What happens if you are offered a light duty job but refuse to take it?

If it can be proven that you are medically and physically able to perform a light duty job, you may lose your compensation benefit if you refuse to accept the light duty position. However, if your doctor says you are able to perform light duty work but none is available, you may continue to receive compensation benefits.

In any event, you MUST discuss these options with your Montgomery County, PA workers compensation lawyer.  You can make a big mistake if you do not gt a good, solid legal opinion.   

Why should an injured worker hire a Workers’ Compensation attorney?

Workers’ Compensation attorneys in Montgomery County are skilled in all the facets of the Workers’ Compensation laws. The law is sometimes on the side of the injured but it often takes an attorney to battle for the client who is most likely unfamiliar with the procedures involved in obtaining the maximum due benefit.  Attorneys are not paid unless they are successful in obtaining benefits for their clients and fees are governed by law.  The employer most certainly will have an attorney so hiring your own attorney levels the playing field.

Quick Hits: Do injured workers receive prescription coverage under Workers’ Compensation?

Yes, injured workers are entitled to prescription coverage, supplies and services.  Any Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Montgomery County can assist you in this matter.  

Quick Hits: What is” Partial Disability” in a Workers’ Compensation case?

The injured worker is considered partially disabled if a medical exam determines that he/she is less than 50% disabled.  The worker can remain partially disabled for up to 500 weeks.  It is possible to have your rating changed to total disability if a medical exam determines that you are at least 50% disabled. 

Quick Hits: How are medical bills paid under Workers’ Compensation?

Doctors and hospitals submit their bills directly to the employer’s insurance company.  The injured worker is never required to make any payment.

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?

Either the injured worker or the employer can file a petition with the Office of Adjudication when there is a dispute over benefits.  A workers’ compensation judge schedules a hearing unless he/she deems otherwise.  You can also request an informal conference. Forms for an informal conference can be obtained from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Claims Information Hotline at 800-482-2383.

What is an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?

Employers and their insurance companies can require an injured worker to submit to a medical exam conducted by a physician of their choosing.  These physicians most often side with the employer in determining if a true injury occurred or that the injury is debilitating.  An injured worker would be wise to consult with an attorney prior to the exam to discuss his/her legal options.