Pre-Paid Legal Advice:

Workers Compensation Pitfalls

By Welch, Gold & Siegel – Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., Pennsylvania

You're hard working and like your job and receive good employee evaluations and an adequate salary. What happens the day you can no longer work in Pennsylvania because of a serious work related injury? Is your employer going to be on your side?

Don't be so sure.

In the midst of your pain and suffering, you're probably wondering:

• Can your employer terminate your workers comp benefits?
• Or worse, can your application for workers comp be denied?
• What happens if you don't accept the benefits offered by your employer?
• Are the benefits they are offering enough?
• How are you going to support your family and pay your bills?
• What if your employer terminates you?
• Why is the employee doctor telling you to go back to work when you're suffering from so much pain that you cannot even think straight?
• Why does it seem like your employer has suddenly turned his/her back on you?

The above could be some of the valid workers compensation concerns plaguing you.

Additional workers compensation worries: 

• General workplace accident info
• Lump sum settlements
• Medical treatment after a work injury
• Asbestos & mesothelioma

It's important to seek the advice of a Pennsylvania attorney. Trust your gut – if you don't think something isn't right; it probably isn't. Don't second guess your instincts.

1. Contact a lawyer if your employer asks you to go to their own expert for a medical examination.
2. Contact a lawyer if a chatty rehabilitation counselor calls you. Don't talk to them; hang up.
3. Contact a lawyer if you are denied workers compensation benefits.
4. Contact a lawyer if your employer is retaliating against you because you filed a claim.
5. Contact a lawyer if your employer or their insurance company offers to settle your claim. You really need a pair of knowledgeable legal eyes to look over the settlement.