Ed Sweeney
Franny Ryan
The law firm Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC has been representing injured workers of West Chester for more than 40 years. We are proven advocates for residents in and around West Chester since we have opened our doors in 1978, and we will continue to work diligently with injured workers and their families with a strong focus on workers’ compensation insurance.
With a population of over 100,000 people and growing, West Chester is Pennsylvania’s tenth largest city. It is a small city with historic ties to the beginning of this country. There are many businesses here, ranging from large corporate entities like QVC to privately owned boutiques. The West Chester workers’ compensation lawyers here at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC are proud to represent this beloved city.
Almost every employer in the state of Pennsylvania is required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their workers. This insurance coverage covers medical costs as well as lost wages for the worker.
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation package is meant to reduce confusion for both employer and employee when the worker is injured. Similar to a state’s no-fault car insurance policy, workers’ compensation in the state is also considered “no-fault”, whereas there is coverage regardless of who is at fault for the injury or illness.
In exchange, the employee signs a contract when they are first employed to not sue the employer for any injuries they sustain. And workers’ compensation coverage begins on the first day. Instead of their full pay, an injured worker is given about two-thirds of their salary while they recuperate. Furthermore, an employee’s family also receives a death benefit if the worker suffered a fatal injury.
Some important features of the workers’ compensation package include:
Employers gain benefits from the workers’ compensation package in Pennsylvania as well:
Not every employer is required to offer workers’ compensation coverage in Pennsylvania, as some are exempt:
Ideally, a workplace injury is reported to the employer immediately, but that is often not the case. Many companies are different and reporting an injury may not happen as quickly as one would hope. An injury could occur off-site away from the employer, or the worker is unable to communicate at the time of the injury, and so forth. Luckily, Pennsylvania law requires that all work injuries to be covered by the workers’ compensation insurance be reported within 21 days.
It does not matter who reports the injury, whether it is a coworker or loved one. But important details must be reported, in writing, including the name of the injured employee, witness names, location and date and time of the incident and what may have been the cause. With this information, the employer can then contact their insurance carrier and file a claim.
We represent clients throughout Chester County, Lancaster County and Delaware County including but not limited to Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchland, Parkesburg, Chester Springs.