When To Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

October 6, 2023 | Workers’ Compensation

When To Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Pennsylvania requires most employers who have employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance provides medical, wage-replacement, and other benefits to workers who are injured on the job within the course and scope of their employment. 

In addition to covering injuries that occur during a workplace accident, workers’ compensation provides coverage for work-related illnesses and repetitive motion injuries. 

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system, meaning that injured workers don’t have to prove their employer was negligent to recover compensation. However, many injured workers find this process confusing and can benefit from hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer. 

Here are some times to consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer.

You Are Injured At Work

One of the best times to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer is immediately after you get injured on the job. Pennsylvania has an online system to allow you to file your claim, but this process might be confusing for you. A Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyer can help you complete the necessary forms, notify your employer, and advance your claim so you can focus on your recovery. 

A lawyer can also ensure that you take legal action within the applicable time limits. You have up to 120 days to notify your employer of your work-related injury and three years to file your claim. If you do not meet these deadlines, you can lose your right to recover workers’ compensation benefits. 

You do not have to worry about paying any upfront costs when you hire our workers’ comp lawyers because we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t have to pay us unless we recover compensation on your behalf. 

You Disagree With Your Doctor

After you are injured at work, you should immediately seek medical attention. Your employer has the right to establish a designated list of workers’ comp doctors you can see after an injury. 

Your doctor can make many important determinations that affect your case, including your diagnosis, an opinion about when you can return to work, and your disability rating. If you disagree with your doctor, an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer can discuss your legal options. 

You Need To Negotiate With Workers’ Comp Insurers

Workers’ compensation is an insurance product. Adjusters may try to deny your claim or minimize a settlement in the interest of protecting their profit margin. Insurance companies remain profitable by receiving more in premiums than they pay out in claims. 

An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer will understand these tactics and how to push back for the compensation you deserve. 

Your lawyer can negotiate your claim, review any compromise and release agreements, and evaluate the true value of your case. Having a dedicated advocate in your order can ensure you have peace of mind while dealing with your workers’ compensation claim. 

Your Workers’ Comp Claim Was Denied

Many workers’ compensation claims are denied. This is often in hopes that you will simply accept your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company’s decision without fighting back. Other times, workers’ compensation claims may be denied because there is insufficient evidence or other technical reasons that your lawyer may be able to rectify.

If you believe your workers’ compensation was denied in error, you have the right to appeal the decision. You have a limited time to request a hearing and make your appeal. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist you through this process. 

Someone Other Than Your Employer Was Responsible For Your Injuries 

In some situations, another party may be responsible for your work-related injuries. A third party, such as a manufacturer of a defective product, a negligent motorist, or a property owner who allowed dangerous conditions on their property, may be at fault. 

In these situations, you may have a viable third-party claim against them. An experienced workplace accident lawyer can explain if you have other options for financial recovery other than workers’ compensation. 

If you were injured at work, contact an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney for help. 

If you’ve been injured in a workers’ compensation, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963