Common Mistakes That Can Jeopardize Your Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you get hurt on the job in Harrisburg, workers’ compensation benefits protect you and your family during recovery, covering medical costs and up to two-thirds of lost income. However, filing a claim is often more complicated than it seems, and insurers typically try to deny or downplay benefits.

Even simple errors on your part could completely derail your case, leaving you to suffer significant out-of-pocket losses. Our Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer protects the rights of working people throughout Dauphin County and explains common errors to avoid and how to protect your rights.

Missteps That Can Jeopardize Your Rights In A Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Claim

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports close to 120,000 workplace injuries happen in Pennsylvania annually. While workers’ compensation benefits act as insurance, covering your medical expenses and any lost income due to your injuries, insurers frequently deny claims.

One of the most common reasons is not reporting work-related injuries right away. Waiting too long can give your employer or insurers the impression that the injury isn’t serious or didn’t occur at work, making your claim easier to deny. Other missteps that can jeopardize your rights to workers’ compensation in Harrisburg:

• Not seeking medical attention immediately;
• Failing to follow up with prescribed treatment;
• Seeing an unauthorized doctor instead of an approved provider (required for the first 90 days of treatment);
• Failing to document the incident with a written report or email to your supervisor;
• Discussing the injury on social media or with other employees, as your statements or posts can be used as evidence against you.

Each of these actions can cast doubt on the severity of your injury or how it happened and may reduce your chances of receiving full benefits.

Misunderstanding Your Rights Can Lead to Underpaid or Denied Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Harrisburg

Between dealing with your employer, insurers, and the PA Department of Labor and Industry, which oversees workers’ compensation in Harrisburg, filing a claim and getting it approved is no easy task. Many employees assume their employer or the insurance company will treat them fairly and guide them through the process, but that is rarely the case.

Insurance adjusters are well-trained on how to minimize payouts, and employers may push back if they fear increased premiums. Getting professional legal help is the best way to protect yourself. An experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer can help prevent the following mistakes:

• Accepting a settlement that doesn’t cover long-term costs;
• Returning to work too soon;
• Failing to get a second opinion;
• Missing critical deadlines, such as those for appealing denied benefits.

To Get the Benefits You Need To Recover, Contact Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we have decades of experience protecting injured workers throughout Dauphin County. We help you avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your claim and the amount of benefits you receive.

For trusted, professional legal representation from a local law firm, contact our office. Request a consultation today with our Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer.

Sources:

bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_pennsylvania.htm

pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/workers-compensation.html