Workers Compensation Lawyer

Wilkes-Barre, Sugarloaf and Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation?
• Am I required to notify my employer of my work-related injury or illness?
• When can I expect to start receiving workers’ compensation benefits?
• Do I have to pay anything out of pocket for my work-related injury?
• Am I eligible for other benefits besides workers’ compensation if I am injured on the job?

What types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation?

Work injuries that are covered by workers compensation include any disease, injury, or medical condition that is caused by your job. This includes any job-related diseases or even preexisting conditions that are exacerbated or worsened simply by doing your job. In other words, any disease or injury that arises from your work constitutes a covered workers’ compensation injury or illness.

return to top

Am I required to notify my employer of my work-related injury or illness?

Yes. Not only do you need to notify your employer, but you are required to do so in a timely manner, meaning that you need to file an injury report with your employer no longer than 120 days after the injury in order for compensation to be allowed. If you notify your employers within 21 days, the employer must compensate you immediately. Otherwise, they only need to compensate you when your notice of the injury is given.

In order to make sure you are in compliance with this requirement it is always best to report any work-related injuries immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, if it ends up being major and you didn’t report it in time, you may end up losing benefits.

return to top

When can I expect to start receiving workers’ compensation benefits?

You can expect to receive benefits after your employer agrees that you have a valid workers compensation claim. Employers have 21 days from your notice of your injury to either accept or reject your claim.

In order for your claim to be accepted, you need medical proof that you were injured, whether you are able to return to work, and what restrictions (if any) are placed on you when you return to work.

Once the employer’s insurance company receives all of this information, it will usually start paying wage loss benefits biweekly, although some pay weekly.

return to top

Do I have to pay anything out of pocket for my work-related injury?

You don’t have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses related to your workers compensation injury. Your physician and other health-care providers are required to submit their charges to the insurance company in order to get paid.

return to top

Am I eligible for other benefits besides workers’ compensation if I am injured on the job?

Yes, there are many additional types of benefits you may apply to receive. You may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (also known as SSDI), Unemployment Income, or even Supplemental Security Income (also known as SSI) if you are in financial need.

If you are entitled to benefits from one of these programs as well as workers compensation, one or the other of the amounts you receive may be reduced.

return to top

Since all of these benefits and their requirements are confusing, it is always a good idea to discuss your individual situation with a knowledgeable workers compensation lawyer such as one from The Falvello Law Firm so that you receive the maximum benefits allowable and don’t fall through the cracks.