When you’re hurt on the job, it’s reasonable to expect your employer has insurance that will take care of your lost wages and medical expenses. It doesn’t matter whether you work in a dangerous industrial environment or you sit a desk all day. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation in Philadelphia doesn’t always work the way you expect it to, making it necessary to seek legal help.
Filing on time
It’s important to remember that getting workers’ compensation in Philadelphia requires the injured party to notify their employer and file a claim within a certain period. In some extreme cases, it can extend far beyond leaving the company. Hiring an attorney at the beginning of the process can help you ensure that you don’t miss any of the deadlines.
Remember, when it comes to getting workers’ compensation benefits, claiming ignorance of the law is not a viable defense.
Appealing a denial
While the majority of workers’ comp claims go through a smooth approval process, this isn’t always the experience you’ll have. There can be instances when either your employer or their insurer will deny your claim. Often, it’s best to let an attorney handle the appeal process to ensure you don’t miss the deadline and that your case is as clear and compelling as possible.
When seeking workers’ compensation in Philadelphia, it’s not always necessary to wait for the denial of benefits before you retain an attorney. This can be especially important when your employer has already given you some indication that they don’t believe you were really injured on the job. In cases where alcohol, drugs or some kind of negligent behavior was involved, you may need an attorney in order to prove your case.
Working to reinstate benefits
Workers’ compensation in Philadelphia doesn’t usually last for an indefinite period. Once your doctor releases you to return to duty, benefits will often stop. Unfortunately, some employers can become impatient and demand an early return by trying to cut off your compensation. In other cases, your doctor may clear you to return to work even though you’ve expressed your concerns about trying to work in your current condition. Your workers’ compensation attorney can help you fight for your rights so that you don’t have to choose between making a full return to health and paying your bills.