Filing For Workers’ Compensation In Pennsylvania
Successfully pursuing a workers’ compensation claim requires navigating complex laws and regulations and often involves multiple administrative and court hearings. While it may be possible to do this without a PA workers’ compensation attorney, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation recommends that injured workers consult a Pennsylvania work injury lawyer if they have questions about the process of filing and pursuing a claim.
The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at Munley, Munley & Cartwright have the experience necessary to help you understand your rights in this process, and to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job and would like our family of work injury lawyers to handle your case - contact us online, or call 1-800-318-LAW1.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania workers should follow these steps in filing a workers’ compensation claim:
- Any work-related injury or illness should be reported to your supervisor or employer immediately.
- You must tell your employer that you were injured in the course of employment and inform your employer of the date and place of injury. Reporting your injury is extremely important and should be done as soon as possible. Failure to notify your employer can result in the delay or denial of benefits, according to the state Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.
- Once you have reported your injury and you have missed a single day, shift or turn of work, your employer is required to report your injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by filing a First Report of Injury.
- Your employer or insurer may then choose to accept or deny your claim.
- If your claim is denied or if you feel you are receiving insufficient compensation, you have the right to file a claim petition with Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for a hearing before a Workers’ Compensation judge.
You have the right to represent yourself in workers’ compensation proceedings, but a friend or colleague who is not an attorney cannot represent you. Despite this right, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation warns, “You should be aware that (workers’ compensation) litigation is complex, and your employer or your employer’s insurance carrier will be represented by an experienced attorney.”
A workers’ compensation claim should be handled carefully to ensure that you are not denied benefits that you deserve. These benefits may be necessary to help you cover financial costs associated with your injury. A work-related injury may limit your income and make it difficult to provide for your family.
The PA workers’ compensation lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright have the talent and experience to help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured on the job, let us help you understand your rights. We can help you make sense of the complicated workers’ compensation process. Call the Pennsylvania work injury lawyers today at 1-800-318-LAW1 or contact us online.
