Ed Sweeney
Franny Ryan
Workers’ compensation law in Pennsylvania can be complicated with strict rules and timelines and legal complexities that are often difficult to navigate. Employers, their insurance companies, and opposing lawyers work together to protect their best interests in workers’ compensation cases, so you should protect your rights with a lawyer.
Countless employees in various fields face the risk of severe accident and injuries at work in Pennsylvania every day. Our team has the skills and experience to handle any workers’ compensation matter successfully.
If you get injured at work, the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides that you are entitled to certain benefits to cover your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In Pennsylvania, the only considerations for workers’ compensation purposes are whether you can perform gainful employment and whether the work injury impacts your wages. Pain and suffering and emotional losses related to your ability to participate in your usual hobbies, activities, relationships, and the home life you once enjoyed are not included in workers’ compensation benefits.
In Pennsylvania, almost all employers must carry insurance to cover costs in case of a work injury or occupational illness. Typically, Pennsylvania workers qualify for benefits no matter how the accident happened. The rule is that there must be an employer-employee relationship, and the injury must be work-related.
The most common Pennsylvania workers’ compensations claims involve the following industries and careers:
The workers’ compensation claims process can be complicated and may require informed legal representation to protect your rights. Pennsylvania workers often believe that everything is being filed and handled once they get a claim number from their employer’s insurer. However, it is essential to note that an official claim must also be made with the state commission by the injured worker after the accident. Our lawyers can effectively guide you through the claims process from start to finish.
The deadline, or statute of limitations, for workers’ compensation claims in Pennsylvania is three years from the date of injury. If you suffered a workplace injury and were denied medical benefits or lost wages benefits, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you file a claim petition properly under workers’ compensation law. Failure to file a claim within three years of injury may prevent you from going to court with a potential claim.
It is relatively common for a workers’ compensation claim to be initially denied. Many employers and insurers count on you giving up and not seeking qualified legal counsel. If your workers’ compensation claim is undervalued or denied, you have a right to pursue the full extent of your benefits.
Our firm can request a court hearing on your behalf by submitting documents that set forth the issues you believe were wrongly decided. In these cases, an employer’s denial that your injury or illness was work-related, or a miscalculation of your average weekly wage is common. If the court rules against you, our legal team can help you pursue your right to appeal.
While nothing says an injured worker must hire a lawyer for assistance pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, it is a complex area of the law with many pitfalls that can negatively impact your case. Retaining an experienced lawyer is important if you are an injured Pennsylvania worker.
Our Exton workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC are thoroughly familiar with the relevant case laws and court rules that may influence your case. We can be your legal advocates and fight for you to receive the full benefits you need and deserve. Our lawyers will take over all communication with opposing representatives who may try to invalidate your claim. Our team can also help you gather medical evidence and testimony to prove your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.
We represent clients throughout Chester County, Lancaster County and Delaware County including but not limited to Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchland, Parkesburg, Chester Springs.
