Why You Need A Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney Handling Your Case

October 8, 2024
Allen (A.J.) Dejewski
David Stern Philadelphia Workers' Compensation laywer on the phone

Workers’ Compensation law is a highly specialized practice area where the laws vary greatly among states. Even more importantly, Workers’ Compensation law is constantly evolving and requires a focus on intricate details that are crucial for successfully asserting a claim for benefits.

While Workers’ Compensation was designed to protect injured workers, many complications can arise if an attorney is not consulted. If you suffer a work-related injury in Pennsylvania, it is best to call upon an experienced Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorney who can advise you on the complexities of Pennsylvania-specific laws and help you assert your rights.

Do I Need to Hire an Attorney If I Am Injured at Work?

While not every work injury requires an injured worker to hire an attorney, it is highly recommended to contact one immediately following a work injury. In some cases, an employer may accept a work injury, and nothing further is required from the injured employee. However, often the employer will dispute a claim for benefits immediately following the injury or even several years later. Employers may dispute a claim for various reasons, such as:

  • The employee has a preexisting medical condition
  • The employer asserts that the employee has fully recovered from the work injury
  • The employee’s injury occurred outside the workplace or was not related to their work duties
  • The employer believes the employee is able to work despite the injury

Why Should I Hire an Attorney Immediately After My Work Injury?

Speaking with an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney right after a work injury ensures that the correct processes and procedures are followed, helping the injured worker receive the benefits they are entitled to as efficiently as possible. Importantly, these processes and procedures begin long before a claim is in dispute. For example, in Pennsylvania, an injured worker must give their employer notice of the injury within 120 days; otherwise, their claim for benefits will be barred forever.

Even if the employer does not dispute the claim, a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorney will ensure that the correct paperwork is filed, the proper people are notified, deadlines are not missed, and you receive the medical treatment you need.

What If I Choose Not to Hire an Attorney After My Injury?

As previously mentioned, Workers’ Compensation law is highly intricate, with many potential pitfalls that are easy to overlook without in-depth knowledge of the subject. If an injured employee proceeds with a Workers’ Compensation claim without the assistance of an experienced attorney, they expose themselves to several risks, including:

  • Loss of benefits without a chance to have them reinstated;
  • A lengthy appeal process;
  • Extensive delays in receiving benefits;
  • Underpayment of benefits; and
  • Unwarranted denials of benefits.

How Stern & Cohen Can Guide You Through the Complexities of Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation

The experienced attorneys and staff at Stern & Cohen have extensive experience in Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law and procedure. Our team will meticulously handle your case to provide you with the best possible chance of receiving the benefits you deserve.

When you consult Stern & Cohen, we will quickly assess the status of your case. We will determine whether a claim needs to be filed, if a denied claim should be appealed, and how to strategically approach your case. With our deep understanding of Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation, we will ensure that the common pitfalls of these claims are entirely avoided by following the correct processes and procedures.

Conclusion

Navigating the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation claim process requires careful attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the relevant laws, rules, and regulations. Understanding this process without the assistance of an experienced Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation attorney is nearly impossible. By seeking assistance from Stern & Cohen as soon as possible following a work injury, you give yourself the best chance of obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. If you have suffered a work-related injury, contact us for a free consultation.