Where does the injured worker go to attend a Workers’ Compensation hearing?

If a hearing is held, there are various offices located throughout the state. In Bucks County there is a hearing office in Bristol. In Montgomery County, PA there is an office in Malvern and two offices are located in Philadelphia where the worker will go with their Montgomery County Workers' Compensation Lawyer. 

What should a person do when they are first injured at work?

I've discussed this issue before as it is important to your rights in workers' compensation.  The most important thing is to report your injury PROMPTLY to your employer; provide the date and  physical location where the injury incurred.  If you do not inform your employer, no compensation is given until proper notice is provided.  Notice must be given no later than 120 days after the injury in order to be eligible for compensation.  You have three years  from the date of injury to  file a claim petition. 

Quick Hits: What happens if the company doctor believes you are able to return to work but your own doctor thinks you are not able?

Get ready for war.  Your Montgomery County Workers Compensation lawyer should be ready for this.  

Under such circumstances the employer would file a petition to terminate, modify or suspend benefits.

A workers’ compensation judge would hear your case. You would receive your benefits until a hearing

is scheduled. 

How does someone qualify for PA Workers’ Compensation in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania?

Employers are required to provide workers comp to all full and part time employees.  If a condition

of employment causes an injury, illness or disease, the employee may be entitled to Worker's Compensation.  There are certain religious exemptions that require a detailed explanation.  

If an injury, illness or disease is self inflicted then no compensation is due to the Montco individual.  Nor is compensation due if an employee violated the law such as illegal drug use or intoxication. No compensation is due for  injuries caused by attacks by another person of a personal nature. 

But, the devil is in the details and the boss may say one thing, but you know it is the other.  Thus, you need to get in touch with your Montgomery County Worker's Compensation Lawyer immediately to fight back.  

When are benefits payable under PA Workers’ Compensation?

An injured worker must be out of work for seven days (including holidays and weekends) before benefits kick in. After fourteen days, you are entitled to a retroactive payment of the first seven days.  This refers only to monetary benefits. Medical benefits are effective immediately after injury but be sure to notify your employer as soon as possible when an injury occurs and also call your Montgomery County, PA Workers Compensation Lawyer.   

Volunteer Work and Workers' Compensation in Montgomery County

If you are volunteering in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, you must be careful regarding injuries while you are volunteering.  In Wolf v. WCAB (County of Berks), a volunteer who received a stipend for food and transportation did not receive "wages" and thus is not eligible for worker's compensation.

Furthermore, in Brookhaven Baptist Church v. WCAB (Halvorson) from 2007, an employee of a church was performing volunteer services for the church which was not part of their employment agreement.  The individual was injured while performing their volunteer work.  This person was not eligible for workers' compensation.

So, if you are injured, it is likely you are not eligible.  But, you should check with a lawyer from Montgomery County who practices workers' comp law to find out what your rights are.

Quick Hits: Can an injured employee receiving workers’ compensation also apply for social security benefits?

Yes, an injured employee in Montgomery County, PA may be able to apply for socialsecurity benefits.  However, certain conditions apply. Your workers’ compensation benefits will be reduced.

If you are in Bucks County, you should contact a Bucks County disability lawyer for your social security benefits.