Workplace accidents have a profound and lasting impact on victims, affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, financial circumstances, and overall quality of life. If you or a loved one have been injured in a workplace accident, the decisions you make from the very moment the injury occurred can have a significant impact on the success of your claim. It’s essential to have a strategic and informed approach to navigate the complex legal landscape of workers’ compensation law in Pennsylvania, to protect your rights, and to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Proudly serving the people of Chester, Bethlehem, Coatesville, Easton, West Chester, Bensalem, Media, Norristown, Pottsville, Berks County, Delaware County, and beyond, the experienced workers’ compensation team at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. have dedicated their entire practice to advocating for injured workers across Pennsylvania. We’re ready to start fighting for you and the workers’ compensation benefits you’re rightfully owed.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured on the Job in Greater Philadelphia
- Report the Injury Immediately. Notify your employer as soon as you possibly can. Pennsylvania law requires reporting within 120 days of the accident. If you fail to report the accident within 120 days, you no longer have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Your report should be in writing, detailing the time, date, and circumstances of the accident.
- Seek medical attention. Not only is medical attention vital for your health, but it’s also essential for your case. Ensure your medical provider documents the full extent of your injuries and the impact on your ability to return to work. The medical records, reports, and bills will serve as the backbone for your workers’ compensation claim. You will need to see an employer-approved healthcare provider. However, if you aren’t satisfied with the services of their appointed healthcare provider, you can switch providers with proper notice.
- Document everything. When it comes to workers’ compensation claims, there’s no such thing as too much evidence. You should collect any available evidence, including photographs of the accident scene and the circumstances of the accident, along with the contact information of any witnesses.
- File a workers’ compensation claim. To initiate a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to notify your employer and fill out the necessary forms. This should ideally take place within 21 days of the accident when possible, to maximize your credibility and minimize your financial hardships. Victims who wait a significant period of time to initiate the claims process may have trouble recovering workers’ compensation benefits. However, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is three years from the date of the injury, provided the injury had been reported within 120 days.
- Consult an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney. Your attorney can help you navigate the claims process, protect your rights, and address any issues you’re facing in obtaining rightful compensation, including retaliatory behavior and claim denials.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania
Having a workers’ compensation insurance policy is a legal requirement for almost every employer in Pennsylvania. These benefits are designed to offer financial and medical support for employees who are injured in the workplace or while performing work duties. Workers’ compensation benefits generally recover medical bills and associated recovery costs, lost wages, and offer disability and death benefits.
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning that employees are generally entitled to financial compensation even if the injury was entirely or in part their own fault. As long as the employee wasn’t breaking the law or under the influence, they are most likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Larry Pitt & Associates: Fighting for Injured Workers in Greater Philadelphia and Beyond. We Won’t Quit.
If you or a loved one were injured on the job in Greater Philadelphia, you deserve to see the workers’ compensation benefits you’re legally entitled to. Turn to the skilled workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. to help you navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation process and to fight relentlessly so you see all the benefits you deserve. Contact us or call us at 888-PITT-LAW today for a free and confidential consultation!
