Archive for July, 2024

Industrial workers are subjected to some of the most dangerous job sites in Pennsylvania. From warehouses to chemical plants, there is a constant risk of catastrophic injury or harmful exposure. When accidents happen, workers’ compensation benefits may be available.

If you are recovering from injuries suffered in an industrial accident, now is the time to consider your legal options. A Lancaster workplace injury lawyer could help you manage each step of the benefits process and get the compensation you deserve. Below are the important steps to take in the aftermath of a Pennsylvania industrial accident.

Report Your Injury to a Supervisor

In order to recover workers’ compensation for industrial employees, the first step you need to take is to inform your employer about the incident. There are a few deadlines to keep in mind, but each of them is important. Initially, you must inform your employer of a work-related injury within 21 days. Although it is not required, providing this notice in written form is a good idea. A written notice provides a paper trail establishing that you met the notice requirements under the law.

This deadline is firm in most cases, but there are situations where someone could still qualify for benefits if they do not meet it. Anyone with reasonable cause—like being in a coma for several weeks—could still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits following an industrial accident so long as they ultimately make their claim within six months of the incident. After that, claims are always denied outside of cases regarding work-related illnesses or toxic exposure.

Seek Medical Care

Your health is your top priority, meaning you should see a doctor immediately following an industrial accident. When it comes to emergency medical care, you are authorized to seek treatment at the nearest facility available. Once the need for emergency medical care subsides, you are generally required to select a doctor from your employer’s physicians list.

An employer has the right to provide workers with a list of at least six doctors they can choose from for their workers’ compensation care. At least three of the names on the list must be physicians. There are some requirements a company must make, like providing the list to new hires and posting it on the job site where it is available to employees. The failure to meet these requirements could allow you to see any doctor you choose.

If your injury requires some kind of specialty medical care and an appropriate specialist is not on the list, you are allowed to choose your doctor for that treatment. You have the opportunity to switch from one doctor to another on the list, and your employer cannot direct you to a specific provider.

Speak With a Lancaster Job Injury Lawyer

Once you have addressed your medical needs, it is helpful to ensure your legal needs are also met. A Lancaster work injury lawyer can handle the complex issues in your case while ensuring you meet all legal deadlines.

Your choice of attorney is important. You can count on the insurance company to have the support of an army of lawyers. This makes handling your claim on your own a risk you cannot afford. The right legal team can even the odds and improve your chances of getting the benefits you deserve.

Document the Scene of the Industrial Accident

When possible, you can strengthen your case by thoroughly investigating the scene of the incident. This may not be possible if your injuries require emergency care or if the scene is so dangerous that it is impossible to get near it again. If you have access to the location of your accident, gather as much information as possible. This starts with noting the identities of witnesses who might have seen the incident. Other important pieces of evidence could include reports made by your employer or photos of the accident scene.

Keep Copies of Your Medical Records

When it comes to proving that your condition is serious enough to warrant workers’ compensation benefits, there are few steps more important than retaining copies of your medical records. You should retain copies of records for every doctor’s visit you have related to our workplace injury, no matter how minor it might seem at the time.

These records can paint a clear picture of the severity of your disability. They also provide a paper trail that proves you took reasonable steps to treat your injuries and improve your condition. This can be important in cases where the insurance company alleges you are able to return to work when you feel you are not. This documentation can help strengthen your claim in a variety of ways as you navigate the workers’ compensation system.

Appeal Your Denied or Insufficient Claim

Once you report your injury to your employer, it is their responsibility to submit the claim to the insurance company. From there, the insurer will decide whether or not to accept your claim and pay out benefits. Unfortunately, denials are common even though this is a “no-fault” system of compensation. It is also not unusual for injured workers to get an award that is below what they were expecting. You have the chance to file an appeal under either scenario.

Do Not Leave Your Claim to Chance – Contact Vanasse Law, LLC Today

If you are recovering from the consequences of an industrial accident, your next steps can affect you for the rest of your life. If you take careful steps to safeguard your health and protect your legal rights, you could get the benefits you deserve. The right approach could limit your long-term consequences, allowing you to return to the workforce and enjoy life to its fullest.

The attorneys of Vanasse Law, LLC understand what goes into a catastrophic injury. We are ready to serve as your advocates and help you maximize your claim for compensation. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.