My Rights as an Injured Worker
If you’ve suffered an injury on the job, it’s important to recognize that you do have rights and that they are well worth protecting. In fact, doing so can make a significant difference in your ability to regain your health and well-being to the fullest extent possible. One of the most important steps that anyone in your challenging position can take is consulting with an experienced Bucks County workers’ compensation attorney early in the process.
Workers’ Compensation
Employers throughout Pennsylvania and the nation are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. This insurance helps balance the rights of both employers and employees and each side benefits but also gives something up in the process. To begin with, employees are covered if they suffer an injury on the job and can seek compensation for their losses regardless of where the fault lies. This means you won’t need to prove your employer’s negligence to obtain compensation, but the compensation you’re entitled to is not as comprehensive as it would be in a personal injury claim.
Your employer, on the other hand, is required to purchase workers’ compensation coverage that compensates you even if they aren’t responsible for your injuries. In return, they are spared the cost and lost time associated with personal injury claims.
Your Rights
If you’ve suffered an injury in the course of your work, you have the right to seek compensation in the following forms:
- Coverage for your necessary medical care from a medical provider included on the list your employer provides you with – after 90 days, you’re free to switch to a doctor of your choosing
- Coverage for a specific percentage of your pay – if your cumulative period of disability exceeds seven days – which must begin within 21 days of notice unless the claim is denied for a valid reason
Protect Your Rights
While your workers’ compensation claim will be unique to the specific circumstances involved, there are certain steps that everyone in your position should take to protect their rights and their claim, including:
- Seek the immediate medical care that you need
- Let your supervisor or boss know that you suffered an injury on the job as soon as you’re able to do so
- Consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as you can
It’s important to keep in mind that the insurance company handling your claim is driven by massive profits and will do what it can to minimize your settlement. This is reason enough to leave the talking to your attorney and to stay off social media while your claim is pending.
An Experienced Bucks County Workers’ Compensation Attorney Is on Your Side
If you’ve suffered an injury on the job, the road forward is challenging, but the practiced Bucks County workers’ compensation attorneys at HGSK Injury Lawyers will spare no effort in defense of your rights and in pursuit of your claim’s best possible resolution. To learn more, please contact us online or call 267-350-6600 and schedule a free consultation today.