If you have been injured on the job, you are entitled to financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You should be able to get this money through workers’ compensation, regular funds you receive from your employer. In return for these funds, you agree to forfeit any legal suit you might file against your employer. However, if your injury is the result of your employer’s negligence, you may also want to consider a legal suit against your employer.
In either case – whether you want to get workers’ compensation, or you choose to sue – work injury lawyers PA can help you get the money you deserve. However, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself or encourage the court to favor your side of the case. The first thing work injury lawyers in PA tell you to do is to report immediately all workplace injuries, big and small, to your supervisor. Fill out an “Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits” when you make the report. Be thorough and detailed in your description, including all body parts that you feel might be affected by the accident. Give the form to your supervisor right away, keeping a copy of yourself. Be sure to ask your supervisor for a copy of the “Employer” section of the claim.
You should seek medical attention within 24 hours. It is essential that you do this since even the best work injury lawyers in PA will have a hard time making your case without medical testimony. When you began work with the company, you may have designated a personal physician to treat workplace injuries; if so, this is the doctor you will need to see. If you did not name a physician in advance, you should ask your employer to send you to a doctor immediately. When you arrive at your appointment, you should as thorough as possible in describing the injury and its effects. Make sure you attend all follow-up appointments and keep copies of all receipts, prescriptions, notes excusing you from work, and all other forms. You should also keep track of the miles you drive to each appointment, as this is an expense that should be covered by your workers’ compensation.
When dealing with work injury lawyers in PA, be sure to write down all information regarding your injury, aftereffects, and treatment. This will help your attorney in the event of a law suit. Be upfront and honest with your lawyer and do not try to claim non-work related injuries under workers’ compensation benefits. If you are organized, honest, and on top of deadlines, your lawyer will be able to do all in his power to get you the funds you deserve.
