Important FAQs that answer all your queries regarding workers compensation claims Philadelphia

Getting injured at work is a traumatic experience and leaves you emotionally, physically and financially drained. You or your loved ones are unable to think or take prompt action as you are so distraught by what has happened and do not know what to do. At this time, a workers compensation attorney can help you understand the situation better and take the right decision. 

There are many questions that may arise in your mind regarding a workers compensation claim in Philadelphia. Only someone who knows the legal system in and out in this part of the country and has been closely associated with things can answer correctly and guide you in the right direction.

Listed here are some of the most frequently asked questions by people who have either filed for workers compensation settlement or are in the process of doing so and want to know more about how it works.

Who pays workers compensation benefits?

In most of the states, the employer has to provide workers compensation insurance for employees. If an employee has been injured at work in Philadelphia, the employee’s workers compensation coverage will pay the settlement amount. In case the employer does not have the required worker’s compensation insurance, it becomes a complicated matter and to seek the best advice on this matter, you must contact an experienced workers comp attorney.

Does the workers compensation cover all the injuries?

After being injured at work, the first thing you should do is to check what types of injuries are covered by workers compensation to know if you are liable for compensation. It is necessary to know that most injuries or illnesses that take place at workplace especially those caused by negligence of the authorities are covered by the workers compensation law.

At the same time, it is necessary to remember that some injuries are a result of negligence by the third party. If your injury is caused by something or someone other than your employer, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim along with filing for workers compensation benefits. Workers comp attorneys know about such matters and offer the best advice regarding the type of case you have and how it should be handled to get the best settlement.

Are all types of injuries covered in workers compensation claim?

No, there are certain types of injuries that are no covered in workers compensation claim. They include:

·         Injuries that have not occurred during the course of employment

·         Self-inflicted injuries

·         Injuries caused by employee’s own illegal activities

Employees cannot file for workers compensation if they abuse substance at work and then get injured as a result. In some states, workers compensation benefits do not require employees to be completely free of fault in order to be eligible for benefits. Even if the injury was caused by your own negligence, as long as it is not self-inflicted or breaching the law when the accident took place, you may be eligible for compensation.  Consult a trusted workers comp lawyer to know more about how the laws work in your state and if your case is strong enough to file a claim.

If you work in one state but work in another, where to apply for workers compensation benefits?

Depending on the law of the state where you are working, the attorney will provide the best advice in this regard. If you live in Pennsylvania and work in New Jersey, it is up to the employees to decide how they want to file a case here. Most attorneys prefer to file for workers compensation benefits in the state where the employee worked and had ties to achieve the desired results.

When can I return to work?

You can only return to work, even if you are receiving workers compensation benefits, if your healthcare professional agrees to it. Depending on the extent of your injuries and the progress report, your doctor will take the decision of how and when you should return to work.

You may be under pressure from the employer to get back to work or if the employer’s physician says you can resume work but if your personal doctor does not approve, workers compensation law says that will continue to receive benefits until a judge looks at your case. At the same time, if your doctor declares you fit to go back to the job, you will have to do so or you can lose your workers compensation payments.

Remember, if you are receiving partial disability payments, you can only receive workers compensation benefits for up to a 500-week period. After this period is over, you may not be eligible for further benefits even if you do not return to work.

It is important to contact the most reliable and specialized workers comp attorney settlement Reading PA to understand the nature of your case and know more about your rights and responsibilities. Attorneys deal with such cases every day and with their knowledge and expertise, they understand what you have been through and can help you in the best possible way, ensuring you do not have to suffer any more.