Steps to Take if An Initial Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied

Not everyone in Pennsylvania loves their job and sometimes they do not want to go. However, people need their jobs to continue to earn an income. People need this money to support themselves and their families. So, even if they do not like going everyday, they still need to go. That is why it is devastating, even for those who do not like their jobs, if they are hurt and are not able to go. Without the income they earn through employment meeting their needs can become difficult.

In some situations though people may be able to receive compensation for their injuries and their medical bills. One of these situations is if people are injured while at work or within the scope of their employment. If people are injured while working, they may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits pay a percentage of the injured workers’ income while they are unable to work and also pay for all medical bills associated with the injury.

These benefits are not given automatically though and sometimes the benefits are denied initially. However, people may still be able to receive the benefits after an initial denial. Within three years of the injury injured workers can file a workers’ compensation petition and the case will be assigned to a judge. After it is assigned a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing the worker will have the opportunity to present medical evidence of the injury and it effects. After the hearing a mediation or settlement conference will be scheduled to give the parties another chance to settle it. If it does not settle, the judge will issue a written order stating whether or not the worker will receive benefits.

There are many people in Pennsylvania who are hurt at work each year. Some of these injuries can be very severe as well and people may be forced to miss significant time at work, lose income and incur expensive medical bills. These people can find themselves in a very difficult financial situation as a result, but they may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits to ease the burden. Experienced attorneys understand the importance of the benefits and may be able to help protect people’s rights.