Suffering a workplace injury not only causes physical harm but also brings uncertainty about your future and financial security. At Freeburn Law, our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers are committed to helping injured employees navigate the complexities of obtaining the maximum benefits they deserve.
Don’t navigate this process alone. Call (717) 777-7777 or use our online form to set up a consultation with our experienced workers' compensation lawyers.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. In exchange for these benefits, employees give up their right to sue their employer for negligence. This system is designed to protect both parties: employees receive prompt medical care and financial support, while employers are shielded from costly lawsuits.
Navigating Workers’ Comp Claims
The workers’ compensation claims process can be complex and overwhelming, especially while recovering from a workplace injury. Freeburn Law’s certified workers' compensation lawyers are here to guide you through every step and advocate on your behalf. Here’s how we can help:
- Initial Claim Filing: Assist with preparing and filing the necessary paperwork accurately and on time to avoid delays or rejections.
- Understanding Coverage: Explain what is covered under workers’ comp, from medical expenses to wage replacement, so you understand your entitlements.
- Appealing Denied Claims: Handle appeals if your claim is denied, gathering additional evidence and advocating for you during hearings or administrative reviews.
- Dealing with Employer Retaliation: Protect you against retaliation from your employer if you experience unfair treatment or pressure for filing a claim.
- Scheduling Medical Examinations: Coordinate necessary medical evaluations and independent medical exams (IME) required by insurers, ensuring your rights are respected.
- Negotiating Settlements: Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair and comprehensive settlement on your behalf.
- Handling Impairment Ratings: Assist with securing accurate impairment evaluations, which can impact the benefits you receive, especially in cases of permanent injuries.
- Explaining Legal Terms: Clarify complex workers’ comp terms like maximum medical improvement (MMI) and disability ratings, helping you make informed decisions.
- Pursuing Third-Party Claims: Identify potential third-party claims if a third party (not your employer) may be liable, increasing potential compensation.
Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim
Many injured workers hesitate to file a claim due to fear of employer retaliation. However, it’s crucial to understand that workers’ compensation exists to protect employees. Our experienced lawyers will ensure you understand your rights and help you overcome any obstacles, including employer retaliation.
Covered Injuries:
Workers’ compensation benefits cover various injuries resulting from workplace accidents, including:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Concussions
- Cuts and puncture wounds
- Electric shock
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Occupational illnesses like asbestos exposure or asthma
Understanding Workers’ Comp Terms
Navigating the workers’ compensation process often means encountering complex terms. Our attorneys at Freeburn Law help make these terms clear so you understand your rights and responsibilities. Here are definitions of some key terms:
- Denial: A denial occurs when an employer or their insurance provider refuses a workers' compensation claim. Denials may happen if the claim lacks sufficient evidence, doesn’t meet deadlines, or is deemed not work-related. Our attorneys can help investigate and appeal denials to pursue the benefits you’re entitled to.
- Impairment Evaluation: This is an assessment to determine the level of physical or mental impairment resulting from your injury. The evaluation is often conducted by a qualified medical professional and helps establish how much the injury affects your ability to work. The impairment rating can impact the type and amount of benefits you receive, especially if the injury is permanent.
- Independent Medical Exam (IME): An IME is a medical examination requested by the employer or insurance company to assess the validity and extent of your injury. An independent doctor conducts the exam to provide an unbiased opinion on your condition, treatment needs, and whether the injury limits your ability to work. Having legal support during this process ensures your rights are protected and the evaluation remains fair.
Common Workers' Compensation Injuries in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses that occur in the workplace. While the specific types and frequency of injuries may vary, several common injuries frequently lead to workers' compensation claims. Understanding these can help in taking preventive measures and knowing when to seek legal assistance.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Falls from heights, slips on wet surfaces, and tripping over objects are common causes of workplace injuries. These incidents can lead to fractures, sprains, head injuries, and back injuries.
- Strains and Sprains: Overexertion, repetitive motion, and lifting heavy objects can result in strains and sprains to various body parts, such as the back, shoulders, neck, and wrists.
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): MSDs encompass a range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints. They often result from repetitive motions, poor ergonomics, or prolonged physical exertion. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and lower back pain.
- Machine Accidents: Injuries can occur when operating heavy machinery or equipment without proper training or safety precautions. Crush injuries, amputations, and lacerations are commonly associated with machine accidents.
- Falling Objects: Workers in construction, warehousing, and manufacturing industries are at risk of being struck by falling objects. These incidents can lead to head injuries, fractures, and internal injuries.
- Burns and Chemical Exposures: Workers in industries involving hazardous materials or chemicals face the risk of burns, chemical exposures, and respiratory problems. This can occur in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.
- Electrical Injuries: Electricians, construction workers, and maintenance personnel are at risk of electrical shocks, burns, and electrocutions. These injuries can result from faulty equipment, exposed wires, or unsafe work practices.
If you've suffered a work-related injury, it's crucial to report it promptly, seek medical attention, and consult a Pennsylvania workers comp lawyer to understand your rights and pursue the benefits you're entitled to under Pennsylvania's workers' compensation system.
Choosing the Right Workers Compensation Attorney
Handling a workers’ compensation claim alone can be costly. It’s essential to have an experienced attorney by your side to combat insurers’ tactics. If you’ve been injured on the job, had your claim denied, or are facing retaliation, our team at Freeburn Law is here to help.
Why Choose Freeburn Law:
- Accredited Specialists: Our lawyers are accredited specialists in workers’ compensation law, recognized by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
- Extensive Experience: With decades of experience, we’ve successfully fought for injured workers’ rights, securing the compensation they deserve.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the challenges you face after a workplace injury and provide compassionate legal support every step of the way.
Get the Compensation You Deserve:
Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact Freeburn Law today to schedule a free consultation with our expert workers’ compensation lawyers. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:
"This is the best place to call if you’re hurt on the job. The staff is very thorough and friendly. All of my questions were answered fast. My lawyer was quick to get me all I needed to recover from my accident and got me a great settlement. I would recommend this company to anyone in need of a good, skilled attorney."
"I hired Freeburn Law for my very complicated workman’s compensation case. I am very pleased with my settlement. They were always so helpful, friendly, and explained everything very clearly. I would recommend this firm to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer."
"After sustaining an injury on the job, my attempt to work with the workers’ comp insurance company was unsuccessful. I decided to obtain the help of Freeburn Law. What an amazing team of lawyers and assistants. I commend them all for their efforts, professionalism and, of course, etiquette. I would without question, refer this law firm to anyone else who is in need of a very assertive and great working team."
"Freeburn and Law was very helpful in helping me with my workers’ compensation injury. The staff is knowledgeable and always there when you have a question. I would recommend this law firm to anyone who is going through a workers comp matter and would like to get results. Thanks again Freeburn Law."
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT RESULTS
$450,000 settlement in workers’ compensation case: Freeburn Law recovered a large settlement in a workers’ compensation case for the death of claimant’s husband, who was killed in a Marcellus Shale construction accident. The decedent’s employer and insurance carrier paid no workers’ compensation benefits until Freeburn Law became involved in the case. Lawrence Barone, Esq.
FREEBURN LAW PUTS THE RIGHTS OF PENNSYLVANIA WORKERS FIRST
The attorneys at Freeburn Law understand how a work injury can change your life and the lives of your loved ones. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced workers’ comp lawyers, call us at (717) 777-7777 or by submitting a free consultation form online.
*Certified by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Workers’ Compensation Law Section as specialists in the Practice of workers’ compensation law. A 12 member Certification Committee of the PBA Workers’ Compensation Section is responsible for the workers’ compensation law attorney certification process. In order to be certified as a workers’ compensation law specialist, an attorney must be admitted to the practice of law in Pennsylvania; have been actively engaged in the practice of law for at least 5 years, devote at least 50% of their practice to the specialty field of workers’ compensation, submit a variety of documents showing that they actively practice workers’ compensation law, participate in mandatory continuing legal education in workers’ compensation law, and submit to a written test on which they must score an 80 percent or better.
