Wapner Newman Has Over 40 Years of Experience Helping Workers Successfully Recover the Benefits They Deserve
Workplace injuries are common and unavoidable. No matter how many safety measures are put in place, and regardless of the industry, workers will still get injured. Yes, some jobs are more dangerous than others. But workplace injuries occur across the broad spectrum of jobs in the United States.
When you sustain an injury on the job, medical expenses and lost wages can quickly begin to add up. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide injured workers with adequate financial support to make it through these difficult times. Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation claim process can be difficult — leaving many families in dire financial trouble during lengthy appeals procedures. The attorneys at Wapner Newman can help you navigate the process of making a workers’ comp claim and filing an appeal if your claim is denied. We are here to help so that you can focus on healing. Contact one of our workers’ comp lawyers in Philadelphia today. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Why Choose Wapner Newman?
We Always Pursue Maximum Compensation
Wapner Newman has a deep understanding of the workers’ compensation process. Our Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers have spent decades fighting for the benefits our clients need. Although insurance companies and employers often try to pay workers less than they deserve, we regularly get our clients the maximum benefits allowed.
When you choose Wapner Newman, you get:
- Lawyers with decades of experience representing injured workers
- Representation from industry-recognized attorneys who know how to fight
- Care that is tailored to your needs
- A direct line to our attorneys
- Free consultations
- Regular case updates.
The workers’ compensation process is something you do not want to tackle alone, especially if you have significant injuries. With a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer working for you, you have a higher chance of getting maximum benefits than without one.
Contact Wapner Newman to speak with a seasoned Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer and learn how we can help. Call (215) 569-0900 for a free case review today.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The State of Pennsylvania offers many benefits for injured and sick workers. However, workers must know that insurance companies and employers can cause a worker to be paid less than they deserve. For this reason, workers in need of maximum compensation need an advocate who will fight on behalf of their interests against stingy insurance companies and employers.
Medical Care
As an employee, you have the right to receive reasonable surgical and medical treatment if you have a work injury or illness covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. This coverage may include:
- Doctor’s visits
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medication
- Therapy and rehab
- Medical devices and equipment.
Your employer has the responsibility to advise you and other employees of your rights and responsibilities regarding medical care for work injuries and occupational diseases.
Payment for Lost Wages
Workers who miss a certain amount of time from work are entitled to wage-replacement benefits. Wage replacement involves two-thirds of a worker’s pre-accident weekly salary or wage if the worker is totally disabled. If only partially disabled, the worker can receive the difference between their two-thirds benefit payment and their wage doing modified work.
Specific Loss Benefits
Workers who have lost the permanent use of some or all of certain body parts, such as fingers, hands, feet, arms, and legs, may be eligible for a specific loss award. Workers who have suffered a serious or permanent disfigurement may also be eligible for the payment.
Death Benefits
Workers’ compensation insurance also pays death benefits when a worker is fatally injured. The surviving spouse and dependents of the deceased worker are eligible for these benefits.
VERY FEW WORKERS UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS UNDER WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. WITH YEARS OF EXPERIENCE HELPING INJURED WORKERS, OUR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ATTORNEYS AT WAPNER NEWMAN CAN HELP ENSURE YOU DO NOT MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE FOR FAIR COMPENSATION.
What to Do After an Injury on the Job
If you are ever injured at work, it’s important to take certain steps afterward to help ensure that you get maximum compensation.
Report the Accident
Workers should know that the key to obtaining workers’ compensation benefits is prompt reporting of the accident. The law gives injured workers 120 days to give their employer notice of an injury; however, giving notice within 21 days of the accident is preferred. Failure to meet this notification deadline could result in a total loss of workers’ compensation benefits.
Get Medical Treatment
You will also need to seek medical treatment for your injuries after an accident. Who you choose to provide you with medical treatment depends on whether your employer has fulfilled certain conditions.
By law, an employee is permitted to visit the health care provider of their choosing unless the following conditions are met:
- The employer accepts the worker’s claim
- The employer has posted a list of six or more health care professionals for injured workers to choose from.
If the employer does meet these conditions, the employee is obliged to choose a provider from that list and use said provider for a period of 90 days after the initial visit for the work injury.
If you fail to use a health care provider on the employer’s list, the employer or their insurance company may refuse to pay for your medical treatment. Once 90 days have passed, however, you are free to visit any qualified medical provider of your choosing, but you must notify your employer of your choice.
Follow Up with Your Employer
After your initial treatment and after informing your employer of your injuries, you should follow up with your employer to make sure that they indeed filed your claim. By law, the carrier backing your employer’s workers’ comp coverage must reply with an acceptance or a denial within 21 days of your reporting the accident.
Wait for Acceptance or Denial
If the insurance company accepts your claim, you will then receive what is known as a “Notice of Compensation Payable.” You may also receive temporary workers’ comp benefits for 90 days.
If your claim is denied, you will receive a “Notice of Compensation Denial.” But this is not the end of the story. You can file a Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Filing a Claim Petition gets your case in front of a judge for the Bureau who will ultimately decide whether to approve or reject your appeal.
How Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Help Injured Workers
We Handle Every Aspect of Your Claim
Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated and require a thorough understanding of the process. At Wapner Newman, we assume all of the responsibilities for our clients’ claims to ensure compliance. Doing so also gives our injured clients the time they need to recuperate from their injuries and adjust. In the absence of stress, injured workers tend to heal more quickly.
Some of the essential tasks our team handles on your behalf include:
- Investigating the workplace accident
- Consulting with accident and medical experts
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Identifying potential third-party sources of compensation
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in workers’ comp hearings
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Don’t take on your employer and the insurance companies alone. Reach out for help from a law firm with decades of workers’ compensation experience. Doing so will increase your chances of getting the maximum payout for your claim or of turning a denial into an approval.
Contact Wapner Newman for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your options for getting compensated for your losses. Call (215) 569-0900 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Workers’ comp claims can be complex and time-consuming. Read through the following Q&A for more information on the workers’ compensation process and getting access to the benefits you deserve.
How long do I have to file a workers’ comp claim?
You have three years to file a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania. When your employer submits a First Report of Injury, this gets the ball rolling. For this reason, it is important to follow up with your employer to make sure they submitted the paperwork.
Do I need a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer to represent me?
If you want to recover the maximum benefits available in your case, you will hire a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer. Without a lawyer, workers must rely on their employer and the insurance company, both of which have interests that are opposed to the worker’s interests. A lawyer will ensure that the worker’s interests are taken into account during the compensation process.
How much do workers’ comp lawyers charge?
Workers’ comp lawyers’ fees are controlled by law, which has recently changed. Previously, lawyers charged 20% of a client’s lost wages. Now, however, attorneys can charge a fee for the medical benefits they recover as well.
What happens if my workers’ comp claim is denied?
Many workers’ compensation claims are denied after their first filing. When this happens, you have a right to appeal the decision. We will work closely with you throughout the appeal process, providing you with the legal representation you need to successfully appeal a workers’ compensation denial.
What is a third-party lawsuit?
A third-party lawsuit is a legal action for damages against someone other than the employer who was responsible for the injury in the workplace. An injured worker whose injuries come about partially or entirely because of a third party can sue that third party for damages. Examples of third parties in workplaces include:
- Clients and customers
- The general public
- Employees of other businesses
- Property owners
- Manufacturers of equipment, parts, and products.
If you are permitted to bring a third-party lawsuit, you can legally claim a variety of non-economic damages that are not available with workers’ compensation, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish.
You can also claim 100% of your lost wages, which are limited under workers’ comp rules.
Call today for more information and answers to your questions. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer is ready to meet with you.
Speak with an Experienced Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Take the Next Step Toward Compensation
If you have been injured at work, you have the right to pursue compensation, but it may be a difficult route. Insurance companies and employers often make it hard for workers to get their full benefit payouts in a timely manner. But a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer can make the difference between a denial and an approval.
The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Wapner Newman are ready to help you get justice. Call our office at (215) 569-0900 to set up a free consultation and case review. Let’s explore your options for compensation.