Archive for August, 2023

Every day, many people commute to their jobs with no expectation of suffering an injury or accident that may render them unable to continue their assigned duties. When this happens, they are often left struggling with household debt that steadily accumulates as well as doctor’s bills and other types of invoices that need to be paid. 

If this has happened to you, contact Vanasse Law, LLC, and speak with a Lancaster workers comp lawyer regarding your accident and the rights you have to receive compensation. We are experienced attorneys who focus our practice on helping injured workers.

Below, we discuss some workers’ compensation aspects and characteristics that we think every person in Pennsylvania facing a workers’ compensation claim should know. 

You Must Seek Medical Care From An Approved Physician

When you have an on-the-job injury, it is likely you will want to seek care from your own physician, as you have an established relationship with them and trust them to look out for your best interest. However, for the first 90 days of treatment, Pennsylvania law requires that the worker’s compensation insurance carrier and your employer dictate who treats you. After the first 90 days, you may be able to seek medical care from the doctor of your choice. Even so, your employers may still request that you attend an independent medical examination (IME).  

Not Every Injury Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Not every injury that you suffer will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. There are different reasons why, and some examples of injuries that would not qualify include:

• Injuries that you inflict upon yourself
• Injuries that are caused by your illegal conduct, such as the consumption of illegal drugs
• Injuries that are caused due to your own negligence
• Injuries that are caused by a third-party

Whether or not an injury qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits is a matter that should be addressed with a Lancaster workers comp lawyer. At Vanasse Law, LLC, our attorneys can help you with this determination. 

You May Be Able to Sue Responsible Third-Parties, But Not Your Employer

Many jobs require employees to interact with third parties and not just their employer. If your job requires you to interact with third parties, and you are injured, you may not qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may be able to pursue litigation against the responsible party to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. 

A common example would be if you are driving as a part of your employment and you are in an accident which is caused by the other driver. In this case, you may be able to sue the driver of the other vehicle or their insurance company. A Lancaster workers’ comp lawyer can advise you when you are able to pursue litigation against a third-party.

Nothing Happens Overnight

We understand that your injury or illness has likely affected every aspect of your life, including your ability to pay your bills and support your family. You need the benefits you are owed and you need them as soon as possible. At Vanasse Law, LLC, a Lancaster workers’ comp lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure you receive everything to which you are entitled. However, workers’ compensation is a process, and it does not produce results overnight. We will stay in touch with you and let you know what is happening in your case so you never feel like your needs are being ignored. 

You Must Report Your Work-Related Injury or Illness

After you suffer your job-related injury, you must report the injury to your employer and you must do so within a certain amount of time. In Pennsylvania, you have 21 days to report your injury. If you fail to report it within 120 days, it is likely that your claim will be denied. 

In reality, the longer you wait to report your injury the more likely that your employer or carrier will challenge your right to receive workers’ comp benefits. To keep your case strong and best support your ability to recover your benefits, it is best to report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. 

You Can Receive Other Benefits

Receiving workers’ compensation benefits does not exclude you from being able to receive other types of benefits as well. Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits can be received for the injury as well, although they (or your workers’ comp benefits) may be reduced.

Whether or not you can receive these other benefits and the effect they may have on your workers’ comp (and vice versa) is an issue that can be addressed with your Lancaster workers’ comp lawyer at Vanasse Law, LLC. 

You Need a Lancaster Workers’ Comp Lawyer On Your Side

The workers’ compensation insurance company is not dedicated to ensuring your best interest is served. They will have their own lawyer, and that lawyer is committed to representing their interests. Having your own Lancaster workers’ comp lawyer from Vanasse Law, LLC, will make certain that you have someone on your side who wants what is best for you and knows the law surrounding workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania. This is especially important as workers’ comp is a highly nuanced area of practice and knowing the law and how it is applied can have a significant effect not only on whether or not you receive benefits, but the amount of benefits that you receive. 

Scheduling a consultation can aid you in your pursuit of justice and allow you to get answers to the questions you have about the process. 

Speak With A Lancaster Workers’ Comp Lawyer at Vanasse Law, LLC

A Lancaster workers comp lawyer from Vanasse Law, LLC, can help you with every step of the workers’ compensation process. We are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation and learn more about the services we offer.