Why Vanasse Law?

See the many reasons Vanasse Law’s dedication, expertise and personal attention makes us THE best choice for injured workers in central Pennsylvania.

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How Vanasse Law Can Maximize Your Results

Mike recovers maximum dollars on behalf of his clients.  His track record and personalized comprehensive approach means that he achieves the highest possible benefits for injured workers. He is one of only a few certified specialists in Worker’s Compensation Law, and he uses his knowledge to get the best case values for his clients.

Learn More >

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“I am so thankful that I was referred to Vanasse Law for my workmans comp claim. Mike & Loraine put me at ease and the outcome was better than I expected…”

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    Workers Comp Lawyer In Lancaster

    Contact a Lancaster Work Injury Lawyer Today

    Solely Dedicated to Serving the Needs of Injured WorkersIf you’re looking for a workers compensation lawyer in Pennsylvania, you’ve arrived at the right place. At Vanasse Law LLC, we focus exclusively on representing the victims of workplace injuries and illnesses of all types. While many larger law firms focus on many areas of practice, workers’ compensation is all we do. Each Lancaster job injury lawyer has been very successful in obtaining benefits for injured workers in throughout Pennsylvania.

    Our law firm will aggressively help you pursue all the benefits you need for your medical care, lost wages, and any other type of workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to receive. Each year we recover millions of dollars in benefits for our clients.

    Experienced and certified Lancaster workplace injury lawyer Mike Vanasse has spent more than 28 years involved in workers’ compensation law, and he can help any injured worker. Vanasse Law, LLC focuses on the following areas of workers’ compensation in Lancaster:

    Top Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

    After you suffer a work injury, you may be preparing to file a workers’ compensation claim.  It’s important to note, however, that there are a number of ways in which you might unintentionally undermine or otherwise damage your chances of being awarded such benefits.

    Consider the following.

    Delaying Medical Care

    Delaying medical care — whether you delay the diagnostic evaluation, treatment, or rehabilitation — relating to your work injury could create serious setbacks for the success of your workers’ compensation claim.  Employers may deny your claim on the basis that you are exaggerating your injury.  As a general rule, your failure to obtain medical care in a timely manner will be used to undermine the seriousness of your claim.

    Waiting to Notify Your Employer

    Waiting to notify your employer about the work injury is not only likely to undermine your workers’ compensation claim (as the employer may argue that you are being dishonest about your injuries) but may also lead to procedural roadblocks.  In Pennsylvania, if you fail to notify your employer within four months of the work injury (e.g. 120 days), then you will no longer have a right to workers’ compensation benefits.

    Using an Undesignated Healthcare Provider

    Depending on the details of your workers’ compensation plan, your employer may require that you obtain medical care for your work injury at a designated healthcare provider (at least in the early stages after your injury).  If you seek the assistance of an undesignated healthcare provider, then you might be in violation of the terms of your workers’ compensation plan. However, once ninety (90) days have passed since you began treatment for your injury, under the law you are then free to select the healthcare provider of your choice and are not limited to the list that the insurance company or employer designated.

    Failing to Consult a Qualified Lancaster Workman’s Compensation Lawyer

    Once you’ve been injured, your employer — and the insurance carrier — will likely attempt to persuade you into accepting reduced benefits or admitting that your injury is not as serious as you are claiming it to be.  Though you may be “ready” to take a defensive stance, it’s quite easy for first-time claimants to make mistakes and accidentally make statements or enter into agreements that could have a negative impact on their ability to secure workers’ compensation benefits.  It’s critical that you consult a qualified Lancaster workplace accident attorney who understands the landscape of such disputes and can coach you through the process.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for a Lancaster Work Injury Lawyer

    Who is eligible for workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania?

    In Pennsylvania, all employees are covered by workers’ compensation, but are only eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they have suffered a work injury.  Under Pennsylvania law, a “work injury” is any injury, illness, or other condition that occurs in the workplace or in the course and scope of one’s employment.  For example, if you are a pizza delivery driver, then you’d likely be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you were injured in a car accident while delivering pizzas to customers.

    Can dependents work with a Lancaster work injury lawyer to recover benefits after a fatal workplace accident?

    Yes.  In Pennsylvania, if an employee dies from a work injury, then a dependent family member may file a fatal claim petition to receive  compensation.  The dependents eligible to receive such death benefit payments may include the surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, and even the estate of the deceased (in certain circumstances).

    How long do workers’ comp benefits last in Pennsylvania?

    Workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania last indefinitely, unless and until the injured employee reaches a lump sum buyout (or other settlement), dies, makes a recovery from their disabling injury/condition, or returns to work earning the same about or more than they earned previously.  If those conditions are satisfied, then workers’ compensation benefits will be terminated.

    How are my workers’ comp benefits affected if I’m at fault for my injuries?

    Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits are awarded on a no fault  basis.  In other words, it is irrelevant who was at-fault for causing the injury under most circumstances.  For example, if you are speeding while delivering pizzas, and you are injured in a subsequent car accident, then you would still be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits (despite the fact that you are at least partially at-fault for the injuries).

    Pennsylvania law does, however, prevent the receipt of workers’ compensation benefits if the employee:

    • Intentionally caused their own injuries
    • Was intoxicated at the time of the accident
    • Was engaged in illegal activity at the time, which caused the injuries
    • Were attacked by a third-party
    • And more

    What happens to my workers’ comp benefits if I quit my job?

    Quitting your job can have an impact on your workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania, so it’s important that you be careful to consult a qualified Lancaster job injury lawyer before you proceed with quitting.  Generally speaking, voluntarily quitting will prevent you from receiving further workers’ compensation benefits, but if you can show that you quit your job due to your injuries (or for some other justified reason, such as a hostile work environment or discrimination due to your disability), then you can continue to receive benefits.

    How are my benefits calculated?

    The insurance company calculates an injured worker’s benefits based upon the average weekly wage. However, benefits are often miscalculated, especially in cases of fluctuating income like overtime. Even if you are receiving benefits, it is important to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney review your case to make sure you are getting the proper benefits.

    How long can I receive benefits?

    Injured workers are entitled to wage loss benefits as long as they have a loss of earnings related to the work injury. If an injured worker is receiving partial disability benefits (meaning that he or she has some earning capacity) those benefits are payable for up to a maximum of 500 weeks. However, if you are receiving benefits, the insurance company will often take steps to try and terminate, suspend or modify your benefits. So, even if you are receiving benefits it is important to have an experienced Lancaster work injury lawyer by your side.

    The company has filed to terminate, suspend or modify my benefits, what should I do?

    Insurance companies frequently obtain evidence which they will use to file a Petition to terminate, suspend and/or modify an injured worker’s benefits. The Petition will be assigned to a Workers’ Compensation Judge and litigation usually will follow. It is extremely important to have experienced workers’ compensation representation throughout this process. If you receive a Petition to terminate, suspend and/or modify your benefits, you should immediately contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

    The insurance company has sent me documents to sign, what should I do?

    When you are seeking workers’ compensation benefits, or are already receiving them, the insurance company will frequently send you different types of documents. These may include documents called Supplemental Agreements, Notice of Ability to Return to Work, Report of Earnings or Income. Some of these documents may require your signature. Many of these documents are time-sensitive and must be responded to accurately and in an extremely prompt fashion. It is very important that you see an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible if you receive any type of documentation from an insurance company. You should not sign any type of document without speaking to a Lancaster workman’s compensation lawyer first.

    The insurance company has stopped paying my wage loss benefits, what should I do?

    The insurance company cannot stop payment of wage loss benefits without an order from a Judge, a signed agreement by you or a return to work to pre-injury wages. If your checks have stopped and you do not understand the reason, then you need to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.

    The insurance company wants me to meet with a vocational counselor, what should I do?

    Frequently, when an injured worker is receiving wage loss benefits, the insurance company will require that the injured worker submit to an interview with a vocational expert. The vocational experts are hired by the insurance companies to try and prove that the injured worker has some earning capacity. The vocational expert will frequently want to conduct the interview in your home. You should not participate in this process without the benefit of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side.

    How can I afford to pay my Lancaster workman’s compensation attorney?

    At Vanasse Law LLC, we do not charge a consultation fee, nor do we charge on an hourly basis. In fact, we only get paid a percentage of wage loss benefits if we obtain benefits for you, preserve your benefits or settle your case.

    Contact us as soon as possible to learn more information at a free initial consultation. Send us an e-mail or call us at 717-397-1010 and talk with a lawyer about your injuries.

    Addressing More Complex Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Questions

    You can count on our lawyer and the rest of our team to take the time to address all of your questions and concerns, giving you crucial peace of mind. No matter what stage of the workers’ compensation process you are in, you can count on us to provide you with effective representation that protects your rights. You deserve no less.

    Call a Lancaster Workplace Injury Lawyer To Learn More

    We can help you make sure that you do not leave any potential benefits on the table. To obtain experienced, effective legal representation, contact us online or by calling 717-397-1010 to schedule a free consultation with the experienced Lancaster hurt on the job lawyers at our office. We also offer after hours consultations.

    Why Vanasse Law?

    See the many reasons Vanasse Law’s dedication, expertise and personal attention makes us THE best choice for injured workers in central Pennsylvania.

    Learn More >

    How Vanasse Law Can Maximize Your Results

    Mike recovers maximum dollars on behalf of his clients.  His track record and personalized comprehensive approach means that he achieves the highest possible benefits for injured workers. He is one of only a few certified specialists in Worker’s Compensation Law, and he uses his knowledge to get the best case values for his clients.

    Learn More >

    Testimonials

    “I am so thankful that I was referred to Vanasse Law for my workmans comp claim. Mike & Loraine put me at ease and the outcome was better than I expected…”

    More Testimonials >

      Get a Free Case Evaluation
      Same-Day Response Time

      *Required

      I have read the disclaimer.
      Privacy Policy

      Review Us