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Experiencing an injury in the workplace can be a significant setback for both individuals and their families. Maneuvering the often intricate legal procedures required to recover both physically and financially from such an incident adds further challenges to an already distressing situation. Regrettably, employers and their insurers often make concerted efforts to minimize the benefits that injured employees rightfully deserve.
In Pennsylvania, workers have certain legal protections in the event of a workplace injury. Thanks to workers’ compensation laws, individuals who become victims of work-related injuries can file a claim for benefits. This process enables them to obtain compensation for their pain, loss of earning capacity, and other potential consequences of the injury.
However, it’s common for employers and insurers to try to deny or reduce these critical benefits, which can hinder recovery and have a significant impact on the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of the affected individuals and their families. Pond Lehocky Giordano is dedicated to advocating for the rights of workers adversely affected by work-related injuries or illnesses. If you or someone you know has suffered a workplace injury, the seasoned Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers at Pond Lehocky Giordano are prepared to help.
The Pond Lehocky Giordano Difference
We are unwavering in our commitment to stand up against large corporations, insurance companies, and opposing legal counsel. Our team of Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorneys is dedicated to vigorously defending your rights and maximizing your compensation. Here are a few reasons to consider working with us:
- We have more than 250 years of combined legal experience.
- We’ve recovered billions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
- Our track record includes more than 100,000 successful cases.
- We’ve been named to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Law Firms list.
- Many of our attorneys have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers®.
- We’ll take the time to get to know you as a person, not just a case.
- We have locations throughout Pennsylvania, including one in Harrisburg.
- Our in-house medical team can help ensure that you get the best possible care.
- You only pay us if we win your case.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced attorneys, contact Pond Lehocky Giordano today.
Common Work Injuries in Harrisburg
Some jobs are more dangerous than others. However, it’s possible to suffer an injury at even the safest of workplaces. Harrisburg is home to many different industries, but businesses in the health, logistics, manufacturing, and entertainment and hospitality sectors have an especially large presence.
Here’s a look at some of the most common workplace injuries our Harrisburg clients experience in various fields:
The Healthcare Sector
Harrisburg has several major medical employers, including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Harrisburg. Most people don’t think about healthcare jobs presenting a high risk of injury, but even the most cautious employee may find themselves dealing with one of the following:
- Needlestick injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Assaults by patients or their families
- Illnesses due to occupational exposure
Fortunately, many hospitals, clinics, and other employers in the medical sector make it easy to get the medical care you need after an injury. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t run into issues with your workers’ compensation claim.
The Logistics Industry
The logistics industry employs thousands of warehouse and transportation workers. Because these jobs often involve handling heavy materials, they can easily lead to mishaps like:
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Forklift injuries
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Being hit by falling objects
Many people in the logistics and transportation industry also work long hours, and fatigue can increase their risk of injury substantially.
The Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry comes with unique risks.
Many workers operate heavy machinery that can cause injuries if something goes wrong. Furthermore, manufacturing often involves performing the same task over and over, so workers in this industry may be more likely than the average person to suffer from overuse or repetitive strain injuries.
Entertainment and Hospitality
A sizable portion of Harrisburg residents work in the hospitality and entertainment industries. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is a major regional employer.
While someone working as a resort concierge may not be likely to file a workers’ comp claim, someone working as a security guard or amusement park ride operator is exposed to greater risk.
Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Workplace Accident
Uncertain about what actions to take after a work injury? It’s vital to report your injury without delay, even if you feel you might be at fault, provided no unlawful acts were committed. For occupational illnesses that emerge over time, like mesothelioma, or repetitive strain conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, immediate reporting upon medical diagnosis and establishing its connection to your work is key.
Report the Injury to Your Supervisor
Notifying your boss of your injury will officially begin the workers’ compensation process. You should tell your supervisor immediately after the incident. If you wait to report it, the workers’ compensation insurance company may argue that your injury wasn’t serious.
Seek Medical Attention
If you need emergency care, don’t hesitate to call 911 or ask someone to drive you to the emergency room. If you don’t need emergency care, your employer may ask you to choose a physician from a list of approved doctors.
You should still seek care as soon as possible, as waiting several days to see a doctor may make it seem like your injury isn’t as serious as you claim.
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws generally require you to be treated by an employer-approved doctor in the first 90 days after your injury. After that, you’re free to choose your own. Our lawyers can help you prioritize your health while preserving your ability to file a claim.
Document the Injury
If you have to rush to the emergency room, you may not have time to document the conditions that caused your injury. Assuming you’re able, however, you should take photos of your injury and the surrounding environment.
Documentation isn’t just about photos. You should also keep copies of your medical records, treatment summaries from medical providers, and communication between you and your employer.
Make Sure Your Employer Completes an Official Report
Employers are supposed to maintain incident reports of on-the-job injuries, but some neglect this requirement. After your condition has stabilized, you should ask your supervisor if they’ve made an official report of your injury.
You should also request a copy of the report. This will be a key part of your workers’ compensation claim.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
In Pennsylvania, your employer should first report your injury to their insurance carrier. If you receive a denial from the insurance company, you can file a Workers’ Compensation Claim Petition. This petition is critically important to your case, so we strongly suggest working with a lawyer when completing it.
Continue to Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics of your workers’ compensation claim, especially if your employer is less than helpful. However, throughout this process, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions.
There are two main reasons for this. First and foremost, your health matters, and following your doctor’s instructions will improve your chances of a full recovery.
Workers’ compensation insurance companies will also scrutinize your claim very closely. If they find that you haven’t been compliant with your care plan or you’ve skipped follow-up appointments, they might decline to cover your claim.
Consider Seeking Legal Counsel
Technically speaking, you aren’t required to retain a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, the right lawyer can improve your chances of success. Our workers’ comp attorneys are familiar with the tactics insurance companies often use to get out of paying claims, and we’re prepared to advocate for you.
Having a lawyer help with your claim from the beginning is ideal. That said, many of our clients file claims on their own and then rely on our services when their claims are denied and they need to file an appeal.
Is a Workers’ Comp Attorney Necessary?
While every worker has the right to represent themselves when initiating a workers’ compensation claim, attempting to do so could place them at a significant disadvantage. Legal firms representing workers’ compensation insurance providers defend their clients vigorously, working hard to diminish or reject the benefits of injured workers. When you have a lawyer who’s equally determined to fight for your rights, you’re far more likely to secure compensation.
Even if you’re currently receiving workers’ compensation benefits, a consultation with us can clarify whether the ongoing benefit arrangement is sufficient. If need be, we can assist you in safeguarding against potential challenges to your benefits or medical treatments by the insurance agency.
For acute job-related injuries or ailments, legal guidance is often invaluable. Whether you’ve experienced an injury, developed a job-related sickness, or feel you’ve faced injustice, seeking a Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorney will help give you an edge. Even if you feel equipped to handle matters independently, our attorneys can steer you through your case from inception to conclusion, earning their fee only when your case prevails.
Why Hire a Harrisburg Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
While workers’ compensation was designed to provide prompt compensation for injured workers, it can sometimes seem to favor employers and insurers. Our experienced Harrisburg workers’ comp attorneys serve as your advocates, ensuring that you’re treated fairly. With the help of our legal team in Pennsylvania, you avoid direct communication with the insurance company — one of our attorneys would handle these interactions.
Insurance adjusters often schedule an independent medical examination with a doctor paid by the insurance company. This doctor may downplay your injury or provide an alternative explanation for how it occurred. Our workers’ compensation lawyers will guide you through the process, ensuring an objective and fair evaluation of your injuries.
We work diligently to secure maximum compensation for our clients’ losses. There are situations where legal representation is especially crucial:
- When the employer rejects or hesitates to disburse benefits
- When the proposed settlement doesn’t cover lost wages and medical expenses
- When the injury prevents returning to the previous job
- When you can’t perform any work due to the injury
- When the injury severely limits your ability to work
- When you’re receiving or plan to receive Social Security disability benefits
- When the employer lacks workers’ compensation insurance
- When the employer retaliates against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim
- When the injury results from a third party’s actions or the employer’s serious misconduct
Even if your case doesn’t go to court, consulting our workplace accident injury lawyers in Harrisburg can help you navigate the complex process of dealing with your employer and its insurance company.
What Our Harrisburg Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Do for You
Pond Lehocky Giordano is renowned nationally for our team of workers’ compensation lawyers, who offer legal support to those unjustly denied their rightful claims following workplace accidents.
With our prodigious experience, we guide our clients through the complicated and demanding process of securing the compensation they are entitled to. We handle a wide range of workplace injury claims, including but not limited to:
- Various body part injuries like shoulders, backs, knees, hands, and so on
- Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hearing loss or damage
- Head injuries, like traumatic brain injuries from falls
- Cold stress injuries or burns due to incidents like electrocution
- Occupational diseases like mesothelioma or Black Lung
- Muscular injuries, broken bones, and more resulting from activities like lifting
- Fatalities due to workplace incidents
We also manage third-party claims. Even if workers’ compensation implies no employer fault, individuals injured at work may sue machinery, product, or equipment manufacturers in addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim. These third-party claims are often based on factors like unsafe working conditions, insufficient training, or faulty equipment.
Managing Medical Examinations and Treatment for Workers’ Compensation Cases in Harrisburg
Following the filing of a workers’ compensation claim, employers have the right to request an Independent Medical Examination (IME). This examination allows their medical expert to provide an opinion on the extent of the injury or illness. The purpose is typically to downplay the severity of your injury or illness so that the insurance company can reduce or eliminate your workers’ compensation benefits.
Employers or their insurance companies may tell you that this examination is mandatory; this is not always true. Our Harrisburg workers’ comp lawyers can help you determine whether this examination is required.
Pond Lehocky Giordano maintains its own in-house medical team with a singular objective: ensuring that workers have access to the best available medical care and doctors. Our team guarantees that workers receive impartial, accurate, and compassionate assessments of their condition, offering them the best possible chance of recovery from their illness or injury.
Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
The workers’ compensation claim process can appear daunting, particularly when confronting large insurance companies. Our Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorneys demystify this procedure, giving clients peace of mind.
- Reporting the Injury: The worker promptly notifies their employer of the injury or diagnosis. This report must be in writing and contain comprehensive details.
- Claim Filing: The worker submits a claim to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Documentation supporting the injury and its impact on the worker’s life must be included.
- Claim Review: The insurance provider reviews the claim to ascertain the eligibility of the worker for benefits.
- Acceptance or Denial: Insurance firms might approve the claim, granting the worker their entitled benefits. If denied, the worker has recourse to appeal the decision.
- Mediation and Hearings: Should the claim face rejection, our Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorneys can represent clients at mediations and hearings, working to overturn the denial. Skilled legal representation at these stages helps to advocate for your rights and present a more compelling case.
- Receiving Compensation: Once the claim is approved, the injured worker will start receiving their due compensation. This can be in lump-sum amounts or periodic payments, contingent on the circumstances and the agreement’s specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Workers’ Comp in Harrisburg, PA
Here are some of the questions we receive most often about workers’ compensation. If you have a question you don’t see answered here, give us a call.
How Should I Report a Workplace Accident or Work-Related Injury?
To notify your employer about a workplace injury, inform them promptly and get an Employee Report of Injury Form either from them or your physician.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?
Deadlines for reporting injuries, filing claims, and lawsuits vary by region. Report injuries and file claims as soon as possible if injured at work. To determine your region’s specific time limits for lawsuits, contact Pond Lehocky Giordano.
What Should I Do if I Get Injured in a Workplace Accident?
Always report any injury, irrespective of its severity, to the relevant authority at your workplace, preferably in a written format. For progressive occupational diseases, notify once you have a medical diagnosis.
Navigating workers’ compensation claims can be daunting, especially when combined with the challenges a work injury brings. Pond Lehocky Giordano, with its experienced team of workers’ compensation lawyers in Harrisburg, is poised to guide, represent, and ensure you get your rightful compensation.
For more insights on workplace injuries, our workers’ comp FAQ page is a valuable resource.
Get a Free Case Evaluation with a Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
To enhance your chances of recovering damages for your work-related injury, consult our capable workers’ compensation legal team in Pennsylvania. Contact Pond Lehocky Giordano at 1-800-568-7500 or complete our contact form for more information.
