Workers' compensation can be complex. If you have been injured at work, you probably have many questions regarding your injury. What are your rights? If you are covered by workers' comp, how much compensation are you entitled to? At Dugan & Associates, we serve clients in Pittsburgh and throughout western Pennsylvania who have been injured at work.
To meet with a workers' compensation attorney, call us at 1-412-353-3572 or contact us online. We can answer any of your workers' compensation FAQ's in a free consultation.
Who pays workers compensation benefits?
Employers are responsible for having workers' compensation insurance to cover an employee who gets injured on the job or gets ill due to a workplace condition. The employer pays to have the insurance and it is the workers' comp insurance carriers responsibility to pay for wage loss, medical bills, specific loss, and death benefits.
Time limits
You have 120 days from the date of the injury or the time you had reason to believe you were injured to report your injury to someone in a supervisory capacity. You also must use the "panel doctors" for the first 90 days of treatment. Generally, you have up to three years from the date of injury to file a claim for compensation benefits. Workers' compensation also pays for lost time at work but certain time limits apply. If time away from work due to an injury or illness exceeds seven days, a portion of normal wages is paid.
Are all medical bills covered by workers' comp?
It depends. Workers' compensation benefits can include medical care such as hospital treatment, doctors' office visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, physical or occupational therapy, some rehabilitative services, and orthopedic appliances. In some instances, workers' compensation insurance will pay for one-time modifications to a home or vehicle. Talk to a workers' compensation attorney to learn specific information about benefits.
What injuries are covered by workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation covers all accidents or injuries that happen at work or in the course of employment and related thereto; these may include: sprains and strains, herniated disks, torn ligaments, broken bones, burns and scars, head and neck injuries, blunt force wounds, slip and fall injuries, back injuries, and automobile accidents or more. Illnesses and infections that are work-related are covered as well. Death as a result of a work-related injury or condition is a covered benefit for dependent survivors. These can include such body parts as the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, wrists, hands, hips, legs, knees, ankles, and feet.
What illnesses and diseases are covered by workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation covers work-related injuries, illnesses, and occupational diseases which are caused by workplace conditions or exposure related thereto. For example, exposure to workplace dust or chemicals in the workplace resulting in disease could be covered by workers' comp. In addition, work-related amputations, loss of use for all practical intents and purposes, vision loss, and hearing loss can also be covered.
What injuries and illnesses are not covered by workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation may cover injuries that occur away from the job site if the injury occurred in the course of employment and is related thereto. It does not cover self-inflicted injuries. Injuries that are a result of a violation of the law or caused by your own intoxication may not be eligible for benefits. Injuries on the job as a result of personal animus, say if attacked by a third person for a reason not related to your job.
If your employer can demonstrate that they have a job within your physical restrictions, they may petition a workers' compensation judge to modify or terminate your benefits. If you are contacted by the workers' compensation insurance company to attend a job interview or medical exam you need to speak to a lawyer. They may be entitled to such an interview, but these are signs that the insurance is attempting to modify or terminate your benefits.
Please contact our lawyers if you have other workers' compensation FAQ's.
If you have questions about workers' compensation law or a workplace injury, please contact the lawyers of Dugan & Associates. We are happy to answer any questions you have about workers' comp law. Call our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania law office at 1-412-353-3572 for a free consultation.
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