What Are Your Rights If You Suffer An Accident At Work?

Even with strict laws and regulations in place, accidents at work do occur. In 2020, there were around 2.7 million cases of workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the system. Sometimes these injures are the result of negligent employers – unsafe working conditions, poor workplace environments, and questionable operational practices, that in severe cases may be borderline criminal.

However, sometimes an employer can do everything in their power to provide a safe work environment to the employees but an accident may still happen.

No matter how you got injured at work, the legal system is on your side as you recover and recuperate. The Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act moves in 6 key ways to protect your rights after your workplace injury. Hiring an expert accident at work lawyer in Reading, PA is your best bet to make the most of this legal protection.


The 6 principal rights you have under the PA Workers Comp Act include:

1.       Right to File a Claim

One of the first things to do right after the accident is to report it to your employer and file the relevant claim in Workers Comp court. When you file the legal claim, the system automatically comes into action and extends some specific protections to you.

2.       Right to Medical Treatment

The law protects your right to seek medical treatment after your injury or illness. The Comp Act instructs the employer to cover the medical costs and provide you medical care.

3.       Right to Legal Representation

You have the right to hire an accident at work lawyer in Reading,PA, and file a claim in court to get workers’ compensation. Your employer cannot prevent you from doing that. Furthermore, refrain from signing off on any paperwork provided by your employer or insurer unless you have hired an attorney and they are present in that meeting.

4.       Right to Return to Work

Once you have regained your health and your injury has healed, you have the right to return to work and earn a living. As long as your healthcare practitioner allows it, nobody can legally stop you from rejoining the workforce.

5.       Right to Compensation

For the time you are injured or ill, you have the right to receive a portion of your salary as your workers’ compensation benefit. You are also entitled to receive disability compensation if you’re unable to return to work – temporarily or permanently – following your injury. Additionally, you can also file a case for damages if you feel the injury has caused you serious harm.

6.       Right to Appeal

Finally, you have the right to appeal against any decisions of the court, the employer, or the insurer that you do not agree with. Your lawyer is the best source to guide you how.

Conclusion

Workplace injuries can be traumatic and a lot to deal with. The right legal representation can share your burden so you can remain focused on getting better. If you or a loved one suffers an accident at work, seek medical help immediately and then call us so we can the legal wheels turning for you.

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