Why Vanasse Law?

See the many reasons Vanasse Law’s dedication, expertise and personal attention makes us THE best choice for injured workers in central Pennsylvania.

Learn More >

How Vanasse Law Can Maximize Your Results

Mike recovers maximum dollars on behalf of his clients.  His track record and personalized comprehensive approach means that he achieves the highest possible benefits for injured workers. He is one of only a few certified specialists in Worker’s Compensation Law, and he uses his knowledge to get the best case values for his clients.

Learn More >

Testimonials

“I am so thankful that I was referred to Vanasse Law for my workmans comp claim. Mike & Loraine put me at ease and the outcome was better than I expected…”

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    Our Lancaster Workman’s Compensation Lawyer Outlines Some “Must-Know” Information About Your Claim

    Solely Dedicated to Serving the Needs of Injured WorkersWhen you are hurt on the job or develop an illness due to conditions at your workplace, there is no doubt what a stressful time this is. You will no doubt have questions about where to go from here. At Vanasse Law LLC, we can help you through the process of securing the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to. Based in Pennsylvania, Lancaster workman’s compensation lawyer Mike Vanasse has spent more than 25 years in the workers’ compensation field, helping injured workers secure benefits and guiding them through the process.

    If you’ve been injured on the job, you’ll probably learn more about workers’ compensation, or “workers’ comp,” than you ever wanted to know. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand enough to protect your rights because if you can’t work due to a job-related injury, your income and medical bills are at stake.

    If you have been injured on the job in Pennsylvania, your best bet is to let a Lancaster job accident lawyer help you understand your options, including your workers’ comp claim. 

    The Do’s of Workers’ Comp Claims

    • Regarding the following steps, remember that you and your attorney are the only ones looking after your best interests. Your employer, the employer’s doctor, and any staff you may encounter are not primarily concerned with what is best for you. Instead, they are looking after their interests.
    • Your first concern after an accident at work is to remain still if you are hurt. Call for assistance, and insist on an ambulance and immediate medical care if you are in serious pain or the injury appears significant.
    • Identify any witnesses, and obtain written statements from them regarding what they saw if you are able. Even if you are seriously hurt and unable to get written witness statements, these statements can be taken later from the witnesses you immediately identified.
    • Alert your manager or supervisor as soon as possible, and resist the urge to “be tough” and “shake it off.” Each aspect of the injury and all the pain you feel should be reported. Your employer would rather know immediately exactly what your injuries are instead of hearing about them later in bits and pieces.
    •  Seek medical attention if you haven’t already done so. Be as thorough regarding your injuries and pain as you were with your employer.
    • Be sure that someone has filed an accident report, and make sure it is accurate and complete. Don’t hesitate to demand changes if necessary, and refer to your witnesses if necessary.
    • Gather any information you may need for your claim, including witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers, photographs of the accident scene and your injuries if possible, as well as any other information that you think may be helpful for your claim.
    • Keep a thorough and organized record of all your medical receipts, doctor visits, hospital visits, prescription and medication expenses, treatment expenses, written statements, medical reports, and any written correspondence with your insurance company.
    • If you haven’t already done so, you should contact a Lancaster job accident lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC. The claims process is complex, there may be time limits on some claims aspects, and even simple mistakes can have serious consequences. Vanasse Law LLC can help you make sure you receive everything to which you are entitled.
    • Tell your attorney of any past injuries and any past medical problems that may impact your workers’ compensation claim. Include the dates and details of these injuries and/or medical issues, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
    • Be sure to do everything your lawyer tells you to do; don’t skimp, skip, or put off any instruction. The workers’ comp system is designed to place a significant burden on you and includes certain time limits.

    The Don’ts of Workers’ Comp Claims

    • Don’t try to navigate the workers’ comp process on your own. Contact a Lancaster job accident lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC. You’ll need help getting through the complicated workers’ comp process.
    • Don’t hesitate to seek medical treatment. If you are injured at work, you are entitled to this. Any delays may work against you.
    • Don’t hesitate to file your workers’ comp claim. There are time limits associated with the workers’ comp process.
    • Don’t let anyone talk you out of reporting the incident. Your employer and even fellow employees may try to persuade you that your injuries are not as bad as they seem. Your employer may even offer you money “under the table” in exchange for not reporting the incident. Resist these advances and report them to your attorney.
    • Don’t talk to anyone about the incident or your claims. The only people you should speak with are your doctor, your spouse, and your attorney. Your fellow employees may be eager to hear all of the gory details, but it’s none of their business. Furthermore, be sure to consult with your lawyer before speaking with the doctor.
    • Don’t sign any type of release, including a medical release. In fact, don’t sign anything, including any checks, without consulting with your lawyer.
    • Don’t settle your case without consulting with your lawyer. Typically, a case may be settled when you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). Your insurance company may try to rush you through the process and convince you to sign off on a sub-par settlement so they can close your file. However, once you settle, your case is closed, and you will not be able to obtain any additional treatment, and you will not receive any more benefits.

    Learn to Recognize the First Signs That Your Benefits Claim May Go Wrong

    No one suffering from injury or illness should have to face additional stress caused by claim issues. The following are common indicators legal help for your workman’s comp claim may be advisable:

    • Unfair denial or reduction of claims: Short of injuries that are caused by employee intoxication or certain willful acts, PA workers’ compensation should pay for expenses related to workplace injuries. Claims denied based on the circumstances behind the injuries often merit further appeal. All too often, employers and insurers attempt to deny or reduce valid claims in the hopes that injured employees will take an unfair “no” for an answer. Knowledgeable legal representation can help level the playing field.
    • Delays in receipt of benefits: Pennsylvania law contains specific rules pertaining to the timing of benefit payments — and it also frowns on undue delays in the review of a claim that might prevent an injured worker from receiving timely benefits. Any type of payment or processing delay generally signals issues that can benefit from quick legal representation.
    • The employer expects a return to work too soon: As a general rule, employers should not expect injured employees to return to work until their conditions allow them to perform all duties. While employers might offer light or part-time duty jobs prior to full recovery, they can only do so only when those duties do not exceed employees’ capacity to perform them. When workers believe they’re not ready to return, they should seek legal advice from a knowledgeable Lancaster workers’ compensation attorney.
    • Signs of employer retaliation: A seemingly-undeserved demotion, pay cut, termination or other discriminatory acts after filing a workers’ compensation claim may signal employer retaliation and require immediate examination by an experienced attorney.
    • The potential for third-party claims: Sometimes injured workers may have the right to pursue compensation from an outside third party. This might be the case, for example, when a worker sustains injury from an exposed live wire due to mishandling by an outside electrician. Most workers’ compensation attorneys can help injured employees pursue these outside claims while helping ensure that they also receive all workers’ compensation benefits allowed by law.

    Contact a Lancaster Job Accident Lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC to Assist You With Your Workers’ Comp Claim

    The workers’ comp process is complicated and time-consuming. Further complicating your claim is the possibility that your employer and/or the insurance company may try to convince you to sign off on your claim and settle quickly for an amount that is less than ideal. They will likely sound reasonable, friendly, and convincing. 

    However, remember that your employer and the insurance company do not have your best interests in mind. Their primary concern is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Don’t try to handle your workers’ comp claim on your own. 

    A Lancaster work injury lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC will help you understand Pennsylvania law’s current state regarding workers’ comp, explore your options, protect your rights, and file any necessary claims on your behalf. Additionally, even if your injuries do not qualify for workers’ compensation, you may have other legal options.

    If you have suffered injuries that you even suspect may be work-related, contact us online for a same-day response.

    Why Vanasse Law?

    See the many reasons Vanasse Law’s dedication, expertise and personal attention makes us THE best choice for injured workers in central Pennsylvania.

    Learn More >

    How Vanasse Law Can Maximize Your Results

    Mike recovers maximum dollars on behalf of his clients.  His track record and personalized comprehensive approach means that he achieves the highest possible benefits for injured workers. He is one of only a few certified specialists in Worker’s Compensation Law, and he uses his knowledge to get the best case values for his clients.

    Learn More >

    Testimonials

    “I am so thankful that I was referred to Vanasse Law for my workmans comp claim. Mike & Loraine put me at ease and the outcome was better than I expected…”

    More Testimonials >

      Get a Free Case Evaluation
      Same-Day Response Time

      *Required

      I have read the disclaimer.
      Privacy Policy