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Quick Answer
If you get hurt on the job, do not pay out of pocket for your damages. Workers in Trevose are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits by law. You can file a claim with your employer and their insurance company to get reimbursed and receive coverage for any of the damages you sustained.
Applying is only half of the picture; you will also need to qualify for benefits, a decision made by the insurance company. If you need help with your workers’ comp claim, do not hesitate to reach out to Pond Lehocky. Our Trevose workers’ compensation lawyers are here to assist you.
Whether you need help filing your claim, appealing a rejection, or challenging the insurance company’s benefits amounts, we have you covered. We have offices near Trevose and throughout Pennsylvania and have helped thousands of workers fight back against insurance companies.
How Does the Workers’ Comp Process Work in Trevose?
Generally speaking, the process goes like this:
- You seek medical attention and document your accident and injury, if possible.
- Report your accident and injury to your employer as soon as you can. Retain a copy of the report.
- Gather all evidence necessary and file your claim with your employer’s insurance company.
- The insurance company will review your claim and likely conduct its own investigation. During this time, they may ask for additional evidence or ask you questions about your injury or what happened.
- You will receive a notice of whether you will receive benefits or if you have been rejected.
- If you qualify for benefits, you will receive them until you have reached maximum medical improvement or you can return to work.
You can also continue to work in a limited capacity, such as your injury allows. This typically will not negate your benefits, but they will be adjusted to take into account the wages you are already earning.
Take Action Immediately After Suffering a Workplace Injury
Time is always working against you when it comes to workers’ comp claims. While Trevose residents usually get 120 days to report their injury and three years to file a claim, do not be fooled into thinking you can take as much time as you want. The integrity of your claim degrades as time passes. It is best to file everything while you have all the evidence fresh and organized. Waiting too long to file your claim only makes it more difficult to qualify for benefits.
What Benefits Do I Receive Through Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ comp benefits cover specific damages related to your workplace injury:
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- All medical expenses
- Death benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
It is important to note that workers’ comp will not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering or mental anguish. Workers’ comp was designed to streamline getting compensation to injured workers.
As a tradeoff for the timely distribution of benefits, non-economic damages that are not easily quantifiable are not factored in. The only way you could recover compensation for these damages would be through a separate personal injury lawsuit.
Common Reasons Why Workers’ Comp Claims Get Denied
Despite the streamlined process, it is not uncommon for workers’ comp claims to get denied. There are several reasons why.
Lack of Medical Documentation
When you filed your claim, you may not have provided sufficient medical documentation demonstrating that your injury is preventing you from working. This is why you must get all of your supporting medical evidence before you file. The insurance company will scrutinize which doctors you choose, what type of lab reports you submit, etc.
Missed Filing Deadline
Despite the relatively long time you have to report your injury or file a claim, many injured workers still miss deadlines. They either are unaware of their rights under the law and did not realize they could recover benefits through workers’ comp, or they simply forgot about the deadlines.
It is always best to act immediately. Waiting to file your claim only makes things harder and can lead to gaps in your evidence that cause rejection.
Injury Occurred Outside of Work
The insurance company may claim that your injury occurred outside of work or work hours. This is very common with workers in transportation or those who work overtime frequently.
Remember, insurance companies will examine more than just your medical evidence. If they see that your accident happened outside of your work, they may use that as grounds to reject you.
Employee Misclassification
The insurance company or your employer may misclassify you by saying that you’re not an =employee, or are simply an independent contractor. Unfortunately, independent contractors are not covered under workers’ comp laws. However, it is possible to challenge misclassification by proving you were actually an employee based on the hours you worked and the tasks you performed.
How a Trevose Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
The Trevose workers’ compensation lawyers at Pond Lehocky can help you in several ways. We can:
- Represent your best interests at all times and negotiate the best benefits package for your injury.
- Help you gather evidence and file all claim paperwork properly to avoid delays and reduce the chances of rejection.
- Assist you in challenging the early termination of benefits.
- Ensure you get the maximum amount of benefits if your injury leaves you disabled or with lasting physical issues.
Insurance companies are not on your side. It is more than likely they will try to get you to settle for less so they can protect their bottom line. With help from a lawyer, you can focus on recovery and getting better while they take care of the rest.
Get Help from Our Trevose Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
At Pond Lehocky, we have helped countless workers in Trevose and throughout Pennsylvania get their workers’ comp benefits. We work across all industries, including warehousing, retail, health care, and more. No matter what you do for work, we will stand by your side and help you fight for the benefits you rightfully deserve.
Allow us to give you a free consultation at no risk to you. There are no upfront or hidden fees, and if we cannot get you your benefits, you owe us nothing. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
