Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

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.

Inform your employer or supervisor right after the injury happens, no matter how serious or you think it might be – even if it results in missed workdays. Ensure your report captures the date, time, and details of the incident. Submitting this in a written format is advisable. If a medical professional diagnoses you with a work-related ailment, relay this information promptly. Always report injuries to your supervisor or the person responsible for injury documentation.

By promptly reporting injuries, recording medical findings, bills, and lodging your claim, you fortify your position if your employer attempts to challenge, diminish, or outright reject your workers’ compensation request.

Is a Workers’ Comp Attorney Necessary?

While every worker has the right to represent themselves when initiating a worker’s 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. It’s critical for people injured in a workplace accident to find experienced and resourceful legal representation that can fiercely advocate on their behalf.

Even if an employee is presently benefiting from workers’ compensation, a consultation with a seasoned attorney can clarify if the ongoing benefit arrangement is sufficient and can assist the worker in safeguarding against potential challenges to their 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, an attorney 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. An experienced Harrisburg workers’ comp attorney serves as your advocate, ensuring 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. A workers’ compensation lawyer guides you through the process, ensuring objective and fair evaluation of your injuries.

Workers’ compensation lawyers work diligently to secure maximum compensation for their clients’ damages. 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 worker’s 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 a Harrisburg Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Do for You

Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP is renowned nationally for our team of workers’ compensation lawyers who specialize in offering 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. A Harrisburg workers’ comp lawyer can help you determine whether or not this examination is required.

Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP 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 post-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. Often, claims face rejection due to discrepancies in the documentation or the employer disputing the injury’s occurrence at work.
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. Often, disputes get resolved during mediation. If not, they move to a formal hearing. It’s critical to have skilled legal representation at these stages to advocate for your rights and present a compelling case.
Receiving Compensation: Once the claim gets approval, 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.