If you were hurt on the job in Franklin County, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits for medical care and wage loss without proving your employer was at fault. Early reporting and the proper paperwork will ensure your benefits continue to flow and protect your legal rights.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, we frequently assist injured workers from Letterkenny Army Depot, distribution warehouses along the I-81 corridor, construction sites, and local healthcare facilities. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Franklin County can help you navigate the claim process, secure timely benefits, fight denials, and make certain any settlement truly covers your future wage and medical needs.
How Does the Workers’ Comp Process Work?
When you get injured at work, you can generally expect to go through the following steps:
- Inform your employer about the injury ASAP. Pennsylvania rules tie benefit eligibility to notice being timely.
- Seek medical care and tell the treating clinician your injury is work-related. If your employer has properly posted a list of approved medical providers, you may be required to receive treatment with one of those providers for the first 90 days after the injury. You can pick your own doctor after 90 days. Failing to follow the panel provider rule can lead to disputes over medical bill payments.
- If your employer or their insurer denies or limits your benefits, you should file a claim petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation through the WCAIS system.
- The Bureau will review your claim. Disputes are heard before Workers’ Compensation Judges assigned through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. These judges handle hearings, review evidence, and issue decisions on contested claims.
If your employer offers modified or light-duty work within your medical restrictions, your wage-loss benefits may be reduced or suspended depending on the circumstances. Refusing suitable work without medical justification can impact your eligibility. Our workers’ comp lawyers in Franklin County can evaluate whether a job offer truly fits your restrictions to ensure your benefits are protected.
Key Workers’ Comp Claim Deadlines and Rules You Must Know
You generally have three years from your injury date to file a claim petition, and missing that deadline can forfeit your benefits. Report your injury right away, as delays can significantly reduce or delay your weekly benefits. Employer notice rules and timing matter when determining your eligibility.
Why Maximizing Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits is Vital
While workers’ comp can cover medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages, inadequate benefit awards can leave you exposed to unpaid medical bills and lost earning potential. Workers’ compensation wage-loss benefits typically equal about two-thirds (66 2/3%) of your average weekly wage, subject to statewide maximum limits set each year. These payments are generally not taxable.
Understanding how your average wage is calculated is critical because errors in wage calculation can significantly reduce the benefits you receive over time. Consider these:
- Medical needs can change after the initial treatment (surgery, rehab, durable medical equipment)
- Partial wage-loss awards may not compensate you for long-term earning reductions
- Vocational rehabilitation or lump-sum settlements require careful valuation to match your future needs
How Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Secure Your Benefits
Our Franklin County workers’ comp lawyers can:
- File your petition and paperwork correctly and on time.
- Obtain and present medical records that link treatment to your workplace injury. Insurers may require you to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with a doctor they select. They typically use this exam to challenge the extent of your injuries or your ability to work. Preparing properly for an IME and understanding its purpose can make a significant difference in protecting ongoing benefits.
- Challenge denials and prove entitlement at hearings.
- Negotiate fair lump-sum settlements or pursue ongoing wage and medical benefits when appropriate.
- Coordinate with treating doctors and vocational specialists to show future care and loss of earning capacity.
Talk to Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Franklin County
For more information about the workers’ comp process and how our lawyers can assist you, reach Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe at 717-229-6580 or online for your free case evaluation.