How to Apply for Workers’ Compensation in Philadelphia

If you have suffered an injury while doing your job, the future may seem uncertain. If these injuries are permanent or severe enough to keep you out of work for the foreseeable future, you may be stressed about how you will support yourself or your loved ones.

Thankfully, Commonwealth law requires almost every employer in Bustleton, South Philadelphia, and the rest of the state to obtain workers’ compensation insurance. These plans provide medical care, temporary income, and payments for a permanent disability that could help injured or ill employees. Even so, hurt workers must take the proper steps to file a claim, and a failure to do this correctly could harm their chances of collecting the benefits that they deserve. Knowing exactly what to do when it comes to filing your claim can be difficult, but a knowledgeable worker’s compensation attorney is here to help. Contact our firm today to discuss how to apply for worker’s compensation in Philadelphia with a seasoned legal professional.

When Must a Philadelphia Employee Notify their Employer?

An employee has the right to apply for workers’ compensation benefits in Bustleton and South Philly immediately after the incident occurs. To accomplish this, an employee must first provide a written notice to their employer. According to Commonwealth law, this notice must contain the following:

• The name and address of the employee
• The time and place of the accident
• The nature and cause of the accident and injury

This gives the employer proper notice that the injury occurred and allows them to mount a defense in case of a dispute. Workers must submit this report no more than 21 days after the date of injury or diagnosis of disease. Sadly, disputes over the proper giving of notice are common and may concern the extent of an injury and whether it was work-related.

Protecting the Right to Benefits Through the Commonwealth

All claims for workers’ compensation benefits in Philadelphia start with a transaction between a workers’ compensation insurance company and the injured employee. Once a worker reports the incident to their employer, that employer has an obligation to report the incident to the Commonwealth. In most examples, this will be the end of government involvement.

However, this does not mean that the Commonwealth may not get involved later in the process. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has the power to oversee the distribution of workers’ compensation benefits and to hold hearings concerning disputes between workers and insurance companies. Working with a local attorney could help people correctly submit this information to protect their rights to benefits.

Learn More About How to Apply for Workers’ Compensation in Philadelphia from an Attorney

Bustleton and South Philadelphia employees who suffer an injury from doing their job may have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These could include the payment of medical bills, temporary income relief, and payments for any permanent injuries. However, these payments are never automatic, and local laws require employees to notify their employers about the incident. This usually involves providing a written statement to their boss.

Working with a seasoned legal professional could help you to complete this process promptly and properly. An attorney could work to craft detailed notification letters and aid you in collecting supporting documentation such as medical records or workplace incident reports. Contact our firm today to learn more about how to apply for workers’ compensation in Philadelphia.