If you’ve been injured on the job in Reading, Pennsylvania, a Reading workers compensation lawyer at Munley Law can be your most powerful advocate. At Munley Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a workplace injury can take on you and your family. Our board-certified workers’ compensation attorney is committed to helping you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
If you were injured at work and are having issues with your workers’ compensation claim, contact our Reading worker injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.
What Our Reading Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Do For You
Hiring a Reading workers’ comp lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. During your free consultation, we’ll review your case, explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to. We’ll consider the long-term impact of your injury, ensuring any settlement adequately compensates you for future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Once you hire our law firm, our first step is to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, with all necessary documentation. We’ll represent you in all dealings with the workers compensation insurance company, protecting your interests.
If your claim is denied, we’ll guide you through the appeals process and, if necessary, represent you at hearings and in court.
With our board-certified Reading workers’ compensation attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Who Is Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Reading, PA?
Understanding your rights is the first step in securing the benefits you deserve. If you’re employed in Reading, whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal like a warehouse worker, you’re likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. In addition, if a worker loses their life due to a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits.
While most employees are covered, there are exceptions. Federal employees, railroad workers, and some agricultural workers may be exempt. However, they often have access to other forms of compensation.
In some cases, volunteers and unpaid workers may also be eligible for benefits. However, these situations can be complex, and it’s best to consult with a Reading workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of workers’ compensation lawyers in Reading. We’ll assess your situation and provide clear, honest advice about your options.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Workplace Accident in Reading
If you’ve been injured on the job in Reading, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Here’s what you need to do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Seek immediate medical care for your injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Report Your Injury: Notify your employer about your injury immediately. In Pennsylvania, you have 120 days to report a work-related injury, but it’s best to do so immediately.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injury, medical treatments, and any communication with your employer or the insurance company.
- Contact Our Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before filing your claim. They can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and advocate for your rights.
Once you’ve reported your injury and filed your claim, your employer’s insurance company has 21 days to accept or deny your claim. You may be required to undergo a medical examination by a doctor chosen by your employer or their workers comp insurance company.
If your claim is accepted, the insurance company will determine your benefits based on the nature and extent of your injury. It’s important to continue receiving medical treatment for your injuries. If you stop treatment, the insurance company may believe you are no longer injured and stop your benefits.
Your doctor is the one who decides whether it’s time for you to return to work. You may have restrictions, such as not lifting anything over a certain weight. If your employer and the insurance company is pressuring you to return to work or ignoring your doctor’s restrictions, contact your
Throughout this process, having a dedicated Reading workers’ comp attorney on your side can ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
What Happens If Your Reading Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied or you disagree with the benefit determination, don’t lose hope. You have the right to appeal. Your Reading workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file this petition with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Many cases go through a mediation process to try to resolve disputes without a formal hearing. But, if mediation is unsuccessful, your case will be assigned to a workers’ compensation judge for a hearing. The judge will listen to both sides then issue a decision on your case.
If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you can appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board and potentially to higher courts.
Navigating the appeals process can be challenging, but with an experienced Reading workers’ compensation attorney by your side, you’ll have the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Reading, PA
If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for several types of benefits, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury.
- Wage Loss Benefits: Compensation for lost wages if you cannot work or earn less due to your injury.
- Specific Loss Benefits: Compensation for the permanent loss of use of certain body parts or functions.
- Disfigurement Benefits: Additional compensation for serious and permanent disfigurement of your head, face, or neck.
- Death Benefits: If a worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits.
- Social Security Disability Benefits: You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for your injuries. But remember, your SSDI benefits could be reduced if you also receive workers comp.
The exact benefits you’re entitled to depend on the nature and severity of your injury. A skilled Reading workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure you receive all the benefits you deserve.
Can I Sue My Employer For My Workplace Injuries?
Workers’ compensation insurance in Pennsylvania is a no-fault system; an employer cannot be sued for additional damages for workplace accidents. However, there are exceptions:
- If your employer intentionally caused your injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
- If a third party (not your employer or co-worker) caused your injury, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
- If a defective product caused your injury, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
These situations can be complex, so it’s best to consult a Reading personal injury attorney to understand all your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Compensation in Reading, PA
Can I Choose My Own Doctor For the Workplace Injury?
Your employer may provide a list of approved healthcare providers. You’re required to see one of these providers for the first 90 days of treatment. After that, you can choose your own doctor.
After the initial 90-day period, you have the right to seek a second opinion from a specialist of your choice. Your workers’ compensation should cover this visit.
Can I Still Receive Benefits If I Return to Work With Restrictions?
Yes, if you return to work but earn less due to your injury-related restrictions, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits to make up the difference in your salary.
How Long Will I Have to Wait For My Comp Benefits?
If your claim is approved, you should start receiving benefits within 21 days of reporting your injury. However, the insurance company may request a 90-day extension to investigate your claim.
How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?
The duration of benefits depends on the nature and severity of your injury. They can last anywhere from a few weeks for minor injuries to indefinitely for permanent disabilities.
Can I Choose a Lump Sum Settlement?
In some cases, you may be offered a lump sum settlement. However, you should consult with a Reading workers’ compensation attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure it fairly compensates you for your injuries.
Can I Be Fired For Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
No, it’s illegal for an employer to fire you or retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation If I Was Injured While Commuting?
Generally, injuries that occur during your regular commute are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, there are exceptions, such as if you were performing a work-related task during your commute.
Contact a Reading Workers Compensation Lawyer at Munley Law Today
The PA workers’ compensation system is extremely complex, and navigating it after the wake of a life-altering injury is often simply undoable. That’s why our law firm exists: to fight on your behalf for justice and compensation, while you focus on rest and recovery.
The Reading, PA workers’ compensation lawyers here at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys are experts in all things workers’ comp and personal injury; our team consists of many excellent, highly experienced lawyers and dozens of excellent legal support staff. Our clients come first, always, and when you work with Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, you can rest assured that you have someone on your side.
If you are in the process of a workers’ compensation claim, or if you have questions about your rights to these benefits, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help protect your interests.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
606 Court St.
Reading, PA 19601
(610) 831-4234
