Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Lansdowne

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.

Mandatory Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Despite the best efforts of employers to maintain a safe workplace, millions of on-the-job injuries or deaths occur each year. Generally, Pennsylvania employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance in order to both achieve safer workplaces, and to ensure the prompt treatment and compensation of injured workers.

Employers who do not carry the required workers’ compensation insurance may have to reimburse the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry any monies paid in relation to the claim, including costs, interests, penalties and fees under the Act. Employers who fail to carry insurance may also be subject to liability, under civil personal injury law, for their workers’ work-related injuries or illnesses; and under criminal law for their violation of the requirement to maintain coverage.

Claims Process

Pennsylvania workers who are injured at work or who have been diagnosed with a work-related illness, are required to give notice of their injury or illness to their employer within 120 days. The written report should include details such as the date of the accident or notification of illness, the location of the workplace accident, whether there were any witnesses, and a description of the injury or illness. It is also important to seek medical treatment and document any prescribed medicine or therapy.

Employers who receive this initial report must file a First Report of Injury with the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation within seven days for injuries that caused a worker to miss more than a day, shift, or turn of work. For injuries resulting in death, the report must be filed within three days. Employers may choose to deny a claim if they question the information that was submitted, including whether the accident occurred at work, whether the injury was as severe as claimed, and whether the employee was engaged in illegal activity (such as drug use) during the time of the accident.

Appealing a Denial

Workers may choose to appeal their denied claims to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. This must be done within three years of the date of the injury. If the claim is denied by the workers’ compensation judge, it may be appealed to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board within 20 calendar days of the denial. The claim may then be appealed to the Commonwealth Court, and finally to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

There are very specific requirements for workers’ compensation claims and appeals, including specific medical information and filing deadlines. The experienced legal team at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. can ensure you meet these requirements, and that your rights are well represented throughout the entire process.

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

Our skilled workers’ comp attorneys represent injured workers in Lansdowne and throughout Pennsylvania, including Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County. For a free consultation call us at 888-PITT-LAW or complete our online contact form.