When you are injured at work, medical expenses can quickly add up. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help workers with financial support in the event of a workplace injury due to an accident or repetitive stress (such as back injuries or carpal tunnel) or work-related illnesses from poor, unsanitary, or unsafe working conditions.
Whether your injury occurred in Easton, Allentown, or elsewhere in the Lehigh Valley, finding an experienced Easton workers’ compensation lawyer can help. The team of dedicated attorneys at Munley Law’s Lehigh Valley law office will work tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum workplace injury benefits.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, don’t panic. The experienced attorneys at Munley Law in Easton can help you appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you are entitled to. We have a strong track record of successfully handling denied claims and will use our expertise to advocate for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Easton
Workers’ compensation is insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured at work or who become sick while on the job due to workplace conditions. It is a no-fault system, meaning injured workers do not need to prove that their employer was at fault for their injury to receive benefits.
In Pennsylvania, all employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Why You Need a Workers Comp Attorney in Easton, PA
Navigating the workers’ compensation claim process can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when dealing with an injury or illness. While it’s possible to handle a workers’ comp claim on your own, there are several reasons why having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can be highly beneficial. A workers comp attorney in Easton can help in the following ways:
- Complex Claims Process: Filing a claim involves detailed paperwork, strict deadlines, and potential hearings. An attorney can ensure everything is completed accurately and on time.
- Denied Claims: If your PA workers’ compensation claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and present a stronger case for your benefits.
- Maximizing Benefits: An attorney can help you understand the full range of benefits you’re entitled to and work to ensure you receive them, such as wage loss benefits, medical care, and specific loss benefits.
- Medical Disputes: Disagreements can arise with your employer’s insurance company over certain treatments’ necessity. An attorney can advocate for you to get the medical care you need.
What To Do If Your Easton Workers Comp Claim is Denied
Don’t let a denied workers’ comp claim stand in the way of your recovery. Contact Munley Law today to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you fight for your deserved benefits. Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you in navigating the workers’ compensation process.
What is an IME?
An Independent Medical Examination (IME) is a medical evaluation performed by a physician not involved in treating the injured worker. In the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation context, an IME is typically requested by the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company to assess the extent of the worker’s injury, the necessity of ongoing medical treatment, and the worker’s ability to return to work.
The main purposes of an IME in the workers’ compensation process include:
- Assessing the extent of your injury
- Evaluating the necessity of treatment
- Determining your work compacity
- Resolving disputes between you and the insurance company
The employer or insurance company typically requests an IME when there is a question about the ongoing nature of the worker’s disability or the appropriateness of the treatment.
During the IME, the doctor will review the worker’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and ask questions about the injury and treatment received. The physician may also review diagnostic tests and other medical records.
After the examination, the physician will prepare a detailed report summarizing their findings, opinions on the worker’s condition, the necessity of further treatment, and the worker’s ability to return to work. The IME report can influence whether a workers’ compensation claim is approved or denied. A favorable report for the employer may result in reduced benefits or denial of ongoing treatment. An IME can also modify your benefits to reflect a return to part-time work.
Some things to keep in mind if the insurance company requests that you have an IME:
- You have the right to have your attorney present during the IME. Your attorney can ensure that the process is conducted fairly and that your rights are protected.
- You can challenge the findings of the IME if you believe they are inaccurate or unfair. This can involve submitting additional medical evidence or requesting a second opinion from another independent physician.
Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Munley Law can help you understand and navigate the IME process. Please fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable compensation lawyer.
When Will My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Start?
In Pennsylvania, the timeline for receiving workers’ compensation benefits after filing a claim depends on several factors, including the promptness of your reporting, the employer’s response, and the nature of your injury. Here’s an overview of the process and key timelines:
Reporting the Injury
- Immediate Notification: You should notify your employer of your injury immediately. In Pennsylvania, you must report the injury within 120 days to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Prompt Reporting: Reporting your injury within the first 21 days ensures that benefits can be paid from the date of injury. Reporting after 21 days but within 120 days means benefits will only start from the date you reported the injury.
Filing the Claim
- Employer’s Responsibilities: After you report the injury, your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation within seven days if the injury results in disability lasting more than a day, shift, or turn of work.
- Employer’s Acceptance or Denial: The employer (or their insurance carrier) has 21 days from the date you notified them of your injury to accept or deny the claim. During this period, they will investigate the injury to determine its validity.
Receiving Benefits
- Acceptance of Claim: If the claim is accepted, you should receive benefits promptly. Temporary compensation benefits can begin within 21 days of notifying your employer, provided the employer has not denied the claim.
- Temporary Compensation Notice: If the employer is still investigating, they might issue a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable (NTCP), which allows them to pay you benefits for up to 90 days while they continue their investigation.
- Notice of Compensation Payable: If the employer accepts the claim, they will issue a Notice of Compensation Payable (NCP). Once the NCP is issued, you will receive wage loss and medical benefits per the outlined terms.
- Denial of Claim: If the employer denies the claim, they must provide a Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial, stating the reasons. If your claim is denied, you can petition the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to challenge the denial.
How Long Will My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?
The duration of your benefits will depend on the severity of your injury and how long it takes to recover. In Pennsylvania, temporary total disability benefits typically last until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
When you are ready to file your claim for your job injuries, call an experienced workers comp lawyer at the personal injury law offices of Munley Law. From minor to severe injuries, including navigating death benefits compensation, your dedicated team at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys is ready to fight for you. Call us today for your free consultation.
Can I Still Receive Benefits If I Return to Work With Restrictions?
You can still receive workers’ comp benefits in Pennsylvania if you return to work with restrictions. These benefits cover the wage difference between your pre-injury and current earnings. Munley Law can help you understand and secure your benefits.
Steps to Take After Getting Injured in a Workplace Accident
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident to your employer immediately
- Document the incident
- Get witness information
- Follow medical advice from your medical providers
- File a Workers’ Comp Claim
- Consult an Easton workers’ compensation attorney at Munley Law for legal advice
- Keep records
- Follow up regularly with your employer about your claim
- Know your rights by talking with the injury lawyers at Munley Law
We Have Decades Of Experience In Work Injury Claims
Munley Law’s Easton personal injury lawyers have been fighting for maximum financial compensation for our clients for over six decades. We offer a free consultation, and you pay zero upfront costs since we work on a contingency fee basis– We don’t get paid until we win your case. Call or message us today for your free case evaluation. With more than 60 years of experience fighting PA workers’ compensation cases in Bethlehem, Allentown, Northampton County, Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton, and across the Lehigh Valley and all over Pennsylvania, our expertise in all practice areas of personal injury law always makes Munley Law the right choice.
Call us today for a free consultation.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
609 Hamilton St
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424
