What to Do If You Are Injured at Work in Pennsylvania

Hurt on the job? You need to protect yourself. Your safety and your legal rights matter. At Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio, we are strong and experienced advocates for injured workers. Our workers’ compensation attorneysin Delaware County (Delco) can helpexplain what you should do if you are hurt while on the job in Pennsylvania.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Any Physical Injuries

A doctor should evaluate, diagnose, and treat all work injuries. Hurt while on the job anywhere in Delaware County? Your first step is to get immediate care, especially if you sustain a severe injury. Even if the injury seems minor, see a doctor as soon as possible to get checked. Some injuries get worse over time. You have the right to see a doctor after an accident.

Tell Your Employer that You Were Hurt on the Job

Report your injury to your employer right away. Pennsylvania law requires workers to notify their employer within 120 days of the injury, but it is best to do it as soon as possible. If you report your accident within 21 days, you can maximize your ability to get workers’ comp benefits. You should provide details about how and when it happened.

Make Sure Your Employer Completed the First Report Paperwork

After you report the injury, your employer must complete a “First Report of Injury” form and submit it to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. It is a step that is crucial for starting the claims process. You should ask your employer for a copy of the report to confirm it was filed. If they do not submit it, your benefits could be delayed.

Attend All Follow-Up Appointments and Save Medical Records

Seeing a doctor once is not enough; you need to follow up. Injured workers should attend all medical appointments, physical therapy sessions, or specialist visits their doctor recommends. They should also keep copies of medical records, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes. These documents are key evidence in a workers’ comp claim.

File for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Delco

If you are injured at work, you have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits, including for medical expenses and lost wages. Your employer should provide you with the forms to apply. Be sure to complete and submit them on time. If you have any questions about how to complete the initial forms, a top-tier workers’ comp lawyer in Delaware County can help.

How to Appeal if Your Claim is Denied

Denials happen. Unfortunately, some workers in Delaware County struggle to get their full and fair benefits. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, do not give up. You have the right to appeal the decision. Pennsylvania has a process to challenge denials. Our Delaware County workers’ comp attorney can help you with every stage of the appeals process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Work Injury Lawyers

At Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio, our workers’ compensation attorneys are always prepared to go above and beyond to assist our clients in securing the maximum benefits. Suppose you or your loved one was hurt while on the job, we are here as a resource. Contact us today for a free, fully confidential, no-obligation case evaluation. We represent injured workers in Delaware County and the surrounding areas.