Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Collingdale, PA
Each year, there are approximately 2.6 million work injuries in the private sector. Sometimes, work injuries happen due to an employer’s failure to adhere to OSHA standards, while at other times, they may be due to a lapse in judgment or lack of proper training. No matter the reason for your accident, workers’ compensation insurance will provide coverage for reasonable medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits, regardless of fault.
Suppose you or a loved one have experienced trauma while on the job; the Collingdale workers’ compensation lawyers at Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio are here to fight for fair compensation on your behalf. If your claim was denied due to the insurance company claiming that your injury was not in the scope of your employment, we would like to hear from you.
Medical Expenses
Injured workers filing a claim in Collingdale will be able to have all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to their injury or illness covered under workers’ comp insurance. This will include coverage for ambulatory services, emergency room care, surgeries and treatments, prescriptions, physical therapy, and home modifications. These modifications will be limited to whatever is necessary to allow the individual to live in their home, given their physical limitations.
Pennsylvania law does not require workers to get pre-approval before seeing a provider following a work injury. However, for the first 90 days after your initial visit, you MAY need to see a provider that is on your employer’s list of designated providers. After 90 days have passed, you can see a provider of your choice. Many Panel Physician Lists are NOT valid. There are so many rules and requirements that many employers fail to ensure their list is binding. You MAY have the right to see any doctor you choose – even with these lists.
Lost Wage Benefits
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides for the replacement of lost income. The RATE you are entitled to receive depends on your pre-injury average weekly wage (AWW). Most injured workers are entitled to 66 2/3% of their pre-injury earnings; but the rates range from 90% to a maximum rate that varies each year.
However, if you are on partial disability, meaning that you can still work but in a reduced capacity, then you will receive 66 2/3% of the difference between the AWW prior to your accident or illness and the wages you are earning at your current position. Lost wage replacement is subject to a state minimum and maximum, with the statewide average weekly wage (statutory maximum) for injuries suffered on or after January 1, 2025, being $1,347.
Death Benefits
Under Pennsylvania law, if an employee dies as a result of their work-related injury, dependent family members may be entitled to Fatal Claim benefits. Some types of injuries and illnesses have time limits involving when the death occurs and/or when the claim is filed.
Family members that may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits include surviving spouses, minor children, children up to 23 years of age if enrolled in school, a dependent parent if they financially relied on the deceased, a disabled child or sibling, or a dependent sibling who relied on the deceased for financial support. If you have lost a loved one due to a work injury, you should speak with one of our workers’ compensation specialists to determine your eligibility for death benefits.
Advocacy in Your Time of Need: Speak with a Collingdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
The ramifications of a work injury or occupational illness cannot be denied, with many individuals never returning to their prior state of health. Whether you have been injured on the job or have experienced the loss of a family member, the Collingdale workers’ compensation attorneys at Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias & Rio are here to assist you. With over 100 years of combined experience, let our legal team put their knowledge to work for you. To schedule your free, no-obligation initial case review, contact us online or by phone at (610) 892-9300.