What steps should be taken after a workplace accident?

Getting injured on the job can be both frustrating and anxiety-inducing. You might be annoyed that your job has hurt your body, and worried that you won't be able to work because of it. Luckily, there are certain worker's compensation laws in Pennsylvania to get you the health coverage you need as well as any lost wages along the way. When you do suffer a workplace accident, also be sure to follow the proper procedure to ensure that your employer will compensate you for your injury.

Inform your employer of the injury

The first step to take is to inform your workplace of your injury. Under Pennsylvania law, you have up to 120 days to report any injury that occurs on the job. If you fail to report it in this timeframe, your company has no legal obligation to cover any costs related to your recovery or wages lost.

Go to an approved doctor

After telling your employer about the incident, they will give you a list of specific health care providers to go to. These physicians or specialists are partnered with your company's insurance, so if you don't go to an eligible one, you may not be covered. Your employer must provide at least six or more doctors as options, which you must continue seeing until 90 days have passed. After that, you are permitted to choose your own doctor to continue your care.

Make sure you're getting all the benefits

In Pennsylvania, you can receive several different types of workers' compensation benefits, such as payment for lost wages, wrongful death benefits, specific loss benefits, and medical care. If you qualify for wage-loss benefits, these are required to be around two-thirds of your typical weekly wage up to a certain amount. In order to receive these payments, you must be disabled for more than seven days in a row. Consult with your HR department to make sure you are getting the correct benefits.

Get the law on your side

Sometimes, employers might deny your claim or not pay you the amount to which you are legally entitled. If you suspect you are not receiving the correct amount of compensation or have any questions about the workers' compensation process, it's important to consult with an attorney learn about your rights and legal options.

If you have been injured on the job and need help getting compensation, contact Dugan and Associates today for a free consultation at 412-353-3572.