Adams County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Get the Benefits You Deserve in Pennsylvania

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides benefits to employees injured on the job. Pennsylvania law requires that most employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, which can pay for an employee’s medical expenses and lost wages after an accident. If you were injured at work, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but getting the money you deserve isn’t always easy. Navigating the claims process can be challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone.

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we know the ins and outs of the workers’ compensation system, and we’re ready to help you fight for the benefits you are owed. Our Adams County workers’ compensation attorneys have been serving the injured since 1922, and we know what it takes to win. We’re prepared to put our experience to work for you.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us at (888) 498-3023 or contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation.

How to File for Workers’ Compensation in Adams County

After a work-related injury, you must report the accident to your employer. In Pennsylvania, you have 120 days to report a work injury, so it’s important to act quickly. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

When you report your injury, be sure to include the following information:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• How the accident happened
• The names of any witnesses
• The names of any supervisors or managers who were present

It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your written accident report for your records. This can help you avoid any disputes about when and how you reported your injury.

Once your employer is aware of your injury, they will notify their insurance company. You should then receive a Notice of Compensation Payable within three weeks of your employer’s notice. This document will explain whether your claim has been accepted or denied.

If your claim has been accepted, the Notice of Compensation Payable will include the following information:

• The amount of your weekly benefits
• The date your benefits will begin
• The specific body parts that were injured
• The weekly benefits you will receive for each body part

You will also receive a copy of the medical description your doctor gave to the insurance company. If you disagree with the information in this document, it’s important to let your employer and their insurance company know as soon as possible.

If your claim has been denied, you will receive a Notice of Compensation Denial. This document will explain why your claim was denied and how you can appeal the decision.

How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Adams County?

In Pennsylvania, you have three years from the date of your work injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you were injured by an occupational disease, you have three years from the date you became aware of your illness to file a claim.

It’s important to file your claim as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you avoid any filing errors and ensure your claim is submitted on time.

What If My Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Most employers in Pennsylvania are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, some employers try to avoid the cost of insurance by not carrying coverage.

If you were injured at work and your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, you have a few options for recovering compensation. You can file a claim with the Pennsylvania Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF) or you can file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.

UEGF claims are subject to the following requirements:

• You must have been employed by the uninsured employer at the time of your work injury
• There must not be any other insurance available to cover your injury
• You must file a UEGF claim within 45 days of the date your employer stops paying you benefits

It’s important to note that you cannot file a UEGF claim if your employer is a government entity, a charitable organization, or a sole proprietorship.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit against your employer is generally not advisable. In Pennsylvania, most employers are immune from personal injury lawsuits filed by injured employees. However, there are some situations in which you can sue your employer for a work injury. A personal injury lawyer can review your case and help you determine the best course of action.

What Is My Adams County Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?

The value of your workers’ compensation claim will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injury, the length of your recovery period, and the wages you have lost.

Workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania include:

• Lost wages. If you are unable to work for more than a week, you may be eligible to receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage. If you are out of work for more than 14 days, you may be entitled to receive benefits for your first seven days of missed work. If you are unable to return to work, you may be eligible to receive benefits for life.
• Loss of earning capacity. If you are unable to return to your regular job and earn less money in a different position, you may be entitled to receive benefits for your loss of earning capacity.
• Specific loss benefits. If you lose the use of a body part, you may be eligible to receive specific loss benefits. The amount of your benefits will depend on the seriousness of your injury and the specific body part that was injured.
• Medical expenses. Workers’ compensation can pay for your medical bills, including the cost of surgery, hospitalization, medication, and prosthetic devices. If you need a wheelchair or a walker, workers’ compensation can cover the cost.
• Rehabilitation. If you need rehabilitation to recover from your work injury, workers’ compensation can pay for your treatment.
• Death benefits. If your loved one was killed in a work accident, you may be entitled to receive death benefits. The amount of your benefits will depend on your relationship to the deceased and the wages they earned before their death.

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation benefits do not include pain and suffering. However, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if your work injury was caused by a third party, such as a negligent driver or a defective product.

Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Adams County?

No, you cannot be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who seek workers’ compensation benefits. If you are fired because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to take legal action and recover compensation.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Adams County Help Me?

After a work accident, getting the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve can be difficult. The claims process can be confusing and complicated, and your employer’s insurance company may try to pay you as little as possible. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side.

At HHR, we know how to navigate the workers’ compensation system, and we can help you gather the evidence needed to prove your claim. We’ll handle all the paperwork and ensure you meet all the deadlines, so you can focus on what’s most important—your recovery.

Our Adams County workers’ compensation attorneys have been serving the injured since 1922, and we’re ready to help you, too. We have a proven track record of success, and we’re not afraid to take on big insurance companies.

Don't hesitate to reach out to our Adams County team at (888) 498-3023. We have supported workers for more than 100 years.