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Questions Answered by Timothy Belt
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Elder Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: This is extremely complicated and Covid related. At beginning of pandemic all persons over 60 laid off for months

Upon returning - we were required to disinfect all areas between patients with new disinfectants, masks and shields. By afternoon this had me vomiting violently. Sent home on many occasions suspected of infection. Occupational Medicine would not see me. I was consistently approved for time off... View More

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on May 11, 2021

That is indeed a complicated set of facts. It sounds like your doctor has indicated your condition is related to a work related chemical exposure. As such, this may be considered a work injury. If you have not already provided notice to your employer of a work injury, you have 120 days from the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation, Civil Rights and Sexual Harassment for Pennsylvania on
Q: Verbal and sexual harassment at a union job. Terminated after filing sexual harassment complaint.

Here are a few bullet points of what occurred:

1. Verbal & Sexual Harassment

2. Unpaid hours every week due to archaic system; and I can’t prove it since I was told to report hours worked to management, who didn’t consistently report my time to payroll.

3. Vehicle... View More

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on May 6, 2021

In regard to bullet point 4 only, assuming you reported the injury within 120 days, and a period of less than 3 years has past since the date of injury, you may still have a claim for workers' compensation benefits which may provide payment of medical as well as wage loss benefits despite your... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: work injury took 17 days before management gave me a form for an accident report

first I was told to go to an urgent care the following week even though my supervisor saw the incident happen and was not told to report it, paid out of pocket, then from there the doc report said it was WC said work but has to follow with occupational doc, never heard from WC until she called to... View More

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on May 1, 2021

Assuming your employer is not self insured and has actual insurance, the change in ownership will not change the carrier's obligation to make proper payment for an accepted claim. Whether or not this is an accepted claim is a different question. It sounds like the employer and possibly the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Medical Malpractice for Pennsylvania on
Q: Workmen comp case hurt at work ,have 4 bulging disc

Making me clock out for therapy. I live in Pennsylvania but work in New Jersey. On light duty but not really light duty. On a hour restriction but still seem to be working over 8 hours a day

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Apr 22, 2021

For a Pennsylvania workers' compensation claim, your employer can require you to obtain treatment outside of working hours, if treatment is available outside of working hours. If treatment can only be received within working hours, you may be required to punch out, but you may have a claim for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Medical Malpractice for Pennsylvania on
Q: Workmen comp case hurt at work ,have 4 bulging disc

Making me clock out for therapy. I live in Pennsylvania but work in New Jersey. On light duty but not really light duty. On a hour restriction but still seem to be working over 8 hours a day

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Apr 18, 2021

For a Pennsylvania workers' compensation claim, your employer can require you to obtain treatment outside of working hours, if treatment is available outside of working hours. If treatment can only be received within working hours, you may be required to punch out, but you may have a claim... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: I was given a doctors note to be off work due to carpal tunnel caused by my job. It's been 20 days and I have not heard

from employers W.C. carrier? How long does the employer have to accept or deny my claim?

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Oct 8, 2020

The employer and/or it's workers' compensation carrier only have 21 days to accept or deny your claim. If they fail to do so, you will need to file a Claim Petition and prove that you suffered an injury in the course and scope of your employment resulting in wage loss. This is a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my employer withhold overtime work due to being on light duty for workers comp?

I drive a school bus in the morning and afternoon. Between my routes I am on light duty instead of doing strenuous work on a labor assignment. They won't let me work overtime driving a bus.

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Oct 7, 2020

They do not have to let you work overtime, but you may be entitled to temporary partial disability wage loss benefits through workers' compensation to make up the difference. I would suggest that you talk to a local workers' compensation lawyer about your rights and options.

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello, I was attacked at work and got bitten, I’m a CNA. I want file for emotional distress/pain and suffering.

Is this possible I wanted to get advice on how to approach this

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Jul 5, 2020

I am sorry to hear of your injury. Assuming this is a Pennsylvania case, your potential benefits would likely be confined to workers' compensation which would only cover related wage loss and related medical bills. If you suffered a psychological injury as a result of this attack, treatment... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Workmans comp settlement severe tbi

for me?

we are currently in a workmans comp case severe tbi. They are trying to settle for 80.000 but he is still suffering and he did not receive the proper treatment due to the dr and scheduling and were advised by our current lawyer to remain with them. My problem is he is getting worse... View More

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Apr 27, 2020

Since you are a represented party, no one on here can ethically provide you with legal advice. I can tell you that your lawyer is in the best position to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. If you are not confident in your attorney, you are free to change attorneys. However, if... View More

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7 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation, Employment Law and Personal Injury for Pennsylvania on
Q: Does liability insurance coverage, cover wage compensation or just medical?

I slipped and hit my head at my place of employment but was not on the clock. ER diagnosed me with a concussion and whiplash. I've been off work since Nov. 8th. My employer said her insurance doesnt cover missed wages.

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Dec 5, 2019

This may be a workers' compensation claim despite the fact that you were not on the clock. It would depend on why you were at the facility at the time of the accident. Since workers' compensation pays both wage loss and medical, I would suggest that you call a workers'... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: I sustained an injury at work doing tasks outside normal scope of work. Company DR cleared me but I'm still in pain.

I was cleared full duty after one visit but what makes my injury hurt the most is sitting which is 90% of my job.

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Nov 15, 2019

You should have received a list of doctors to pick from in regard to your treatment. If you did not receive this list, you are free to see a doctor of your own choosing. I would suggest that you contact a local workers' compensation lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case and the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: What happens after your unemployment runs out and no one will still hire you I’ve been applying for jobs for 6 months

Work at the same facility for 25 years and got let go because of restructuring

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Sep 5, 2019

You posted your question under workers' compensation. Were you injured at your former employer before the restructuring? If so, I would suggest that you contact a local workers' compensation attorney as soon as possible.

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: i was hurt on the job on 11/22/1018 i told employerr by feb 10 and have not heard back from them i am going to doctors

i am in therapy and my injury they say cant be fixed i m in a lot of pain and i kept asking the employer when they where going to do something they done nothing but try take my unemployment away where do i go from here

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Aug 26, 2019

You should have received a document accepting or denying your claim within 21 days of providing your employer with notice. It has been more than 6 months, so I seriously doubt your employer is going to do anything on their own. Contact a local workers' compensation lawyer in regard to filing... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Why did the workmans adjuster got replaced with a lawyer.thank you
Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on May 9, 2019

Adjusters do not handle petitions before judges, so my best guess is that a petition has been filed or is being considered.

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3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Please if you can let me know now that its taken so long what can i do to further .

9/19/18 i got stuck by a forklift with no brakes. I got a lawyer its been 8 1/2 month gone by i only received 9 weeks of pay i saw my lawyers doctor and i have ankel deformity and torn ligaments . i got and MRI also from insurance I'm still in pain and there taking along time for treatment. We... View More

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on May 9, 2019

The only one that can really answer your questions would be your lawyer. There are many issues that come up in a workers' compensation case, and if the case has to go all the way to decision, the process can take a year or more from the date the petition is filed until the decision is... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: PA workers compensation headache

Two years ago I settled a workers comp claim for a back injury (herniated disc). I felt comfortable settling as my physiatrist completed a FCE and stated I could return to full duty. I started a new job, but after 8 months the pain in the back returned along with going down the left leg. My job is... View More

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Apr 20, 2019

It is not fraud on your part. Your employer having submitted the claim to short term disability rather than workers' compensation is potentially a different answer. It is called an aggravation of a pre-existing condition which is considered a new injury in PA. It is very unlikely at this... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a judge force me to seek legal counsel when I am indigent?

I have asked several Lawyers and they won't represent me due to small settlement.

Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Apr 13, 2019

A workers' compensation judge cannot force you to get a lawyer. He can strongly suggest this is in your best interest, and if you attempt to settle your case without a lawyer, he can find that you do not understand the full legal significance of the agreement and refuse to approve it.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: do I have to use my total accrued vacation up prior to collecting workers compensation? My employer says I do. Help.
Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Mar 12, 2019

You do not have to use your vacation time to receive workers' compensation, but your employer can force you to use your vacation time while you are receiving workers' compensation. If you have been out of work for more than a week for your work injury you would be entitled to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can FMLA leave be combined with workers' compensation?
Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Dec 26, 2018

Yes, FMLA can run at the same time as workers' compensation. There is nothing that prohibits this.

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4 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for Pennsylvania on
Q: How do I decide if I need to file a workers' compensation or a personal injury claim for my work injury?
Timothy Belt
Timothy Belt
answered on Dec 11, 2018

If the claim is against your employer and your employer has workers' compensation insurance, you can only file a workers' compensation claim. If a third-party other than your employer or a coworker was negligent and caused a work injury or if your employer does not have workers'... View More

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