Pittsburgh Workers' Compensation Lawyers

If you have been injured on the job, you have a right to workers' compensation benefits. Knowing the best path to receiving your full benefits, however, can be a complicated process with unclear rules and regulations. Even for workers who want to exercise their full benefits, if you don't know what specific rights you have, how will you protect them?

At the law office of Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our Pittsburgh workers' compensation lawyers have decades of proven and effective experience helping injured workers get access to the workers' compensation they need and deserve. We have the resources, knowledge and proven record to be effective at recovering the money you need to pay for damages and costs associated with your injury.

Call Robert Peirce & Associates at (844) 383-0565 to discuss your workers' comp case. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you!

You Have a Right to Full Compensation

Laws are in effect to protect workers who are injured on the job. Our attorneys can help you understand the complicated laws and regulations that govern your workers' comp claim.

We work with injured workers and their families to pursue:

• Indemnity benefits
• Medical benefits
• Specific loss benefits
• Death benefits
• Private insurance options
• Social security disability
• Unemployment benefits

Many clients are eligible to pursue more than one benefit depending on the severity, length, and cause of their injury. Work with lawyers who have decades of proven experience in helping people get access to their benefits and protect their rights.

How Long Do I Have to Report My Workers’ Comp Claim?

In Pennsylvania, the timeframe for reporting a workers' compensation claim is crucial. Generally, you are required to report a work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible. However, there is a specific deadline for filing a claim with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

According to Pennsylvania law, you must notify your employer of your workplace injury within 120 days from the date of the incident or the date you became aware of the injury or illness. Failing to report the injury within this timeframe may jeopardize your ability to receive workers' compensation benefits.

While you have 120 days to report the injury, it is always advisable to inform your employer as soon as the injury occurs or as soon as you become aware of it. Prompt reporting helps ensure that the necessary documentation and investigation can take place in a timely manner.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim requires you to file your claim within three years from the date of the injury or the date you discovered the injury or illness, whichever comes later. Failing to file a claim within this timeframe may result in a loss of your right to pursue workers' compensation benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Act - What Is It and What Does It Do?

The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act is a state law that establishes a system for providing benefits to workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It aims to protect both employees and employers by providing a framework for compensating injured workers and preventing lengthy legal battles over fault and negligence.

Here are some key aspects of the Workers' Compensation Act and what it does:

• Coverage: The Act generally requires most employers in Pennsylvania to carry workers' compensation insurance or be self-insured. It applies to both full-time and part-time employees.

• Benefits: The Act provides various benefits to injured workers. These benefits include medical treatment, wage loss compensation, specific loss benefits for permanent disfigurement or loss of certain body parts, and vocational rehabilitation services to help injured workers return to suitable employment.

• No-Fault System: The workers' compensation system in Pennsylvania operates on a no-fault basis, meaning that injured workers are generally entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident or injury. In exchange for receiving these benefits, workers typically give up the right to sue their employers for the injuries covered by workers' compensation.

• Employer Responsibilities: The Act imposes certain obligations on employers. They must provide prompt medical treatment for injured employees, report work-related injuries to their insurance carrier, and cooperate with the workers' compensation claims process.

• Reporting and Filing Claims: As mentioned earlier, employees are required to report work-related injuries to their employers within 120 days of the incident or the date they became aware of the injury or illness. They must also file a claim with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation within three years of the injury or the discovery of the injury.

• Dispute Resolution: The Act provides mechanisms for resolving disputes related to workers' compensation claims. This includes the use of mediation, hearings before workers' compensation judges, and the option to appeal decisions to the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board and higher courts.

The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act is designed to provide financial support and medical care to workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, helping them recover and return to employment while protecting employers from extensive litigation.

For specific details and guidance regarding workers' compensation claims and benefits, contact our Pittsburgh workers' compensation lawyers today!

My Workers’ Compensation Claim has been Denied. Now What?

If your workers' compensation claim has been denied in Pennsylvania, there are several steps you can take to seek a resolution.

• Review the denial letter: Carefully review the denial letter provided by the workers' compensation insurance carrier. The letter should outline the reasons for the denial, such as insufficient evidence, missed deadlines, or disputed causation.

• Consult an attorney: Consider consulting with our attorneys who specializes in workers' compensation law. Our Pittsburgh workers' compensation lawyers can review your case, provide legal advice, and guide you through the appeals process. We will help determine the best course of action based on the specifics of your claim.

• File an appeal: In Pennsylvania, you have the right to appeal the denial of your workers' compensation claim. The first step is to file a petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The specific form and deadline for filing the appeal can vary, so it's crucial to consult an attorney or contact the Bureau for accurate information.

• Gather supporting evidence: To strengthen your appeal, gather any additional evidence that supports your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements, photographs, or expert opinions. Your attorney can assist you in compiling and presenting this evidence effectively.

• Attend hearings and mediation: The appeals process may involve hearings before a workers' compensation judge. These hearings provide an opportunity to present your case and argue for the benefits you believe you are entitled to. In some cases, mediation may be attempted to reach a settlement.

• Follow the appeals process: Follow the appeals process diligently and provide any requested documentation or information within the specified deadlines. Your attorney will guide you through this process and represent your interests.

• Consider alternative dispute resolution: If your appeal is unsuccessful, you and your attorney may explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as settlement negotiations or mediation, to reach a resolution outside of court.

It's essential to consult with a workers' comp attorney early in the process to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of a successful outcome. We will provide personalized guidance based on the specifics of your case and the relevant workers' compensation laws in Pennsylvania.

Experienced Pittsburgh Workers' Compensation Attorneys

To schedule a free initial consultation with our Pittsburgh office to review your case and discuss your compensation benefits, call toll-free (844) 383-0565 or contact us online.