Workers’ Compensation: Our Attorneys Make Sure Pennsylvania Workers Get The Benefits They Deserve

Benjamin F. Goodwin and Amanda M. Como are workers’ compensation attorneys who protect the interests of workers injured on the job in Fayette County and throughout Pennsylvania and help them receive all the workers’ compensation benefits to which they are entitled.

We Explain The Law And How It Applies To You

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law is designed to provide various forms of compensation to employees who suffer injuries while performing their jobs, regardless of who is at fault. Workers’ comp is considered no fault, meaning that even if you are at fault for your injury, you may still be able to recover money.

It is crucial to understand that a workers’ compensation claim is not a lawsuit against your employer. Instead, it is a claim against your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Workers who are injured on the job and unable to perform their job may be entitled to the following benefits:

  • Medical benefits: In almost all cases, the injured worker will be entitled to reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the workplace injury.
  • Total disability: If you are completely unable to work, you can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage subject to a maximum rate, which is set every year in Pennsylvania.
  • Partial disability: Partial disability benefits are available if you can return to work, but at a job that pays less. In such a case, you may be able to receive up to two-thirds of the difference in wages. Like total disability benefits, partial disability benefits can be awarded for up to 500 weeks.
  • Specific loss benefits: If you suffer permanent loss of use of a body part or an amputation, you may be able to collect payment for specific loss of the affected part of your body.
  • Disfigurement: If you have a scar or burn as a result of a work injury or surgery to treat a work injury, you may be entitled to payment for your disfigurement in addition to your medical and disability benefits.
  • Death benefits: Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and good, hardworking people die as a result of performing their job duties. If a loved one died as a result of a work injury or disease, you and your family may be entitled to compensation and funeral benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.

A common question is, “If I am receiving workers’ compensation, why do I need an attorney?” Even if you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, it is important to have an experienced lawyer familiar with workers’ comp laws monitor your case.

Often, lawyers for the insurance companies will file petitions to suspend, modify, or even terminate workers’ compensation benefits. Once they do, your time to act is limited.

The benefit of having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer monitor your case while you are receiving benefits is that your lawyer will be familiar with your medical condition and able to represent your interests quicker than if he or she is reviewing your case for the first time under the time constraints the law often provides. Even if you are receiving workers’ compensation, attorneys Benjamin F. Goodwin and Amanda M. Como will be happy to monitor your case.

What Steps Do I Need To Take After Being Injured On The Job?

If you suffer an injury at work, it is important to report your injury to your employer as quickly as possible. While you have 120 days to report your injury, workers who report their injury within 21 days receive Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation benefits from the date of the injury. So the sooner you report your work injury, the better it is for your case.

Take The Next Step And Give Us A Call — It’s Free

If you are receiving Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits; have received a termination petition, suspension petition or modification petition; have been scheduled to see a doctor for an independent medical examination; or have been offered a settlement by the insurance company and would like to sit down and discuss your options, please call the Uniontown workers’ compensation attorneys at Goodwin Como, P.C., today at 724-438-1616 or complete our online contact form to reach us via email.