Is an employee covered by PA Workers’ Compensation if they are injured while traveling to or from the work place?

Unfortunately, no, PA Workers’ Compensation does not cover such incidents.  However, if you are injured while traveling on company time or “on the clock” you would be entitled to benefits. 

How does an injured Montgomery County employee select a doctor to treat the injury?

You have probably seen a variation of this question on my Montgomery County Worker's Compensation lawyer site.  

If your claim is accepted by your employer and the employer has posted a list of at least six doctors in your place of employment, then you must visit one of the doctors listed and remain with that doctor or another one on the list for 90 days after your first visit.  If no list is posted, you may receive care from a doctor of your own choosing but you must notify your employer which doctor you are seeing. 

If you require surgery, you many seek a second medical opinion without any cost to you. However, the surgery must be performed by a listed provider if a list was provided. Your employer has the right to request your doctor to submit monthly reports on your condition. Additionally, when you are receiving benefits, your employer has a legal right to make you go to a physician of their choice for a medical examination.  You may go to any doctor of your choosing once the 90 days after the date of injury expires.  This includes not just the doctor treating you but also physical therapists, second opinion doctors and any needed specialists.  

What should an injured employee do if he/she receives a Notice of Impairment Rating Examination (IRE)?

Such examinations known as IRE are hearings requested by the employer and can impact the worker’s right to obtain lost wages.  It is advisable to contact an attorney immediately. Your MontCo Worker's Comp Attorney will advise whether or not the worker will have to attend the hearing in person.

Quick Hits: Is an employer required to retrain a worker if the worker can no longer perform the job they had prior to the injury?

No, the law does not require an employer to retrain you or provide you with vocational counseling. 

Quick hits: What does an injured worker do if he/she finds out the employer does not carry PA Workers’ Compensation insurance?

You are not out of luck!  First, call me to discuss what can be done for your Montgomery County Worker's Comp case.  Then, we will most likely be calling the worker's comp bureau.  In such situations, you may be eligible for benefits under the Uninsured Employer Guaranty Fund.  You can also contact the PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation at 800-482-2383 for more information. 

What should an injured employee do if he/she receives a Petition to Terminate, Modify or Suspend workers’ compensation benefits?

In such situations the injured worker should contact a lawyer who specializes in assisting workers with their claims. The employer must present evidence to the Judge that proves the injured worker is recovered fully or partially.  

Quick Hits: What happens if my employer denies my claim?

If your employer denies your claim, you have the right to file a petition for a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge.  OBVIOUSLY, before you do anything, call your worker's comp lawyer immediately.