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When you suffer any kind of injury, your natural response is to seek attention from your physician. After all, that is the professional who knows your health history, and with whom you have established a relationship over the years. But if the injury that you have suffered is a workplace injury and you plan on filing a workers’ compensation claim, then there are certain rules that you need to be aware of and to follow. Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney acting as your advocate can help you avoid making mistakes that could keep you from getting the compensation that you need. The workers’ compensation attorneys from the Lancaster law firm of Vanasse Law are here to keep you on the right track so you can get the reimbursement that you deserve.
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws define a work injury as an injury, disease or condition caused by a person’s job, and in order to get compensation for that injury, a worker needs to inform their employer about the condition within 21 days of it having occurred, or within 120 days at the absolute latest. The sooner you report an injury the better, even if you don’t think that you’ll need medical treatment. If you do need treatment, your company is allowed to insist that you are treated by a doctor from their company approved list for the first visit and for 90 days thereafter: once those 90 days are up, you can see whatever physician you choose. It is also important to note that not every company has this requirement in place. You only need to go to a company doctor if your company has provided you with a written list that consists of at least six designated health care providers and you have signed a document indicating that you have received the list and are aware of those requirements. If the company hasn’t provided this type of list, then you are free to select whatever physician you would like.
Workers’ compensation offers a number of benefits, including compensation for medical expenses and for wages lost as a result of the injury. The amount that you can receive in lost wages is based on the amount of money that you were making before the injury, and there are maximum amounts that can be paid, but most workers receive about 2/3s of their wage. Bills from doctors and medical facilities are paid based on a fee schedule, and bill the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company directly. The employee should not have to pay any fees.
Workers’ compensation is a valuable benefit for employees, but getting the benefits that you deserve can, unfortunately, be a difficult process. The attorneys at Vanasse Law will fight for your rights and make sure that everything is being done the right way. Call us today to set up an appointment to discuss your case.
Anybody who has ever injured their back knows that the pain of a back injury can be excruciating. If you are suffering from the spasms and misery of a back injury that occurred on the job, you may feel like you’re all alone, but in fact you’re in very good and expansive company – back injuries are the second most common injury that happens in the workplace. Workplace back injuries can range from minor to crippling, and can be the result of overexertion or overextension, a fall, or even sitting in an unhealthy position for an extended period of time. Whether your back injury requires extensive surgery and permanent disability or simply needs a bit of therapy and pain medication, you are entitled to workers’ compensation to cover your medical expenses and to provide replacement income for any lost wages that result from needing time off from work. It is important that you report your injury to your employer immediately to give them the opportunity to provide you with the compensation to which you are entitled. If they respond with a denial of your claim, contact the attorneys at Vanasse Law to give yourself the benefit of a powerful legal advocate.
The back injuries that most commonly occur at work include:
These injuries can occur in a number of different ways, ranging from simply lifting a box the wrong way to being involved in a catastrophic automobile accident while on the job. Repetitive motions can cause back injuries, a slip and fall can cause a back injury, and even standing or sitting for too long in an awkward position can lead to damage to your back.
If you injure your back while on the job, you are entitled to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance policy that employers provide to their employees in exchange for employees not filing personal injury lawsuits against them. In theory, workers’ compensation should be a relatively straightforward process, but many employers or their insurance carriers deny claims, questioning whether a worker is actually injured, or whether the injury is actually work related. As experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, the Lancaster, Pennsylvania law firm of Vanasse Law has extensive experience in representing workers whose workers’ compensation claims have been denied. If you have reported your injury to your employer within the mandated time period and they have responded with a denial of claims, then you will need to file an appeal of this denial, and this is a complex process. Having a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney working as your advocate and representative will give you the advantage of being certain that all deadlines are met, all documentation is in order, and that you have an impressive array of medical experts providing testimony on your behalf. Getting compensation for your work-related back injury is a complex, serious process. Contact the attorneys at Vanasse Law to make sure that you’re in competent, confident hands.
There are some injuries and work-related illnesses that are clear-cut and rarely questioned. These include accidents that occur in the workplace and exposures to chemicals and toxins that are present in the workplace. Unfortunately, other medical conditions are not as straightforward, and workers who suffer these illnesses or injuries are rightly concerned about whether their workers’ compensation claim will be accepted. High on this list is heart attacks suffered by workers.
Though to the ill employee there may be no question that their heart condition or heart attack is a result of work-related stress, employers and their insurance companies are highly likely to deny the claim and put up an argument. In the state of Pennsylvania, ruling on the merits of a workers’ compensation claim for a heart attack are based on how much exertion your job requires. Though your job may place you under tremendous stress, that emotional challenge is not enough to win your case. If you have suffered a heart attack that you believe was caused by your employment, you need an experienced attorney who can help you gather evidence to prove your case. The lawyers at Vanasse Law have a long record of successfully winning heart injury workers’ compensation cases, and can assist you as well.
Heart attacks suffered on the job can be a result of a job requiring a person to be sedentary for long periods of time followed by periods of extreme exertion – a truck driver is a perfect example of this type of activity or job responsibility. In addition to being caused by physical stress, heart attacks can also be a result of mental stress, and in some situations the state has held that an upsetting situation at work has directly caused a heart attack. In these cases, despite the objections of the employer, the workers’ compensation bureau has been convinced that the physical injury of a heart attack was the direct result of a work-related mental stimulus. The sick worker’s attorney was required to prove that the heart attack existed, and to provide testimony from a medical authority stating unequivocally that the attack was related to what happened at work, whether mental or physical. This type of legal argument requires a highly skilled, knowledgeable attorney with extensive experience in workers’ compensation litigation.
Whether you have suffered a heart attack as a result of physical exertion required at work or because of the emotional stress of an event or situation at work, it is important that you work with an attorney who is well versed in the specifics of Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws, and who has extensive experience in successfully representing injured workers like yourself. At the Lancaster law firm of Vanasse Law, we are committed to making sure that our clients get the compensation that they deserve and that their rights are fully protected. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
No matter how a spinal cord injury occurs, its impact can be long lasting and life changing. The expenses involved in treating a spinal cord injury can quickly climb to mind-numbing levels, and the pain and disability that follows can leave you unable to continue working. If you or someone you love has suffered a spinal cord injury on the job, then you are likely to be entitled to both compensation for any wages that you lose, and for compensation for your medical expenses. There are specific steps that you need to take in order to preserve your ability to file for workers’ compensation, and it is important that you follow these steps exactly. The attorneys at the Lancaster workers’ compensation law firm of Vanasse Law are compassionate, experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who can provide you with the legal guidance you need to make sure that your rights are protected.
Spinal cord injuries vary in severity but are generally defined as any damage to the bundle of nerves that is located within the spinal column. These nerves make up the message center between the brain and the rest of the body, sending messages telling limbs and fingers to move and relaying sensations like heat, cold, softness, and sharpness back from the fingers and surface of the skin. At their most severe, spinal cord injuries can leave those who have suffered them completely paralyzed from the neck down. Even a slight disturbance within the spinal cord can leave a person unable to control their bladder, unable to regulate their body temperature, unable to function sexually, and more.
Spinal cord injuries that occur on the job are often a result of a fall or some kind of trauma or blow to the spine. Many workers suffer spinal cord injuries while operating motor vehicles while others are a matter of being crushed by heavy equipment. However your accident occurred, if the injury took place on the job then you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation, a no-fault insurance that your Pennsylvania employer is required to carry and which provides injured workers with the ability to receive compensation without needing to file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer, or to assign blame for what has happened to them.
In the state of Pennsylvania, workers who are injured are required to notify their employer about their injury within 21 days. Following this your employer will send a report to their insurance company, as well as to the Workers’ Compensation Bureau, and 21 days after giving notice to the employer they are required to either respond with a denial of liability or begin providing compensation. With an injury as serious as a spinal cord injury, there is likely to be an extended period when you are unable to work. For more information on the options available to you, contact Vanasse Law today. One of our knowledgeable attorneys will explain the process and let you know what you can expect from the workers’ compensation process.
Nobody heads off to work expecting to sustain energy, but workplace injuries happen every day, and they can be life-altering. Leg injuries are extremely common in all types of work environments and are often the result of slipping or tripping, falling from a height, walking into objects, machinery entanglements, and vehicle crashes. The severity of these injuries can vary and can range from bumps and bruises to sprains, from broken bones or torn ligaments to amputations. Whether you have injured your leg, knee, or ankle in the workplace, if your condition requires medical attention or time away from work then you are entitled to seek and receive benefits from workers’ compensation. The Lancaster PA law firm of Vanasse Law LLC has extensive experience in successfully representing those who have been hurt on the job, and we can help you as well.
Workplace leg injuries can happen to anybody. Though many assume that those who work in construction, in factory and manufacturing settings, or in other dangerous environments are the most likely to get hurt, the truth is that on-the-job accidents happen in all types of settings and to all types of employees. Workers’ compensation is there to provide those who have been injured with a straightforward way to receive compensation for the damage that they have suffered without having to resort to legal action against their employer. It is a no-fault system that attributes no blame: Instead, it is meant to provide a way for injured employees to receive compensation for their medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability payments, and vocational rehabilitation benefits if needed. Unfortunately, many employers and their insurance companies put roadblocks in the way of those seeking these benefits, and that’s where an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help.
At Vanasse Law LLC , when you seek our help in getting workers’ compensation for your leg, knee, or ankle injury, we do not file a lawsuit against your employer. We assist you in making sure that your claim is well documented and filed correctly and represent you in front of the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation judge, as well as the Appeal Board if necessary. We can also help you to identify whether any third party may have played a role in your injury, and help you in pursuing legal action against those responsible.
When you suffer an injury to your leg, knee, or ankle, it has a direct impact on many different and important aspects of your life. It affects your ability to move as well as to function, and may directly impact your ability to continue to do your job. Additionally, a leg injury can impact the quality and enjoyment of your life. If you have suffered this type of injury on the job, the first thing you need to do is to focus on getting better and having the compensation that you need to pay for your bills, and ample time to heal is important. At Vanasse Law LLC, we work hard to make sure that your rights are protected and that you have the opportunity to heal. Contact us today to see how we can help.
Nobody starts their day anticipating that they are going to get injured on the job, and the truth is that when an accident, illness, or injury does occur, few people know exactly what they are supposed to do. Though the most obvious answer is that you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible – especially in an emergency – when it comes to doing things the right way in order to maximize your chances of receiving the workers’ compensation benefits that you deserve, there’s a lot that you need to know. At Vanasse Law, we are experienced workers’ compensation attorneys who help injured employees through the complex process of applying for and securing their workers’ compensation benefits. Few people know what the most important steps are that need to be followed, but we can help. Call us today if you have been injured on the job.
Though workers’ compensation is a benefit that is provided to most workers in the state of Pennsylvania, not all who are injured on the job end up receiving the compensation that they deserve. In order to give yourself the best chance of success in your pursuit of workers’ compensation benefits, here are the most important steps that you need to follow:
Having an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney walk you through these steps as well as the claims process is the first step to making sure that you have the best possible chance of having your claim approved. Call Vanasse Law today to learn more about the many ways that we can help.
Learn more about Job Injuries HERE.
Pennsylvania is one of America’s most prominent farming states. The state boasts over 63,000 farms and ranks fourth in the country for dairy production, apple production, and grape production, and first for mushrooms. Though farming may evoke an image of a bucolic and peaceful setting, the truth is that it is a very dangerous profession, and agricultural employees are at high risk for work-related injuries. Despite the dangers inherent in the industry, workers’ compensation laws throughout the country do not necessarily apply to those who work on farms, and for those who suffer farm work injuries in Pennsylvania, those protections might be in place, but only under limited circumstances. Understanding worker’s compensation for Lancaster, PA farm workers is complex, but the attorneys at Vanasse Law are dedicated to ensuring that those who are injured on the job get the justice they deserve. If you’ve suffered a farm work injury, call us today and let us tell you how we can help.
Though Pennsylvania does allow farmworkers to collect workers’ compensation when they have suffered a farm work injury, that is only provided on a limited basis. According to the law, Pennsylvania farm employers are only required to provide workers’ compensation if they pay one agricultural worker wages of $1,200 or more, or furnish employment to one employee in agricultural labor for thirty or more days in a calendar year. Additionally, the state courts have ruled against the rights of undocumented workers to receive replacement wages when they have suffered a farm work injury, though they do provide for medical benefits. Trying to understand whether your employer is required to provide these benefits can be a complex process, and that is why you need the help of an experienced Lancaster, PA workers’ compensation law firm.
Farmworkers are at risk for a number of injuries. Accidents can occur when working with heavy machinery or you may be injured while working with power tools. Farm animals can be unpredictable and can expose you to airborne illnesses, chemicals and pesticides can lead to a variety of conditions and toxicities, and you can develop repetitive stress injuries or suffer injuries such as broken bones or back strains. In all of these cases, the medical bills will quickly become overwhelming and you may be required to miss work or be completely disabled.
Though the exclusions and limitations established by the state with regards to providing workers’ compensation to farmworkers may seem to work against your ability to get the compensation you need following your work injury, the lack of workers’ compensation does not preclude your ability to file a third-party personal injury claim that can provide you with similar benefits or compensation. The attorneys at the workers’ compensation law firm of Vanasse Law have extensive experience in determining the best way to approach each farm work injury situation in order to maximize your ability to get the compensation that you need. Call us today to see how we can help.
Learn more about Workers’ Compensation and Vanasse Law HERE.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania has a vibrant economy supported by diverse industries, including agriculture, manufacturing tourism, and healthcare. The community boasts hundreds of manufacturers and distributors and produces goods as diverse as farm machinery and linoleum, ball bearings, and a wide range of food products. Though the jobs that these businesses represent make valuable contributions to the financial health of the area, they also put local residents at risk of a variety of industrial worker injuries that can be devastating to physical health. If you are a Lancaster, PA industrial worker who has been injured on the job, the workers’ compensation law firm of Vanasse Law is here to help.
It is mandatory for employers in the state of Pennsylvania to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, and this insurance can come from a state fund, a private carrier, or employers can opt to provide insurance on their own. There are highly specific rules regarding both compensation and the process of applying for workers’ comp benefits, and it is essential that anybody who has suffered industrial worker injuries or who is sickened on the job follows these rules in order to maximize their ability to collect the benefits that they deserve. Injured workers have only 21 days to report their injury to their employer, and the following receipt of the report the employer has only ten days to submit a First Report of Injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Though employees who are determined to be eligible for benefits are able to receive full medical benefits without limits, in order to be deemed eligible they must first see a physician that comes from their employer’s list of approved doctors, if such a list exists. Once the employers’ insurance company reviews a report of injury, they make a decision as to whether or not to pay the claim. If a claim is not denied within 21 days then the worker is supposed to receive a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable Form or an Agreement of Compensation Form. Whichever you receive will need to be filled out and filed with the bureau along with a Statement of Wages Form. There is a tremendous amount of paperwork and investigation that often follows a workers’ compensation claim, even when the compensation is agreed to, and it is essential that all of this documentation is properly completed and filed in a timely way in order to ensure that compensation is received as quickly as possible.
Even when everything is done correctly, the workers’ compensation process in the state of Pennsylvania can be extremely complex. Having an experienced attorney working on your behalf and representing you will give you the confidence and knowledge that your claim is being handled properly from start to finish. Call the Lancaster Pa law firm of Vanasse Law for help filing your initial claim, collecting all of the documentation you need to support your claim, filing an appeal, and representing you during hearings. We are here to help.
Learn more about how Vanasse Law can Help Industrial Workers HERE.
When people think about workers’ compensation and the injuries that require applying for these benefits, they generally imagine work setting such as factory floors and construction sites. The truth is that serious work-related injuries can happen in every environment, including offices where white collar workers are employed. Whether an employee is a professional in a supervisory role or a clerical staff member, it is quite common for white collar worker injuries to occur, and as a result they may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you are an employee who has suffered a white collar worker injury and you need legal advice or representation, contact the Lancaster, PA law firm of Vanasse Law to learn more about your rights and how we can help.
There are a number of ways that an employee can be injured in an office setting. From something as simple as a slip and fall at the office to the development of a repetitive stress injury such as thoracic outlet syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome, any accidental injury, sickness, or death that is a result of something that happens in the scope of your employment may qualify you for workers’ compensation. In the state of Pennsylvania, having your claim approved means that you can receive medical benefits without limitation, as well as replacement of lost wages where appropriate.
The most common office injuries that result in workers’ compensation claims are a result of slip and fall accidents. They may be the result of unsafe conditions, unattended spills, exposed cords, loose rugs, or cluttered areas. The presence of inclement weather often contributes to the hazards that are present: slippery stairways, icy parking lots, and water accumulation of floors are frequently the cause of injury. Additionally, many injuries are a result of poor workstation ergonomics that can lead to repetitive stress injuries, poor posture, and strains. Other problems that befall white-collar workers include indoor air-quality problems, the negative impact of too much noise, electrical hazards, insufficient lighting or lighting that is too harsh, and acts of violence in the workplace.
If you work in an office environment and have suffered a workplace injury, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for reporting and responding to those injuries so that you can avail yourself of the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled. Though many employees are hesitant about filing a claim, it is important to remember that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system – by seeking benefits you are not blaming your employer for your injury, and you are not holding them liable.
The Lancaster, PA workers’ compensation law firm of Vanasse Law is familiar with all of the processes and procedures of filing a workers’ compensation claim and will guide you through them in order to make sure that you are able to avail yourself of the benefits you need. Call us today to set up a convenient time for a consultation.
Learn more about Workers’ Compensation HERE.
When you’ve been hurt on the job, your first thought is probably not to turn to an attorney for help. Your immediate concern is to get your injury treated and make sure that you’re getting the proper medical attention. In the state of Pennsylvania, there are highly specific rules and regulations regarding the correct process to follow in order to apply for workers’ compensation benefits, and if you fail to follow them, you run the risk of losing those benefits. If you have suffered a workplace injury, contact the on-the-job injury lawyers from the Lancaster law firm of Vanasse Law. Our experience and knowledge will make all the difference in your ability to get the compensation that you deserve for your injury.
The state of Pennsylvania’s laws makes it mandatory for an employer to carry worker’s compensation insurance for their employees. The coverage may be provided by a private issuance carrier, a state fund, or the employer may choose to supply insurance on their own. Whichever type of insurance the employer elects means that an employee whose claim is accepted is entitled to full medical benefits with no financial limits. However, in order to qualify, upon being injured the employee is required to select the initial physician that sees them from a list of approved doctors provided by the workplace, unless no list has been provided. The process requires that you report your injury to your employer within 21 days, and they then have just ten days to submit a First Report of Injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. If a death has occurred the employer is required to report the incident to the agency within 48 hours.
Once your claim has been submitted, your employers’ insurance company is required to either provide you with a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable Form so that you can get benefits or an Agreement of Compensation Form. The paperwork on these forms needs to be filled out and sent to the agency, along with a Statement of Wages Form and a number of other essential documents. This is the best-case scenario. The insurance company may deny your claim for benefits, in which case they must submit the appropriate paperwork within 21 days of the initial report having been filed. If you receive word that your claim has been denied, it is suggested that you seek assistance from an on-the-job injury lawyer to help you with the next steps.
The on the job injury lawyers at Vanasse Law are dedicated to fighting for the rights of workers who have been sickened or hurt on the job. Whether you have been exposed to a substance that made you ill, have been involved in a workplace injury, or suffer from a repetitive stress injury, you are entitled to compensation. Call our office today to set up an appointment with an on-the-job injury lawyer who truly cares.
Learn more from our On-The-Job Injury Lawyer HERE.