Center City Personal Injury Lawyers Center City Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Center City Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Work-related accidents can disrupt your life and impact your ability to earn a living. In Pennsylvania, employees are protected by Workers’ Compensation laws that ensure necessary medical care and financial benefits following workplace injuries.

For over 75 years, the Center City Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP have been dedicated to helping injured workers file benefits claims and receive the compensation they deserve.

What Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

All Pennsylvania employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and wage loss due to work-related injuries or illnesses. This coverage applies to full- and part-time employees, and benefits are available regardless of fault as long as the injury occurred during work.

Workers’ Compensation benefits provide financial support for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and partial lost wages. In the case of permanent disability, it also covers long-term benefits. Families of workers killed in work-related accidents may receive funeral and burial expenses. Third-party liability (e.g., subcontractors or equipment manufacturers) may sometimes apply, creating additional legal options.

What Are Common Types of Work-Related Accidents?

Workplace accidents often result from human error, equipment failure, or lack of proper training. Some common accidents include burns, chemical exposure, electrocution, falls from heights, repetitive motion injuries, and vehicle crashes.

What Are Common Workplace Injuries?

Work-related injuries vary depending on the environment and can range from mild to severe. Common injuries include burns, fractures, sprains, concussions, hearing loss, breathing conditions, traumatic brain injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders.

How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Filing a Workers’ Compensation claim can be complex, and consulting an experienced lawyer is advisable. Typically, the process includes:

• Notifying your employer: Report the injury to your supervisor immediately, both verbally and in writing. Your employer must file an accident report with their insurance company.
• Seeking medical attention: You are required to get a medical evaluation to document your injury. The physician will complete the necessary Workers’ Compensation forms.
• Submitting paperwork: Complete and submit all required forms, including medical reports and proof of wages. You may also qualify for additional benefits related to occupational disease or hearing loss.

Once submitted, the Workers’ Compensation insurance company will review your claim and decide whether to approve or deny it.

Deadlines for Reporting Work-Related Injuries

You must report the injury to your employer within 21 days to receive full benefits. Claims filed after this deadline but within 120 days will be eligible for benefits starting from the date of notice, not the date of the accident.

Can My Workers’ Compensation Claim Be Denied?

Claims can be denied for several reasons:

• Unrelated Injury: Injuries that occurred outside of the workplace are not covered.
• Intentional Harm: Injuries resulting from intentional acts, such as fighting, are excluded.
• Intoxication: Benefits are not provided if the injury was caused by alcohol or drug use.
• Late Reporting: Claims filed after the deadline may be denied.
• Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incomplete medical reports or wage documentation can lead to denial.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Injuries linked to a pre-existing condition may be denied.

If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal. Consulting an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you correct errors and gather the necessary documentation before submitting the appeal.

How Long Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

The length of time you can receive Workers’ Compensation benefits depends on the severity of your injury.  Generally, you can receive benefits as long as you are disabled from working.  However, there are various ways insurance companies may try to either reduce your rate of benefits or the length of time in which you may receive them.  An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that you maximize your entitlement to benefits. Workers’ Compensation covers all medical costs and two-thirds of your average weekly wages up to a state-set limit.

What Should I Do if I am Injured at Work?

If you are injured at work, take the following steps to protect your rights:

• Report the accident. Notify your employer immediately and ensure an accident report is filed.
• Document the scene. Take photos of the accident and any hazardous conditions or faulty equipment.
• Collect witness statements. Ask any witnesses to provide statements about the incident.
• Seek medical care right away. See a doctor as soon as possible to assess your injuries and document your condition. Let them know the injury is work-related to ensure proper reporting.
• Keep records. Maintain copies of all accident reports, medical records, and correspondence related to your claim.
• Consult a lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation lawyer can help you gather evidence, file your claim, and determine if third-party liability exists.

How Can Galfand Berger LLP Help Me?

Our skilled Center City Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can help you navigate the complex claims process. Our team can:

• Determine your eligibility for benefits.
• Calculate your compensation.
• Communicate with your employer and their insurance company.
• Consult with your medical providers regarding ongoing care.
• Pursue third-party claims, if applicable.
• Resolve disputes.
• Negotiate for maximum compensation.
• Appeal denied claims.
• Protect your legal rights throughout the process.

Additionally, Galfand Berger LLP wrote a comprehensive book titled “Workers’ Rights to Workers’ Compensation,” which offers critical information for individuals navigating the complexities of Workers’ Compensation claims. This guide covers key topics, such as understanding eligibility requirements, the claims process, the types of benefits available, and common pitfalls that can lead to claim denials. Galfand Berger LLP ensures employees are equipped with the knowledge needed to protect their rights by explaining the steps injured workers should take after an accident and outlining important deadlines. This valuable resource reflects our firm’s dedication to advocating for injured workers across Pennsylvania.

Get Results at Galfand Berger LLP

Over the past 10 years, Galfand Berger LLP has recovered over a quarter of a billion dollars for their clients, showcasing our firm’s remarkable success in securing compensation for injury victims. Most of their cases were settled, allowing clients to receive fair compensation without prolonged litigation.

The Center City Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Advocate for Injured Workers

If you have been injured at work, the experienced Center City Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can help. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Pennsylvania, we also serve clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.