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When you suffer an on-the-job injury in Pennsylvania, you want to be certain you do not do anything to jeopardize your ability to collect the workers’ compensation benefits to which you may be entitled. At Vanasse Law LLC, our experienced legal professionals can assist you with the entire workers’ comp process to ensure maximum recovery. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation with a Lancaster workers comp lawyer, and keep reading to find out what you can do to help prevent the denial of your workers’ compensation claim.
It is essential to report your injury as soon as you safely can to your supervisor or the human resources department of your company. Some employees are encouraged to refrain from reporting the injury, but failing to do so can later result in the denial of workers’ compensation benefits. You will also need to file your claim for benefits. There are time limits associated with these processes, so do not delay in taking these steps.
On-the-job injuries can be very serious and emergency services will need to be called. Other injuries may not require emergency services to be summoned, but you will still need to seek medical attention. Do not ignore your injuries; thoroughly describe your injury and symptoms to your medical care provider and obtain the care you need for your well-being and healing.
When your accident occurred, there may have been witnesses present who observed how the accident happened. Be certain to obtain their contact information and jot down notes to help you remember what they saw. It is also possible that a person or other source, such as security cameras, captured your accident on film. If there are pictures or video of the accident, take the steps necessary to obtain them. If you have a Lancaster workers comp lawyer, they may be able to assist you in this process.
Even if you start to feel better or do not want to, it is important that you follow through with the instructions given to you by your medical care professionals, including subsequent visits, therapies, and medications. If you do not, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier may use that as a reason to either deny your claim or discontinue your benefits. You do not want to provide the insurance company with a reason to deny your claim.
From day one, it is important that you keep copies of all documentation you receive. This includes reports, letters, doctor’s notes, and emails. Many of our clients find it convenient to keep an accordion folder to organize all of their copies. You never know what your Lancaster workers comp lawyer will need to support your case, so it is better to have too much information than not enough. It is also a good idea to keep a notebook so that you can write down everything that happens, including important dates and conversations.
It can be tempting to discuss your accident with co-workers, friends, and family. However, it is in your best interest to only speak with your Lancaster workers comp lawyer, spouse, and medical care providers. Also, speak with your attorney prior to speaking with your doctor.
It is also beneficial to your case to stay off of all forms of social media. Insurers will check the social media accounts of persons who file claims in an effort to obtain information that contradicts their injury claim. Even if your post does not directly address your accident, the insurer may use it against you.
If you have prior injuries, especially prior injuries to the same area that has been most recently injured, be certain to address this with your lawyer and then your physician. You may still be able to recover for these injuries, but it is important that prior injuries are addressed.
The insurer or their lawyer, or another party to the case may contact you and request that you give an official statement or sign a release or other documentation as part of the claims process. It is in your best interest to speak with your Lancaster workers comp lawyer at Vanasse Law LLC before signing anything or giving any type of statement. Your attorney will be able to advise you as to whether or not you should sign, and they can handle the communication with the other party.
You do not have to go through the workers’ compensation process alone, and you shouldn’t. A Lancaster workers comp lawyer can guide you through the entire proceeding, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are receiving the results to which you are entitled. Do not sell yourself short; obtain an experienced attorney, and listen to your lawyer. Heed their advice to best support your chances of recovery.
Issues may arise after your accident, during the claims process or even after your case has been concluded. For example, you may experience retaliation at the hands of your employer. Upset that you filed your claim, your employer may treat you unfairly or in an abusive manner. If this should happen, contact your attorney and let them know. Retaliation is illegal, and you should not have to tolerate that type of treatment.
If you have been injured on the job, you want to take the steps necessary to ensure your ability to collect workers’ compensation benefits is not jeopardized. At Vanasse Law LLC, a Lancaster workers comp lawyer can assist you with every step of the claims process. Contact us today to learn more about the extensive services we offer.