverage for medical bills and a portion of lost wages.
Pain and suffering and emotional losses are not included in workers’ compensation benefits. Our knowledgeable attorneys can also pursue third-party claims against all other negligent parties to help you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve for your work injury.
What Are Different Categories of Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?
There are four general categories of Workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania:
- Indemnity benefits: Workers may receive indemnity benefits if they are disabled from work due to a work injury.
- Medical benefits: Workers may receive medical benefits for the “reasonable and necessary” medical treatment related to the work injury.
- Specific loss benefits: Specific loss benefits compensate workers for disfigurement or loss of use of a body part.
- Death benefits: Family members of a Pennsylvania worker who dies due to a workplace accident may receive a percentage of the decedent’s weekly wages.
Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania employers must carry insurance to cover costs in the event of a work injury or occupational illness. The general rule is that Pennsylvania workers qualify for workers’ compensation benefits no matter how the accident happened, as long as there is an employer-employee relationship and the injury is work-related. Exceptions may apply to companies with independent contractors or self-employed workers.
What Type of Workers Are the Most at Risk for a Work Injury?
Any type of Pennsylvania employee can sustain an unexpected injury at work. However, certain industries are more dangerous than others and see more workers’ compensation claims. Our Malvern workers’ compensation lawyers are familiar with the risk of accidents and injuries Pennsylvania workers routinely face in numerous industries.
Workers in the following industries are the most at risk to suffer a work injury:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Retail
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Warehousing
How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?
Navigating the workers’ compensation claims process can be stressful after a workplace accident and injury. Workers’ compensation law involves rules you are required to follow as well as pitfalls you must avoid. Having experienced legal counsel by your side can help protect your rights in every aspect of your case.
Pennsylvania workers often assume that once they get a claim number from their employer’s insurance company, it means everything has been properly handled. However, you are responsible for ensuring an official workers’ compensation claim is filed with the state commission. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the claims process.
What Is the Statute of Limitations to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations to file a Workers’ compensation claim is three years from the date of injury or illness or from the date the injury or disease reasonably should have been discovered.
What Should I Do if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied?
Workers’ compensation claims can be denied for a variety of reasons. Employers and their insurers usually want to limit the extent of coverage for an injured worker’s medical bills and lost wages. Our Malvern workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive experience handling claim denials with successful results.
If you received a claim denial letter, we can request a hearing to address the issues you believe were unfairly decided, such as whether or not your injury is work-related or if there were miscalculations in your weekly wages. We can also file a Notice of Appeal with the court if your claim is initially denied. If the court rules against you, we can help you appeal the decision in the Pennsylvania appellate courts.
How Can a Malvern Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help With My Case?
Injured workers are not required to hire an attorney to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. However, workers’ compensation is a complex area of the law, and you can be denied benefits for many reasons. Our Malvern workers’ compensation lawyers have extensive knowledge of the relevant case law and court rules. We can protect your rights and best interests at every step of your case.
Our firm can take over all communication with opposing parties who may try to invalidate your claim or unfairly settle your case. We can also gather evidence to help prove your claim, review your medical records, and consult with experts for critical testimony. Depending on the circumstances of your case, we can help you negotiate a settlement or represent you at workers’ compensation hearings or appeals in court.
Malvern Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Protect the Rights and Best Interests of Pennsylvania Workers
Our experienced Malvern workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC can help with your case from start to finish. We can advocate on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from your workplace injury. Call us at 610-594-1600 or contact us online to schedule 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.