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Easton Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
If You Have Been Injured at Work, Larry Pitt & Associates is Your Answer For A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Easton, PA
Celebrating Victory in Philly Favorites Contest
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we are both humbled and honored to have been recognized as the Bronze Winner in the Philadelphia Favorites category of Workers’ Compensation Law.
Such distinction underscores our commitment to serving the people of Philadelphia, ensuring they receive the legal support and services they deserve. This acknowledgment not only celebrates our dedication to excellence but also reaffirms our mission to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we represent.
Easton, PA is a historic and diverse community. Once known for its silk mills, it still remains a vibrant business community. The greater Easton area includes the city of Easton, three townships – Forks, Palmer, and Williams, and three boroughs – Glendon, West Easton, and Wilson. As with any bustling community, Easton has its share of businesses and people who commute to work nearby. Easton, therefore, is not immune to workplace injuries.
A workplace injury can have tremendous consequences for you and your loved ones. The financial burden of medical bills and lost income often leads to stress and anxiety at a time when you need to focus on recovery. Fortunately, if you are the victim of a debilitating work-related accident in Pennsylvania, our state’s robust workers’ compensation laws offer a safety net for difficult times.
These laws provide reimbursement and much-needed financial relief to help you get back on your feet. When life throws unexpected obstacles your way, it’s comforting to know that there is a system in place to support you during the most trying times.
If you have been injured while working, it is crucial to have a skilled workers’ compensation attorney by your side. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we possess years of experience in handling workers’ compensation cases, recognizing that each case is distinct and must be handled in a timely manner.
As an inhabitant of Easton, you can count on us to submit your workers’ comp claim, bargain with your employer or their workers’ comp insurance company, and work to obtain all the benefits you are eligible for. Get in touch with our workers’ comp attorneys at our law firm now to arrange a complimentary case assessment and get acquainted with your legal entitlements.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH LARRY PITT
Call Our Workers' Compensation Lawyers in Easton, PA
Here at Larry Pitt & Associates, our compassionate and experienced workers’ comp attorneys in Easton, PA, represent workers who have suffered workplace accidents and can help you and your family recover the benefits and obtain the compensation that you may be entitled to under the law. We will not let your claim get undervalued or unfairly denied.
Learn how we can help you by scheduling your FREE consultation by calling (888)-PITT-LAW or (877) 748-8529 or by sending us a private message with our easy-to-use contact us box. Larry Pitt & Associates is the answer to your search for an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney in Easton. We are here and ready to help you file your workers’ compensation case.
Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law
Pennsylvania has enacted workers’ compensation laws to oversee employees’ rights and benefits in the unfortunate event of occupational injury or illness. These laws serve to safeguard workers by providing fair benefits including financial assistance, medical care, and other benefits. In effect, it acts as a safety net, the purpose of which is to protect those injured while on the job.
Key aspects of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation include:
Coverage: Most employers in Pennsylvania are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide benefits to their employees. This coverage applies to both full-time and part-time employees, regardless of the size of the employer’s workforce.
Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses: Workers’ comp law covers injuries and illnesses arising out of and during employment. This includes accidents, repetitive motion injuries, occupational diseases, and psychological conditions resulting from work-related factors.
No-Fault System: Pennsylvania operates under a no-fault workers’ compensation system, which means that employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who is at fault for the injury or illness. In exchange, employees generally give up the right to sue their employer for damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Benefits: Pennsylvania workers’ compensation provides various benefits to injured employees, including medical benefits, wage loss benefits, specific loss benefits for permanent impairments, vocational rehabilitation services, and death benefits for surviving dependents in fatal work accidents.
Claims Process: Injured employees must notify their employer of the injury or illness as soon as possible. Employers are then required to report the incident to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The injured worker must file a formal workers’ comp claim with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation within specific time limits.
Dispute Resolution: Disputes over workers’ compensation claims, including denied claims or disputes regarding the extent of benefits, are typically resolved through the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. This may involve mediation, hearings before a workers’ compensation judge, and, if necessary, appeals to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board and the courts.
It’s crucial that employees have a comprehensive understanding of their rights and responsibilities under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws. Consulting an experienced workplace injury attorney is key to securing the appropriate workers’ comp benefits for any on-the-job injuries, while also skillfully navigating the complex legal process.
How To Know If Workers' Compensation Covers Your Injuries
Under Pennsylvania law, employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, covering nearly all types of workers in Philadelphia, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees, as well as management and greeters. This insurance provides vital protection to those who are injured or disabled while on the job.
It also does not matter if it was your first day on the job or your last day packing up your stuff. There are no waiting periods, and any injury that occurs within the scope of your employment will trigger coverage.
Injuries Covered By Workers' Compensation
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws intend to offer benefits and safeguard employees against injuries or illnesses caused by their job. It covers a vast spectrum of job-related afflictions and work injuries that can arise in the workplace.
Here are some examples of injuries that are typically covered by workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania:
Accidental Injuries:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Strains, sprains, and fractures
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Machinery or equipment accidents
- Burns and electrocutions
- Falling objects causing injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Catastrophic injuries
Occupational Illnesses:
- Exposure to toxic substances (chemicals, asbestos, etc.)
- Respiratory diseases (occupational asthma, silicosis)
- Occupational hearing loss
- Occupational dermatitis or skin conditions
- Occupational cancers
- Occupational stress-related conditions
- Occupational disease
Pre-Existing Conditions Aggravated by Work:
- Pre-existing back or neck conditions exacerbated by work activities
- Pre-existing conditions worsened by repetitive motions or heavy lifting
- Chronic conditions exacerbated by workplace conditions
- Injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents on the job, aggravating pre-existing conditions
It’s important to note that to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania, the injury or illness must be work-related. This means it must have occurred while performing job duties or as a result of conditions directly related to the workplace environment.
How Much Workers' Comp Pays An Injured Worker
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws state that injured workers are entitled to lost wage benefits equal to two-thirds of their weekly wage for a work-related injury. However, there are minimum and maximum adjustments provided in the Act.
The workers’ compensation rate in Pennsylvania is calculated based on the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW) and the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW). The AWW is calculated by averaging the employee’s wages over the previous 52 weeks. The SAWW is calculated by averaging the wages of all employees in Pennsylvania over the previous 52 weeks. These are some basic guidelines. Your workers’ comp attorney can thoroughly explain the wag-loss benefit you are entitled to:
- The amount of money you get depends on how much money you make.
- If you make less than the average person in Pennsylvania, you get 66 2/3% (two-thirds) of your weekly pay.
- You get the average weekly pay if you make more than the average person in Pennsylvania.
- You can get workers’ compensation benefits for up to 500 weeks.
Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers will assist you with these calculations.
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Workers' Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides coverage for various financial losses arising from a work-related injury or illness. These benefits aim to compensate injured workers for the economic impact they experience due to their inability to work or the additional expenses incurred.
Here are some of the financial losses covered by Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law:
Medical Benefits & Expenses:
All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services; medical costs of diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and laboratory tests; medical supplies and equipment required for treatment or recovery.
Lost Wages Benefits:
If your injury or illness causes you to miss work, you may be eligible for lost wages benefits. The amount of wage loss benefits depends on the severity of your disability and your average weekly wage. There are four types of wage loss benefits:
a. Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working in any capacity, you may receive a portion of your pre-injury wages as TTD benefits until you can return to work.
b. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If your injury allows you to work in a reduced capacity or with work restrictions, but your earnings are lower than before, you may receive TPD benefits, which provide a percentage of the wage difference.
c. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If your injury results in permanent impairments, but you can still work in some capacity, you may be entitled to PPD benefits, which provide compensation based on the degree of impairment.
d. Specific Loss Benefits: If you suffer the loss or loss of use of a specific body part, such as a limb or an eye, you may be eligible for specific loss benefits, which compensate for the permanent loss.
Permanent Disability Benefits:
Partial Disability Benefits: If your work-related injury or illness results in a permanent partial loss or impairment of a body part or function, you may be entitled to receive benefits based on the specific impairment rating determined by medical evaluation.
Total Disability Benefits: If your work-related injury or illness results in a total and permanent disability that prevents you from engaging in any gainful employment, you may be eligible for lifetime total disability benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation:
Vocational rehabilitation services, including career counseling, job placement assistance, and retraining programs, may be provided to workers who cannot return to their previous jobs due to on-the-job injuries or illnesses. These services aim to help workers gain new skills and find suitable employment.
Death Benefits:
In the unfortunate event of a work-related fatality, workers’ compensation may provide death benefits to surviving family members and dependents of the deceased worker, including a surviving spouse, children, or other eligible dependents. These benefits typically cover funeral expenses and a portion of the worker’s average weekly wage.
It’s important to note that the specific benefits and coverage may vary based on the nature and severity of the injury or illness. Consulting with a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer is crucial to ensure you understand your rights, accurately assess your financial losses, and navigate the claims process effectively to maximize the benefits you are entitled to under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.
What You Should Do If You Have Been Injured At Work
If you have been injured at work in Pennsylvania, it is crucial to take specific steps to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights. Here are the key actions you should consider:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately:
Your health and well-being should be your top priority. If you are seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the nearest emergency room. Report the incident to your employer for less severe injuries and request medical treatment from an authorized healthcare provider.
Report the Injury to Your Employer:
Pennsylvania law requires you to report your work-related injury to your employer within 21 days. However, it is best to notify your employer as soon as possible, preferably putting the injury report in writing, providing details of the incident, date, time, and nature of the injury or illness.
Document the Incident:
Make sure to document the details of the incident, including any witnesses present and any unsafe conditions or hazards that contributed to your injury. Take photographs, and keep copies of any relevant documents, such as accident reports or medical records.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim:
In Pennsylvania, you must file a workers’ compensation claim within 120 days of the injury or the onset of an occupational illness. Notify your employer of your intent to file a claim and follow their instructions on the claims process. It is advisable to consult with a skilled workers’ comp attorney to guide you through the process and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.
Follow Medical Advice and Attend Appointments:
Cooperate with your healthcare providers, attend all medical appointments, and follow their recommended treatment plan. Establishing a documented medical record ensures your well-being and strengthens your workers’ compensation claim.
Keep a Record of Expenses and Lost Wages:
Keep track of all medical expenses, including bills, prescriptions, and transportation costs related to your injury. Also, document any time missed from work and the resulting loss of wages. This information will be essential for your workers’ compensation claim.
Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer:
Seek legal representation from a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer. This can significantly benefit your case. They can help protect your rights, gather evidence, navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to under Pennsylvania law. Talk to a lawyer and never talk to your employer’s insurance company until you have a workers’ comp lawyer on your side
It’s important to keep in mind that every case is different, so seeking advice from a lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation law is crucial. They can assess your individual situation and offer valuable guidance. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers stand up for your rights and assist you in navigating the intricacies of the workers’ compensation system, so you can receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own doctor for treatment?
In Pennsylvania, your employer has the right to select the healthcare providers for your initial treatment. However, after 90 days, you may be able to choose your own doctor.
What if my claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the appeals process and protect your rights.
Can I receive benefits if I return to work with restrictions?
If you have work restrictions due to your injury and your employer is unable to accommodate them, you may be entitled to wage loss benefits based on your reduced earning capacity.
How long do workers' compensation benefits last?
The duration of benefits depends on the nature and extent of your injury. Temporary benefits may be available until you can return to work, while permanent disability benefits can be long-term or even lifetime benefits.
Can I choose a lump sum settlement instead of ongoing benefits?
In some cases, you may be eligible for a lump sum settlement, which provides a one-time payment to resolve your workers’ compensation claim. Consulting with an attorney is crucial to ensure you make an informed decision.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated due to your claim, consult with an attorney to protect your rights.
Can I receive workers' compensation if I was injured while commuting to or from work?
Generally, injuries that occur during your commute are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, there are exceptions, such as when you were performing work-related tasks or if you were on a business trip.
Can I choose to see my own specialist for a second opinion?
In Pennsylvania, you generally have the right to request a second opinion from a specialist of your choice. However, it is advisable to consult with an attorney and follow the proper procedures to ensure coverage for the visit.