When people suffer injuries at work they may worry about more than just healing from their injury. If the injuries prevent them from working, people will not be able to earn an income. Without income, paying for their monthly obligations will be very difficult. This is in addition to the medical bills they may incur as they treat the injury. That is why workers’ compensation benefits are so important.
Workers’ compensation benefits can pay for the medical bills and a portion of the injured workers’ income. However, in order to receive the workers’ compensation benefits people need to first notify their employer who needs to submit it to their workers’ benefit insurance company. The insurance company then makes a decision about whether to pay the benefits or not. If the insurance carrier denies the claim, it can be devastating, but people may still be able to receive the benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Process after filing a workers’ compensation claim
After the claim is filed, it will be assigned to a workers’ compensation judge and a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing both the injured worker and the employer and/or the insurance company will present the evidence of how the injury occurred and the medical evidence. After the hearing, both sides may be required to go to a mediation. If a resolution cannot be reached at mediation, it will go back to the judge for a settlement conference and ultimately a decision from the judge. If one side does not like the judge’s decision, they can appeal it to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
Accidents occur in all types of workplaces in Pennsylvania and workers are injured as a result. The injuries can be very devastating for the victims both physically and financially. It is important that the injured workers receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. An initial denial of the benefits can hurt, but it is not the end of the road. Experienced attorneys understand the process and evidence needed at hearings and may be able to guide one through the process.