Our Lancaster Workman’s Compensation Lawyer Answers Your FAQs

Workers’ compensation rules and regulations can be entirely too complex for the average injured worker, and your employer and their workers’ comp insurance company are of no help whatsoever since their interests directly conflict with an injured worker’s interests. 

If you’ve been hurt at work, your very first call should be to a Lancaster workman’s compensation lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC. Most injured workers are not aware that any statements made to their employer or insurance company may jeopardize their chances of obtaining full financial compensation for their injuries.

Below are answers to injured workers’ most common questions regarding workers’ compensation.

What is Workers’ Comp For?

Workers’ compensation is, in its most basic sense, a state program designed to compensate employees who are injured on the job. These injuries are commonly referred to as “work-related injuries.”

What is a “Work-Related Injury?”

According to the Pennsylvania Workers Comp Act (the “Act”), a work-related injury is any injury, medical condition, or disease that is caused by a person’s job. There are no examples given by the Act, but it is clear that the condition must be related to the worker’s employment. Additionally, a work-related injury includes occupational diseases and pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by one’s job.

When Do I Have to Tell My Employer I Was Hurt on the Job?”

Section 311 of the Act requires notice to be given within 21 days after a work-related injury is sustained. But for a variety of reasons, you should inform your employer immediately.

Do I Have to Go to the “Company Doctor?”

Under Section 306(f.1)(1)(i) of the Pennsylvania Workman’s Comp Act, an injured worker must be treated by a “company doctor” for 90 days from the first visit, provided that:

• The employer provides a list of at least six health care providers, 
• The employer provides written notification of the employee’s rights and duties to the employee, and
• The employer obtains written acknowledgment from the employee of the notice given. 

An injured worker can receive treatment from any doctor or health care provider upon the employer’s failure to take these steps.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive?

The wage loss benefits are based upon the injured worker’s “average weekly wage,” which is generally 2/3rds of the amount the worker had earned before getting hurt on the job (although there are some exceptions). 

How Long Will My Benefits Last?

There is no hard time limit for receiving benefits. Injured workers may receive benefits until they settle their case or are ready to return to work. Nonetheless, many employers will attempt to limit how long a worker can receive workers’ compensation benefits in any number of ways.

Will My Medical Bills Get Paid?

Generally speaking, yes. Healthcare providers, doctors, and hospitals are paid for their services based upon a set fee schedule. You are never required to pay fees, including co-pays, for any medical care related to your work injury. Rather, medical care providers must submit their bills to the employer’s workers’ comp insurance company for payment.

Can I Sue My Employer?

Generally not. Injured workers give up the right to sue their employers, even if the employer’s negligence caused the injury, in exchange for receiving workers’ compensation benefits. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, you may be able to sue third parties that may have been responsible for your injuries, such as in a case where you get hit by a vendor delivery van. You may also be able to sue your employer for intentional torts at work, such as being assaulted by your boss.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Represent Me in My Workers’ Comp Claim?

Yes. The employer and the employer’s workers’ comp insurance company will have you at a serious disadvantage. Remember that any insurance company’s primary goal is to make money. They make money by denying or delaying your claim, or, most commonly, talking you into an undervalued settlement with the lure of quick cash.

Workers’ comp laws in Pennsylvania are very complicated and difficult to understand, but the insurance company lawyers know them by heart. Attorneys who focus their legal practice on workers’ comp, like a Lancaster workman’s compensation lawyer at Vanasse Law, understand the law every bit as well as the insurance company. 

Our team is prepared to level the playing field on your behalf, and often, the fact that you have retained a workers’ comp law firm is enough to force insurance companies into a favorable settlement. If not, we’ll take them to trial. A little-known fact is that insurance companies hate to go to trial, and will settle favorably if put to the test.

Let a Lancaster Workman’s Compensation Lawyer Answer All of Your Workers’ Comp Questions

Vanasse Law LLC is a law firm that handles only workers’ comp claims in Pennsylvania. With us, you don’t have to worry about taking a back seat to the latest big payout personal injury client. If you have been injured at work or doing any work-related tasks, it’s very important that you call us first. 

When the insurance company contacts you after reporting your injury, or even if your employer starts asking you questions related to the injury, you simply say: “Please speak to my attorney” and give them our phone number. We will represent you to your employer and the insurance company, and we will handle your claim for you so that you can realize your best possible outcome.

Our Lancaster workman’s compensation lawyer understands the law surrounding workers’ comp claims in Pennsylvania, and our team will be by your side through what may be a long-term serious injury issue. We’ll work hard to get you all of the financial compensation to which you’re entitled. Contact us today for a same-day response and a free consultation.