Workers Compensation in Allentown, PA
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer must carry depends on Pennsylvania state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden. Learn some of the basic principles of Allentown, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Allentown, Pennsylvania?
The Center for Workforce Information & Analysis reports 152,400 work injuries in Pennsylvania in 2019. As of March 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 434,200 full-time employees in the Allentown area. Summary tables for incident rates report an average of 3.2 per 100 who got hurt or sick during their occupational duties. So if the numbers remain consistent, around 4,300 diligent workers in Lehigh County may need workers’ compensation each year.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Allentown, Pennsylvania?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify.
After approval, an Allentown resident hurt on the job receives benefits for lost wages and medical bills. Vocational rehabilitation services are also available if you cannot return to your job after the incident. Most employers must carry policies, but the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act allows exemptions. Federal employees, railroad workers, and agricultural workers that earn less than $1,200 a year may have exclusions.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Allentown, Pennsylvania are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from an Allentown, Pennsylvania healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative and file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the event. In this report, you will provide your injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
To give yourself the best opportunity, submit a First Report of Injury immediately. In turn, your employer has up to 7 days to file their report with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Allentown residents have a total of 3 years to obtain workers’ compensation benefits after a qualifying incident.
Timeline and Other Information
Pennsylvania Rules and regulations state that carriers have to reply within 30 days. Then, a 7-day waiting period applies before beneficiaries in Allentown can receive reimbursement. Should your injuries keep you away from work longer than a week, you can obtain payments for the time you spent without benefits. The State of Pennsylvania plans for around 11 and a half years of coverage. As a result, if your injury or illness is permanent, you may wish to speak to an attorney about obtaining permanent disability.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any witnesses. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation continues.
Why You Should Hire an Allentown, Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether your injury happened on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring an Allentownworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Allentown, Pennsylvania
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Allentown, Pennsylvania you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
