You may be eligible for compensation if you are temporarily unable to work, hospitalized, or become permanently disabled due to work-related injuries.
Workers’ compensation provides money and medical benefits to an employee who suffers an on-the-job accident, injury, or occupational disease. Workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect workers and their dependents against the burden of a serious injury in the workplace. Workers’ compensation can include payments in lieu of wages, compensation for economic loss (past and future), reimbursement or payment of medical and like expenses and benefits payable to the dependents of workers killed during employment.
You should be familiar with Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws and your job’s work-related injuries procedure. The workers’ compensation lawyers at The Travis Law Firm’s Erie, Edinboro, and Warren law offices can help you make sure the proper steps are followed and that your legal rights are upheld. Covered medical care generally includes:
- Medical, surgical and hospital services
- Dental services
- Chiropractic treatment
- Physical therapy
- Nursing care
- Prescribed medications
- Crutches, hearing aids, etc.
Workers’ Compensation Laws
Workers’ compensation laws were enacted to eliminate the need for injured workers to prove their injuries were the employer’s fault and to make the litigation process less costly for both sides. Maryland (1902) was the first state to enact workers’ compensation laws. By 1949, all states had created some kind of compensation for work-related injuries.
In the United States, most employees who suffer work-related injuries have a right to medical care. In many cases, monetary payments compensate for any injuries resulting in temporary or permanent disabilities. Laws require most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Heavy financial penalties may be imposed on employers who do not carry insurance. Nearly every Pennsylvania worker is covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. Employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage for all of their employees, including seasonal and part-time workers. Non-profit corporations, unincorporated businesses, and even employers with only one employee, must comply with the Act’s requirements.
Additional compensation laws are available for: federal civilian employees, railroad workers, longshoremen, shipyard, and harbor workers. Some others who may not be covered are volunteer workers, agricultural laborers, casual employees, domestics and employees who have been granted a personal religious exemption from the Act.
What is Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation if you have suffered work-related injuries, illness, or disease. Compensation is not paid if the injury is intentional or caused by an employee’s violation of the law (including the use of illegal drugs). Work-related injuries or deaths caused by intoxication may not be covered by workers’ compensation. Contact our lawyers at our Erie, Edinboro, and Warren Pennsylvania offices and arrange a consultation with our workers’ compensation attorneys.
The Workers’ Compensation Process
- Notify your employer of your injury – If not reported within 120 days of injury or having knowledge of a work-related disease, no compensation is allowed.
- The employers are required to immediately report employee injuries to their insurer or to the person responsible for managing the workers’ compensation program.
- a) Within 21 days from the date the employer receives notification of injury, the employer/carrier accepts liability for the injury – a Notice of Compensation Payable or a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable.
- or –
b)Within 21 days from the date the employer received notification of injury, the employer/carrier denies liability and issues a Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial to the employee. - (if 3b) The employee has three years to file a Claim Petition.
- Workers’ compensation petitions are normally assigned to a Workers’ Compensation Judge.
- All parties involved are notified of the date, time, and place of the Workers’ Compensation Hearing. The judge will hear evidence from both the claimant and employer.
- A decision is rendered.After the judge circulates the decision, an appeals process may begin (Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, Commonwealth Court, Pennsylvania Supreme Court).
Do I Need a Lawyer?
The workers’ compensation lawyers at the Erie, Edinboro, and Warren offices of The Travis Law Firm can help if you have been denied compensation, are in danger of having your workers’ compensation benefits taken away, or are still hurt and your employer is demanding that you return to work. We have the knowledge and the experience to maximize your chances of getting just restitution.
Things to Consider When Deciding Whether or Not You Need an Attorney:
- The legalities of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation and Social Security disability systems are very complex. Our attorneys are qualified and experienced. We can help level the playing field as you seek maximum compensation for your work-related injuries or disabilities.
- Statistics consistently show that settlements are higher when you have an attorney working for you.
- You cannot trust your employer or insurance company to look out for your best interests. Their goal is to provide the absolute minimum benefits possible on each claim. Your employer and insurance company already have lawyers working for them, and they know far more about the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation System than you do.
We Will:
- Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and research your case
- Make sure that all papers are properly filed with the court or agency
- Keep you informed of the status of your case
- Ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH US?
"Attorney Travis worked with us through our entire case and I couldn't be happier with the results. I highly recommend him to anybody who needs a really good lawyer."
- Ron & Sherry Hamilton
"The Travis Law Firm is full of wonderful employees who truly care about their clients! Every time I went to the office they were asking me about my life and how I was doing. They make you feel like part of the Travis Law Firm family! I wouldn't chose anyone else to represent me, they are a great Law Firm."
- Brittney Green
"The Travis Law Firm is an extraordinary team. They provide first class client service. Any time I had any questions I was able to call or email and have my questions answered quickly. Attorney Travis has experience and knowledge that creates client value and helps to give you peace of mind in any difficult circumstances. The team at The Travis Law Firm are trusted, experienced, and dedicated."
- Derrick Goodenow