Compensation For Work-Related Injuries And Illness
When you have workplace injuries or suffer a long-term illness brought on by your work environment or conditions, the law requires your employer to cover your medical bills from day one of your accident. This applies even if you are a part-time or seasonal employee. Your employer must also pay up to two-thirds of your wages until you can get back to work. There are restrictions for wage-loss benefits such as you must be totally or partially disabled – and cannot work – for more than seven calendar days. Once you are out of work for 14 days, workers’ compensation kicks in a retroactive payment for the first seven days you were unable to work.
Immediately Report Your Injuries Or Your Doctor’s Notice Of Disease
The laws under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act protect the health and well-being of the state’s workforce regardless of whether you were at fault for your injuries. Some exceptions may apply. You must report your accident or information from your physician about disease or illness right away to begin the process of collecting workers’ compensation.
The system also protects the state’s employers from employee lawsuits. If workers’ compensation pays for your injuries, you are unable to sue your employer for negligence involving those injuries. In addition to medical costs and wages, workers’ compensation pays:
- Specific losses: For amputation or permanent loss of use of your hearing, sight, toes, fingers, arms, legs, or facial, neck or head disfigurement
- Death of a family member: Surviving dependents may file a fatal claim for compensation
- Lump sum: You may opt to settle for a cash settlement using a Compromise and Release Agreement
While you do not need your own lawyer to start the workers’ compensation process, it can be useful to have an attorney review your circumstances to determine if a third party’s negligence is involved.
Third-Party Lawsuits For Injury, Disease Or Illness
While collecting workers’ compensation usually prevents you from suing your employer, you may have a right to sue third parties for their negligent actions or inactions that caused your injuries. Third-party negligence can involve other drivers or trucking companies, contractors, subcontractors, or the manufacturer of dangerous or faulty products.
Attorney J. Wesley Kocsis will help you explore your legal options for seeking the maximum compensation available to help right the wrongs involved in your suffering.
Talk To An Experienced, Caring Attorney
Workers’ compensation laws can be difficult to understand, especially when you are suffering injuries. The perimeters of total or partial disability and sifting through temporary or permanent benefits can be confusing without the help from an attorney. At Kocsis Law Office PC in Athens, you will find a local attorney with answers to your questions and the experience you need. Call 570-882-4160 or send an email to make arrangements for a free consultation.