What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Pennsylvania
The steps you take after a workplace injury can affect claiming workers compensation benefits. Even if your injury seems straightforward, it is important to report the injury, seek medical care, document what happened, and understand your rights before signing paperwork or making decisions about your claim.
Stark Law Group helps injured workers in Lancaster, Harrisburg, and throughout Central Pennsylvania file workers’ compensation claims and respond when claims are denied or delayed.
The Steps You Should Take
No matter which industry you work in or what type of injury you experience, these are the basic steps that you should follow to protect your rights and ensure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Report to Your Supervisor
The sooner you report your injury to your supervisor, the better. Under Pennsylvania law, you have up to 120 days to notify your employer of an accident, but it is advisable to do so as soon as possible. Failing to report within this timeframe could jeopardize your eligibility for workers’ compensation. Prompt reporting is also crucial for occupational safety and health reasons, as it allows your employer to address any workplace hazards that may have contributed to the incident.
Report to Your Supervisor
The sooner you report your injury to your supervisor, the better. Under Pennsylvania law, you have up to 120 days to notify your employer of an accident, but it is advisable to do so as soon as possible. Failing to report within this timeframe could jeopardize your eligibility for workers’ compensation. Prompt reporting is also crucial for occupational safety and health reasons, as it allows your employer to address any workplace hazards that may have contributed to the incident.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injury seems minor. Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, although you are always permitted to choose your treating medical provider, the Law permits an Employer to deny payment for treatment during the first 90 days if you do not use a panel doctor. Proper medical documentation will be vital if you need to file a lawsuit or appeal later. Having records from a physician is critical for proving the extent of your injuries, which can impact disability benefits and potential pain and suffering claims. In the event that your claim is denied, and you do not have insurance coverage, Stark Law Group can assist you with securing necessary medical treatment for your injury.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injury seems minor. Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, although you are always permitted to choose your treating medical provider, the Law permits an Employer to deny payment for treatment during the first 90 days if you do not use a panel doctor. Proper medical documentation will be vital if you need to file a lawsuit or appeal later. Having records from a physician is critical for proving the extent of your injuries, which can impact disability benefits and potential pain and suffering claims. In the event that your claim is denied, and you do not have insurance coverage, Stark Law Group can assist you with securing necessary medical treatment for your injury.
What is considered a hostile work environment in Pennsylvania?
A hostile work environment may exist when an employee is subjected to severe or repeated harassment based on a protected characteristic or protected workplace activity. These claims are fact-specific and should be reviewed by an employment law attorney.
Is a bad boss the same as a hostile work environment?
Not always. A boss can be rude, unfair or difficult without creating an illegal hostile work environment. The conduct usually must be connected to a legally protected characteristic or protected activity and be serious enough to affect the workplace.
What should I do if HR ignores my harassment complaint?
If HR ignores your complaint or the harassment continues, keep records of your reports, the employer’s response and any additional incidents. An employment attorney can help you understand your options.
Can I be fired for reporting workplace harassment?
An employer generally cannot fire or punish an employee for reporting harassment or discrimination. If you were fired or disciplined after making a complaint, you may have a retaliation concern.
Should I quit if I am in a hostile work environment?
You should speak with an attorney before quitting if possible. Resigning may affect your legal options, and an attorney can help you understand the potential risks before you make that decision.
How long do I have to file a hostile work environment claim?
Deadlines can apply to employment discrimination and harassment claims. The timeline may depend on whether the claim is being handled under Pennsylvania law, federal law or both. Because deadlines can be short, it is important to speak with an attorney promptly.