Cranberry Township Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Helping Injured Workers in Butler County

If you were hurt on the job, you are likely entitled to workers' compensation. Unfortunately, the process of filing a claim can be extremely difficult, and many workers are denied the benefits they need and deserve.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C., we have been helping the injured in Cranberry Township and throughout the surrounding areas since 1934. Our Cranberry Township workers' compensation attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of this complex area of the law, and we know what it takes to help you navigate the legal system as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Call our office today at (724) 576-8855 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.

How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system. This means that, regardless of who caused your injuries, you are generally entitled to benefits if you were hurt on the job. To be eligible for workers' compensation, you must be an employee, and your employer must carry workers' comp insurance.

To file a workers' compensation claim, follow these steps:

1. Report the injury: Report your injury to your employer within 21 days. If you do not report your injury within 120 days from the date of the injury (or when you should have known about the work-related disease or injury): You may be unable to collect benefits.
2. Seek medical attention: You are required to see a doctor who is approved by your employer for non-emergency treatment within the first 90 days after your injury. If you fail to do so, your claim could be denied. After the 90 days have passed you are free to see any doctor of your choice.
3. File a claim form: After you report your injury, your employer should take over the process and send a claim to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
4. Wait for a decision: Your employer's insurance company will have 21 days from the day of notification to take action on the claim. It will either deny the claim, approve it, or temporarily approve the claim while conducting an investigation. The extended investigation period can take up to 90 days. You will begin receiving benefits upon approval. If it is denied, you have the right to file an appeal.

What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?

Workers' compensation is intended to cover injuries and illnesses that occur at work or as a result of an employee's job. This includes both physical and mental injuries, as well as occupational diseases.

Workers' compensation covers the following, and more:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Temporary and permanent disability
• Rehabilitation

If a worker is killed on the job or dies as a result of a work-related illness or injury, his or her family may be entitled to death benefits.

What to Do if Your Workers' Comp Claim is Denied

Unfortunately, even if you do everything right, there is no guarantee that your workers' compensation claim will be approved. In fact, many initial claims are denied. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. However, there are several steps in the process you must follow:

• File a petition: The first step in the appeal process is to file a petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation Appeal Board. You must do so within 20 days of receiving notice that your claim has been denied.
• Appeal Board review: The Appeal Board reviews each petition without a hearing, and then it will issue a written decision. If your appeal is denied at this stage a further appeal to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court is still an option.
• Appeal to the Commonwealth Court: If you disagree with the board's decision, you can file an appeal with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. If you choose to do so, you must do so within 30 days of the board's decision.
• Appeal to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania: If you disagree with the Commonwealth Court's decision, you can file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. If you choose to do so, you must do so within 30 days of the Commonwealth Court's decision.

The appeals process can be extremely complex, and there are strict deadlines that must be met at each stage. This is why it is so important to consult with an experienced Cranberry Township workers' compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Choose Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C.?

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George, P.C., we have been serving clients in the community for more than 85 years. We are deeply committed to helping injured workers and their families navigate the workers' compensation system, and we have a proven track record of success.

Our Cranberry Township workers' compensation attorneys are honest, compassionate, and responsive. We will treat you with the care and respect you deserve, and we will work tirelessly to help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve.

Get the Help You Need Today

If you were injured at work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation. Do not try to navigate the legal system on your own. Let our experienced Cranberry Township workers' compensation lawyers help. We have the skills, resources, and experience to effectively represent you at every stage of the process, from filing a claim to appealing a decision. We understand how important these benefits are to you and your family, and we will fight tirelessly for you.

Call our office today at (724) 576-8855 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable Cranberry Township workers' compensation attorney.