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Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Lansdowne, PA

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Lansdowne

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Workers’ compensation guidelines in Pennsylvania are quite complex. It can be overwhelming to decide what steps to take if you get hurt at work, especially while trying to recover from a serious injury. If you were injured in a workplace accident or suffer from a work-related illness, contact a skilled Lansdowne workers’ compensation lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. We can help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.

If you sustain a workplace injury in Pennsylvania, you are most likely covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act). The no-fault workers’ compensation system provides qualified workers with compensation for medical expenses and lost wages associated with their workplace injury or illness, regardless of who was at fault.

Workers who are not qualified to receive workers’ compensation under the Act include railroad workers, longshoremen and federal employees. However, these workers may be eligible to receive compensation for their injuries under other laws, such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. The Lansdowne workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. have been representing injured workers in Pennsylvania for over 35 years and can help you claim the appropriate compensation for your injuries.

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Lansdowne Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Provide Knowledgeable and Supportive Counsel for Injured Workers in Pennsylvania

Here at Larry Pitt & Associates, our compassionate and experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Landsdowne, 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 Bethlehem. We are here and ready to help you file your workers’ compensation case.

Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law

Pennsylvania has implemented workers’ compensation laws to govern the rights and benefits of employees who fall victim to occupational injuries or illnesses. The goal of this law is to protect workers and offer them the required financial assistance, medical care, and other benefits in such an event. In essence, it acts as a safety net for those hurt while on the job.

Key aspects of PA 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 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.

Does 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 that can arise in the workplace. Here are some examples of injuries that are typically covered by workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania:
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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 Does 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’ compensation 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 attorney 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 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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’ compensation attorney to guide you through the process and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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. Their role is to 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.