How to Apply for Workers’ Compensation in Bensalem

Most employees do not expect to arrive at their job just to be transported to the hospital a few hours later after a workplace accident. Fortunately, with limited exceptions for independent contractors, your employer must self-insure or carry workers’ compensation insurance. Blame does not matter, so even if you were partially or totally at fault for your injuries, workers’ compensation insurance will still pay your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages.

Because it is a state-managed program, you must adhere to strict rules to receive workers’ compensation. By filing an insurance claim, you forfeit the right to sue your employer for negligence if their actions caused you harm. Whether you have been injured at work or a preexisting condition has been made worse because of your work, a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney from the Law Office of Kaitlin Files could show you how to apply for workers’ compensation in Bensalem.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

After becoming injured, an employee must make an incident report to a supervisor, safety officer, or human resources. To receive all benefits available, Pennsylvania workers have just 21 days to report their injuries or exacerbated illnesses. The sooner an injury is reported, preferably immediately after it occurs, the quicker an employer can coordinate with their insurer. Full benefits may not be paid to employees reporting after 21 days and up to 120 days. Benefits include:

• Medical treatment, specifically physician visits, hospital stays, medication, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Reimbursement for a portion of wages lost while disabled
• Retraining in appropriate circumstances
• Permanent disability if the employee is unable to return to work
• Death benefits to the employee’s dependents and final expenses should they die because of their work injury

Often, serious injuries are not obvious immediately after an accident, so it is crucial to receive medical care at once to avoid complications. Medical treatment also provides evidence proving the extent of one’s injuries and is an essential element of documentation needed when filing a claim.

Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, employers and their insurers may require injured workers to receive medical care from a list of at least six designated providers. However, this rule only applies if the employer properly posts a list of at least six physicians and provides a Rights and Responsibilities document signed by the employee, at the time of hire and the time of the injury, acknowledging this rule. If not completed by an employer, written acknowledgment is not obtained, or after 90 days, employees can receive ongoing care from a healthcare provider of their choosing.

Reporting an injury to the appropriate individuals is the first step in applying for workers’ compensation, and our Bensalem attorney could ensure it is done correctly.

Documenting a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Employers work with their insurers and a workers’ compensation administrator following an employee’s injury. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney could help a worker protect their interests by ensuring necessary documentation is submitted correctly. A lawyer could also work with all parties to move a case forward, perhaps by addressing requests for additional information in a timely manner.

Required documentation includes:

• An employee claim petition initiating the process and detailing how the injury happened or illness progressed
• A medical authorization form to release your medical records related to the work injury to the insurer and claims administrator

Injured workers should keep copies of their workers’ compensation information, take photos of injuries when they occur, and seek witness statements. Additionally, those injured should document medical treatment visits, prescribed medication, and rehabilitation progress. The package submitted to an employer or directly to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation should leave no detail out in order to avoid claims denial.

Our attorney not only understands how to file successful claims but will treat injured workers like family, making the process less daunting. Call now to learn more about how we help Bensalem employees apply for workers’ compensation.

Let Our Bensalem Lawyers Help You Apply for Workers’ Compensation

Our attorney could handle each phase of a workers’ compensation claim by negotiating with the insurer for a fair settlement, filing a complete claim that meets all deadlines, and appealing a denied claim.

Let us file it right the first time. We work on your behalf to get you all the benefits you deserve. Contact a skilled attorney for guidance on how to apply for workers’ compensation in Bensalem.