In seeking medical treatment for
your work-related injury, you must find out if your employer has
posted a list of physicians or health care providers in your work
place. If the employer has done this, then you are required to visit
one of them for initial treatment. You are to continue treatment
with that provider or another on the list for a period of 90 days
following the first visit. After the 90 days or in cases where there
is no list of providers, you may treat with any provider you like.
You are required to notify your employer of the provider you have
selected.
If your workers compensation claim is denied, you are entitled to file a Claim
Petition with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The Petition
will be assigned to a workers compensation judge who will conduct a hearing to
receive testimony and medical evidence to substantiate your claim. Based on the
information presented at the hearing, the judge will make a determination regarding
your eligibility to receive workers compensation benefits.
There are time limits for filing a claim. You must notify your employer of your
injury/illness within 120 days of the injury/illness. If the claim is denied
by your employer/insurer, then you have three years from the date of the injury
to file a Claim Petition for a hearing and a determination by a worker's compensation
judge.
In occupational disease cases, the disability must occur within 300 weeks from
the date of last employment in an occupation where you had exposure to a hazard,
and a Claim Petition must be filed no later than three years from the date of
the injury and disability.
If your benefits were terminated, you may file a Petition to Reinstate your benefits
within three years after the date of your most recent worker's compensation check.
If your benefits were suspended, you may file a Petition to have them resumed
within 500 weeks from the date of suspension. Payment of medical benefits does
not mean that your claim has been accepted or re-opened.
Workers compensation is a complex area of the law. Remember, the claims adjuster
handling the case is not your attorney. Their job is to reduce the employers
or the insurance companies exposure and pay you the least amount of benefits
as possible.
Remember, you will never have to pay me money out of your own pocket; we will
only be paying you the money you deserve for your injuries. If you are receiving
workers compensation and would like to see about settling your case for a lump
sum so that you can move on with you your life you should immediately contact
or call attorney Pisanchyn because there is no doubt that he can help you.
Further, if your employer has denied your benefits or has sent you a letter stating
that they will be stopping/terminating your benefits, you must immediately contact Attorney
Pisanchyn so that he can make sure that you get the money you deserve.
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