If you are hurt on the job, you must file a work injury report to your employer as soon as the accident happens. You are not alone in this situation, and there is compensation to which you are entitled. The processes necessary for filing a workers’ compensation claim to your employer in Pennsylvania are precise and fact-specific:
- An injured worker should notify someone in a managerial position with his or her employer that an injury has taken place.
- The worker will be asked to fill out an incident report. (If you are the injured worker, be sure to ask for a copy of the incident report to make sure it is correct.)
- The sooner the injury is reported, the better. Some injuries such as repetitive stress trauma injuries may take longer for an injured person to fully recognize. The longest that a worker can wait to report an injury is 120 days.
- The worker will most likely be asked to seek medical treatment. (Pay close attention to whether the employer has a panel list of doctors. You will be asked to sign an acknowledgment form stating that you were given that list of doctors. Be sure to read carefully any document that you sign, including an authorization to release medical records and an employee verification form.)
As soon as a worker misses a shift or a day of work, an employer is required to report an injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation by filing a report of injury. It is wise to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer early in the process of reporting an injury and beginning medical treatment. Attorneys at Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo in Philadelphia offer no-charge, no-obligation initial consultations.
Workers’ compensation claims are governed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Disputes are heard by workers’ compensation judges (WCJs) within the Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication.
Making The Most Of The Doctor Visit
During the initial visit with a doctor, it is important for the injured worker to be very specific about how the injury occurred and to list every single area of the body that is affected. Be sure to mention any stinging pain, soreness, or other symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem in comparison with the primary area of impact of the injury.
After the initial report and doctor visit, the employer has 21 days to investigate the workers’ compensation claim and determine whether or not it is accepted. Within this time frame, the employer or the employer’s insurer must make the first payment or deny the claim.
Missing A Step In The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process Can Set You Back
Here at Krasno, Krasno & Onwudinjo, we want to hear your case and provide you with the information you need to recover the compensation to which you are entitled. Email or contact us today at (215) 223-6718 to talk to an experienced attorney. Our lawyers handle workers’ compensation cases on a contingency basis. In other words, we will not be paid unless we get your benefits started, we prevent the insurance company from stopping or altering your benefits, or you choose to settle your case.