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Workers compensation

What are the Different Types of Workers’ Compensation Petitions?

Understanding the different types of workers’ compensation petitions is essential for navigating the legalities of a work-related injury claim in Pennsylvania. Our experienced lawyers clarify the purpose of various petitions, including Claim Petitions, Penalty Petitions, Termination Petitions, and several others.  Knowing the function of each petition can help you better...

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Receiving financial benefits along with workers’ compensation

Navigating the complexities of financial support after a work-related injury can be challenging. Fortunately, workers’ compensation can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.  However, injured workers in Pennsylvania often wonder if they can receive additional financial benefits. Understanding potential additional benefits one can receive can help make the process...

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Compensación laboral: ¿puedo demandar a mi empleador?

La compensación laboral es un sistema diseñado para proteger a los empleados que sufren lesiones en el trabajo. Generalmente, este sistema impide que los empleados demanden a sus empleadores por lesiones laborales, ya que, a cambio de proporcionar seguros de compensación laboral, los empleadores están protegidos contra demandas por lesiones...

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Ankle injuries and workers’ compensation

Ankle injuries are common in the workplace and can impact an employee’s ability to perform their job. These injuries can occur in various settings, from construction sites to office environments. Understanding their implications is crucial for both employees and employers. Types of ankle injuries Ankle injuries range from minor sprains...

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4 reasons workers’ comp may deny your claim

In Pennsylvania, navigating the workers’ compensation system is complex and frustrating. It becomes more challenging when your claim gets denied. Understanding the common reasons for denial can help you address potential issues proactively and improve your chances of a successful claim.  1. Late reporting Timeliness is everything in workers’ compensation...

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Returning to work after a workplace injury

Returning to work after a workplace injury can be challenging. Knowing your rights in Pennsylvania helps, because it better ensures a smooth transition and protects your job. If you need to file for workers’ compensation, it is important to understand how the law protects you after a workplace injury. Workers’...

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How can hearing loss happen in the workplace?

Hearing loss is a common workplace concern. In fact, it affects many individuals across various industries. Understanding how hearing loss occurs in work environments is important for promoting safety. Continual exposure to loud noise One of the causes of hearing loss in the workplace is exposure to loud noise. Industries...

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Common injuries that affect warehouse workers

Warehouse work can be physically demanding. It poses various risks to the health and safety of employees. Understanding these common injuries is important for accident prevention and navigating workers’ compensation. Slip and fall injuries Slip and fall accidents are among the most prevalent in warehouses. Spills, wet floors, loose cables...

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FAQs about workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania

Workers’ compensation supports employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses in Pennsylvania. It ensures that workers receive medical care and compensation for lost wages due to their inability to work. Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex for both employers and employees. Understanding the basics of how this...

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Needlestick injuries may lead to serious infections

Health care workers face numerous occupational hazards in their line of duty. The risk of needlestick injuries is among them. These injuries occur when a sharp medical object, such as a needle or syringe, accidentally punctures the skin. Beyond the immediate pain and discomfort, needlestick injuries can lead to serious...

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Is my employer in compliance with workers’ comp rules?

Employers in Pennsylvania have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees while on the job. One crucial aspect of this responsibility is providing workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who experience an injury or illness as...

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More than 70% of nurses experience chronic low back pain

Nurses face a significant occupational hazard: chronic low back pain. The demanding nature of their work, coupled with long hours and challenging work environments, predisposes them to this debilitating condition. Understanding the factors contributing to nurses’ susceptibility to chronic low back pain is necessary to address this prevalent issue. Physical...

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Common workplace injuries when working with chemicals

Working with chemicals in the manufacturing industry involves handling various substances and operating complex machinery. Your responsibilities in the process are integral in producing essential materials. However, the work environment poses inherent risks that can lead to injuries. You should be aware of some common injuries from exposure to chemicals....

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Surprising injuries that can happen to office workers

While people often associate workplace injuries with industries like construction or manufacturing, the office environment is not immune to its share of surprising mishaps. Although offices may appear much safer than outdoor work sites, surprises lurk in unexpected corners. Both employees and employers should be aware of potential hazards. Trips...

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Signs your boss is retaliating after a workers comp claim

Pennsylvania’s hardworking spirit fuels its economy, but unfortunately, workplace injuries can happen even in the most diligent environments. When your job leaves you hurt, filing for workers’ compensation is your right. However, whispers of fear sometimes arise: “What if my employer retaliates?” Retaliation for filing a legitimate claim is illegal,...

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5 reasons people injure joints at work

In the bustling environment of the workplace, it is not uncommon for employees to experience joint injuries that can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity. The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of workplace injuries involve a joint such as the ankle or knee. Understanding the reasons behind these injuries...

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Why is my workers’ compensation not paying me?

If you are wondering why your workers’ compensation is not paying you as expected, there could be several reasons behind this situation. The bottom line, though, is that you deserve compensation for your workplace injury. You can make sure you get what you deserve by understanding the common challenges that...

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How should you document a workplace injury?

After you get injured at work, you may want to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you recover by providing compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages and more. Part of submitting a successful workers’ compensation claim involves providing enough documentation. Following the workplace accident, there are steps...

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5 workplace injury trends

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, employees need to remain vigilant about emerging trends in workplace injuries. Staying informed about potential hazards helps ensure safety and well-being. 1. Remote work-related strains With the rise of remote work, employees are facing new challenges. Prolonged computer use can lead to...

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What are common work-related neck injuries?

Work-related neck injuries are common across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction and office work. Neck injuries can occur due to accidents, poor ergonomics and heavy lifting. While neck pain affects about 27 out of 1,000 people, if your neck pain stems from work-related injuries, you may be eligible...

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Consequences of a workplace spinal injury

Whether you fall from scaffolding or suffer an injury in an equipment accident, spinal injuries on the job often have far-reaching consequences. When you file workers’ compensation for the injury, you should understand the long-term challenges of this type of injury. Chronic pain Spinal injuries often lead to chronic pain...

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4 common myths about workers’ compensation

If you get hurt while at work, you may become eligible to receive benefits through the workers’ compensation system. This system provides specific benefits to help injured workers recover from their injuries and return to work. When it comes to workplace injuries, there are several misconceptions that can cloud your...

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How can you get hurt on a scaffold?

Being aware of how dangerous scaffolds are can help you as you continue to work. There are a variety of ways that scaffolds can put you in danger, either because of the construction process or the coworkers on them with you. Learning about how this kind of accident happens is...

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The mental toll of workplace injuries

If you become hurt while working, you could struggle with a number of physical and financial difficulties. From lost wages and hospital bills to immobilization and severe pain, these challenges can make daily life very hard. However, you should also focus on your mental health in the wake of a...

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Vital safety measures for construction workers

Construction sites present various hazards that require construction workers to prioritize their safety at all times. By following established safety protocols and adopting proactive measures, construction workers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Here are some strategies and precautions that can help ensure the safety of construction...

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What are repetitive strain injuries?

Workers have likely heard of workplace injuries before, but many think of catastrophic injuries when they hear this term. However, simple workplace injuries also exist, such as back strain or repetitive stress injuries. These also allow for a worker to potentially receive benefits. Defining an RSI Cleveland Clinic takes a...

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What is an impairment rating evaluation?

Workplace injuries can result in varying levels of disability for workers. Insurance companies often require a medical evaluation to determine how much a worker’s injury impairs their ability to perform various functions. This evaluation is an Impairment Rating Evaluation. Who conducts an IRE? When an insurance company requests an IRE,...

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3 FAQs about permanent total disability benefits

While some workplace injuries heal quickly, others may result in a life-altering change. If an injury leads to the inability to work, the state ensures that victims have rights through workers’ compensation laws. People who sustain permanent injuries often have questions about what those rights mean. 1. How does the...

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Workers’ compensation timelines

When you are dealing with injuries, you probably feel that everything in your claim should happen as soon as possible. After all, you have pain, bills and a lot more complexity than normal in your life. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies do not always have the same goals. Knowing the...

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Are workers’ compensation benefits taxable?

How about the interest or penalties? It is well recognized that workers’ compensation benefits are not subject to income taxes. However, some insurance companies issue 1099 forms and/or report as taxable the award of interest and penalties to the state or Federal government. The issue is still subject to debate,...

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What is return-to-work?

When you enter the workers’ compensation system, the ultimate goal is to get you back to work. The return-to-work approach is part of the process of providing you with all the support you need to rehabilitate and return to your job. Return-to-work has the support of medical professionals and others...

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How long do workers’ compensation cases take?

Workers who have occupation-related medical issues deserve support. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to help employees who experience injury or harm on the job. If you have workplace injuries or health conditions, you can benefit from learning about the process and timeline for obtaining workers’ compensation. Filing your claim In general,...

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Teachers and occupational injury risk factors

Whether you teach young children, high schoolers or adults, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the risks that you could come across while working. Many people think that teaching is relatively safe in comparison to other occupations, but many teachers become seriously hurt every year due to...

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Common injuries in restaurants and how to prevent them

Restaurants pose a wide variety of hazards to both front-of-house and kitchen workers. Accidents can result in various injuries which result in missed work, medical costs and lost productivity. There are common hazards and injuries that occur. However, many of them are preventable. Common risks and injuries in restaurants According...

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Nursing is a risky occupation

Nurses have a risky job, as they have higher incidences of work-related injuries and illnesses. These result in missed days of work, medical costs and increased risk of future injuries. There are certain injuries that are more common, and many of them are preventable. Stats and facts related to nursing...

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Reasons for workers’ compensation denials

Workers’ compensation insurance helps cover medical expenses and lost wages for injuries sustained on the job. However, it is not unusual for insurance companies to deny a workers’ comp claim. There are various reasons for workers’ compensation denials. Depending on the reason for the denial, an employee may want to...

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Workers’ Compensation: Case Law Updates

Timing of Appeal The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act sets forth time deadlines for filing certain documents, and a party’s right to pursue an issue may be jeopardized if the deadline is not satisfied. The WC Act also states the manner and location of filing Petitions or Appeals. The Court has...

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Delivery truck drivers and third-party injury claims

Like other employees, delivery drivers may receive needed benefits after a job-related injury through their employer’s workers’ compensation policy. WC allows workers to access medical coverage and payment for lost wages, regardless of whether the employee, a coworker or the employer was at fault. However, work injuries often involve the...

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Traveling Employees: The Coming And Going Rule

A new decision has been handed down by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania regarding injuries suffered while commuting to and from work – often referred to as “the coming and going rule.” As a general rule, injuries sustained while traveling to and from work are not covered by workers’ compensation,...

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Safety tips for working from home

People are working from home now more than ever. This exploding phenomenon has allowed companies to remain functional even during global crises. Most employees welcome this trend and want it to continue. Like working in an office, though, there is still a chance of injury. Taking precautions reduces the odds...

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Independent Contractors, “Under The Table” Workers And The Uninsured Employer Guarantee Fund (UEGF)

Berkebile Towing v. WCAB (Harr & UEGF), May 2021 Workers’ compensation benefits are available to any employee injured in the course of their job. Some businesses try to avoid the cost of Workers Compensation insurance, taxes and other “employee” related costs (health insurance, retirement benefits, etc.) by classifying their workers...

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Don’t Miss Your Workers’ Compensation Deadlines

There are many different deadlines in the workers’ compensation system. Missing some deadlines may have minor consequences, while others may result in the denial of the claim entirely. Some deadlines apply to the injured worker, while others apply to the employer or insurance company. Some apply to the medical treatment...

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Notice Of Temporary Compensation Payable

The Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act permits an employer (or their insurance company) to accept an injured worker’s claim on a temporary basis, while they conduct an investigation. Within 90 days of issuing a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable (NTCP), the insurance company must formally accept or deny responsibility to pay...

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What Is An Impairment Rating Evaluations (IRE)?

An injured workers’ right to benefits can be limited in several ways, typically: Based on medical evidence that the injury has resolved, or improved to the point the claimant can work, AND Evidence that the employer has actual work available within the injured workers’ capabilities, OR By evidence of work...

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Child Support And Workers Compensation Benefits

What the Worker’s Compensation “Manual” DOESN’T tell you! Some lawyers tend to focus so much of their practice on one field of law, they forget that there are often situations where completely different fields of law overlap. Workers’ Compensation has many such traps – perhaps the most common of which...

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