Attorneys Who Understand Their Clients

Understanding How The Workers’ Compensation Process Works In Pennsylvania

Employers are required by Pennsylvania law to maintain workers’ compensation insurance for all employees. If you have been injured on the job, you can file a claim to help secure your benefits while you are unable to work. At Douglas, Joseph & Olson Attorneys At Law, our work injury attorneys have over 45 years of combined experience assisting employees with workers’ compensation claims in Mercer, Erie and Crawford counties.

Understanding The Process

There are strict and specific rules that employers, insurers and employees must follow when completing a workers’ compensation claim.

The general workers’ compensation process typically works as follows:

  • The worker must notify the employer of their injury or illness within 120 days.
  • The worker may be asked to complete a written accident report.
  • The employer should provide the worker with a list of medical providers from which the worker may seek treatment.
  • The employer has 21 days from the date of notification of disability to accept or deny liability.
  • The employer may require an independent medical evaluation (IME) completed by a doctor of its choosing.
  • The employer may initiate litigation to terminate benefits previously awarded.
  • The employer may want to settle your claim.

As long as you have timely notified your employer of your injury, you have three years from the date of the accident to pursue your claim.

Fighting Against Claim Denials

If you were hurt at work and your claim is denied by your employer, our workers’ compensation lawyers will help you file a claim petition with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. We will evaluate your claim to present medical evidence in support of your injury and will work with medical experts. If a denial of your claim is received, seeking immediate legal advice is imperative, as your employer is not accepting your claim. Do not delay in seeking counsel as your benefits will only be further delayed.

Settlement Of Claims

On occasion, your employer may want to settle your workers’ compensation claim. This process is known as compromise and release (C&R). Placing the right value on a case can be complex, as every claim has its own value.

Our office has extensive experience in evaluating claims, and we pride ourselves on maximizing recovery for our clients. If you are interested in resolving your claim, please contact our office for a free evaluation.

Helping You From Start To Finish

We know that medical bills can pile up and your financial stability is at stake. We want to help you get benefits for your injuries. Our workers’ compensation attorneys will help you understand your options for paying your medical expenses and what compensation you are entitled to, and we explain your options so you can focus on recovery.

If you have been injured on the job, don’t wait. Call us at 724-704-0554 to set up an appointment with our experienced attorneys so we can help you with your workers’ comp claim. We have two convenient locations in Hermitage and Jamestown. Contact us today to speak with our knowledgeable lawyers.