Janitorial and cleaning professionals play an essential role in maintaining clean and safe environments in various settings. However, this job often comes with significant physical strain and exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals, leading to a higher risk of workplace injuries. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help janitors and cleaning professionals in Pennsylvania navigate the workers' compensation process if they get injured on the job.
Immediate Steps After an Injury as a Janitor or Cleaning Professional
Workers' compensation in Pennsylvania covers various types of ligament tears, including:
- Report the Injury Promptly: Inform your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible. Pennsylvania law requires you to report work-related injuries within 21 days but no later than 120 days, but it's best to do it immediately to avoid any complications.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, see a healthcare professional. Your employer might have a list of designated healthcare providers. You must treat with the posted list of panel physicians in the first 90 days if all other requirements are met. Ensure you follow these guidelines to avoid issues with your workers' compensation claim.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of the incident, including how the injury happened, any witnesses, and the medical treatment you receive. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim or if there are disputes.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
- Consult a Workers' Compensation Attorney: If your claim is denied or you face challenges, contacting an experienced workers' compensation attorney like Dugan & Associates can be beneficial. They can help you understand your rights, gather additional evidence, and represent you in appeals or hearings.
- Obtain the Necessary Paperwork: Your attorney will follow up and get the necessary paperwork from you and your medical providers necessary to pursue your claim for Worker’s Compensation benefits.
- Follow Up on Your Claim: After filing the claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits your case will be assigned to a Workers’ Compensation Judge. A hearing will be set for your case. Your attorney will go over what to expect at the hearing. It is standard practice to have a series of hearing. These are not one day one trial typically. Keep copies of all correspondence and documents related to your injury and claim.
- Understand Your Benefits: In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation benefits can include coverage for medical expenses, wage loss benefits, specific loss benefits (for permanent injuries), and death benefits if the injury results in fatality.
If Your Claim is Denied
- Review the Denial Reason: Understand why your claim was denied. Common reasons include missed deadlines, insufficient medical evidence, or disputes over whether the injury is work-related.
- Appeal the Denial: You have the right to appeal a denied claim. Your attorney can assist with filing the necessary paperwork and presenting your case to a Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Judge.
If Your Claim is Accepted BUT the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Carrier is Sending You for an Independent Medical Exam, Vocational Evaluation, or Attempting to Attack Your Benefits
Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer, such as Dugan & Associates, immediately. An insurance carrier may have you examined by one of their doctors who typically have a different opinion than you and your own physicians. Independent Medical Exams or Insurance Medical Exams (IMEs) are when the insurance carrier sends you to one of their doctors hoping their doctor would support a case to stop or reduce your payments. Vocational Evaluations (VEs) are when the insurance company is looking to assess your earning capacity to stop or cut off your benefits.
How Can Dugan & Associates Specifically Help You If You’re Injured Performing Your Job as a Janitorial or Cleaning Professional
At Dugan & Associates, we understand the challenges faced by janitors and cleaning professionals in Pennsylvania. When an injury or illness occurs on the job, navigating the workers' compensation process can add stress to an already difficult situation. Here's how our experienced team can assist:
- Navigating the Claims Process: Filing for workers' compensation can be complex, especially when you're focusing on recovery. Our firm can guide you through the process, ensuring all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
- Ensuring Fair Compensation: We fight to secure the maximum benefits you deserve, including coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and potential disability benefits.
- Appeals and Disputes: If your claim is denied or disputed by the insurance company, our attorneys will advocate for your rights. We can represent you in appeals hearings to make sure your case is fairly heard.
- Insurance Medical Exams (IMEs), Job Offers, & Medical Opinion Disputes: If your claim was accepted but now the insurance company wants an Insurance Medical Exam (IME) OR you are offered work OR your doctor disagrees with their doctor OR they file Termination/Modification or Suspension petitions, we have the experience on how to deal with such potential life changing issues.
- Legal Representation for Litigation: In cases where third-party liability is involved, such as accidents caused by negligent drivers, we provide skilled representation to pursue additional compensation through personal injury claims.
- Support Every Step of the Way: Throughout the entire process, our compassionate team is here to provide support, answer your questions, and keep you informed about the progress of your case.
We Listen Carefully to You and Fight for the Check You Deserve When You Suffer an Injury as a Janitorial or Cleaning Professional
Janitors and cleaning professionals play a vital role in maintaining clean and safe environments in Pennsylvania workplaces and residences, and their well-being should be a top priority. So, if you or someone you know was injured performing their job, please contact us for a free consultation. Remember, Pennsylvania's workers' compensation laws can be intricate, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. We will guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
We listen and genuinely care about your well-being. Again, consultations are free. If there is not a recovery of compensation, there is also no fee. Contact us online below or by telephone at 412-353-3572.
