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answered on Feb 7, 2018
Assuming you have an attorney, I would agree with Glen that you need to contact him regarding this issue. If you do not have an attorney, you should obtain one.
Working with modified duties and tripped on item on floor. Wc denied first injury and closed 2nd 3 days before the 90th day while I'm still on restrictions.
answered on Feb 2, 2018
From your question it sounds like the carrier accepted the injury using a Notice of Temporary Compensation Payable which can be withdrawn without penalty to the employer during the first 90 days. If you are still having problems, you will need to file a Claim Petition to bring the matter before a... View More
answered on Jan 29, 2018
You can receive it, but you would need to report it to workers' compensation as income, and there would be a credit against the wage loss benefits to which you are entitled. It could also open the door for the workers' compensation carrier to hire a vocation expert to determine what you... View More
Continued....obvious fraudulent claimant that just got out of jail? My small business has never once had an employee and frankly never will use subscontractors again either. That three months was a regret. Thieves & liars is all you get. No thanks. Also, Does Pennsylvania accept a new person... View More
answered on Jan 22, 2018
Whether or not an individual is an employee or a subcontractor is a factual determination that depends on a number of things including the industry. If your business is involved in construction, different rules apply. The primary factor is control. Who sets the schedule. Who assigns the work.... View More
I'm in a final decision with the workers compensation case. I have been seeing my doctor for 13 months for carpal tunnel and cervical issues. I take four medications for pain and wrist guards. I have seen the ime doctor twice already. I also see a physical therapist twice a week. My question... View More
answered on Jan 11, 2018
First, the judge only considers what is in the record. Information that has not been made part of the record through testimony or an exhibit is not considered.
Second, the judge makes determinations regarding credibility. In short that is which evidence or witnesses he finds believable.... View More
Should they control this process? They rejected my offer to settle and leave medical open. They've been paying me for a few years and I have been approved for ssdi.
answered on Jan 6, 2018
Normally they take care of it. The processes is very technical, time consuming and expensive. If you believe you have the skill level and want to cover the costs, there is no legal reason you can't handle it, but having done a few over the years myself I can tell you they are challenging.
answered on Jan 1, 2018
There is no legal cap. It is based on projected liability; however I would stress that nothing short of loss of a body part is permanent in workers' compensation. Therefore, the carrier will always figure in the possibility that they will find the right doctor, the right legal argument and... View More
After having a few days off(required by their workers compensation doctor) if you are still in pain, what happens next? My HR people are very slow to help with the Specialist I need to see under that umbrella.
answered on Dec 28, 2017
I agree with attorney Jaffe, but would add that to the extent your sick time is an earned benefit which is as a direct result of time you have worked, it is treated as wages already earned. Some employers will make you use sick and vacation time after you are entitled to workers' compensation... View More
I had an IME before a major surgery. Then the employer got a second IME. They now put in a LMS using the first IME opinion because the WCJ and apealant board agreed that there was no error made in the first modification of my benefits. The surgery happened the second IME stated that the surgery is... View More
answered on Dec 12, 2017
There are many potential options in this situation including filing your own petition to Reinstate benefits after the surgery and to Review the description of injury to include the conditions set forth in the second IME. I would strongly suggest reviewing your options with your attorney, and if... View More
The same vocational evidence meaning my education and transfer skill, work experience has not changed. The only thing that changes is the Vocational Expert opinion that I could make more money. Employer is asking the WCJ to rerule on a case already adjudicated in a more harsh manner.... View More
answered on Dec 12, 2017
The nature of workers' compensation allows for change in condition both physical and financial. If additional better paying jobs are now available within your restrictions, the defendant can certainly attempt to modify or suspend your benefits based upon the new economic reality. You are... View More
I was cleared by the doctor to return to full duty, but employer said there is no work for me at this time. I was a driver on a established route, that someone was brought in to cover for me. Do they not have to give me my route back with same pay? I am employed through a logistics staffing... View More
answered on Dec 9, 2017
In general, PA is an employment at will state, and a work injury does not provide you with any additional job protection. There are other factors which may apply to you such as FMLA or a union contract. Since your situation is going to be very fact specific, I would suggest that you contact a... View More
It has come to light that my doctor is personal friends with both parties (my lawyer and my employers lawyer). The doctor is having conversations (not in court or under any court orders) about my case with both. I feel like something is very wrong here.
answered on Dec 8, 2017
Maybe. There are potential legal and ethical issues. To properly evaluate your situation, it is important to know whether or not you have signed an authorization to allow the release of your medical information. If so, has that authorization been revoked? If there is a valid authorization to... View More
I read a article that states 95% of workers compensation cases settle before trial. So my final hearing for my case is in January 2018 after being out for a year for cervical radiculopathy and left carpal tunnel. Injury date was 11/2016.
answered on Nov 29, 2017
I agree with Glenn that every case is unique and the best person to answer your question would be your attorney. However, the answer to almost every settlement question is the same. That answer is money. If the adjuster believes they can save money by settling they will settle. If they believe... View More
answered on Nov 26, 2017
The short answer is that there is no minimum period of employment. If you were hurt on the job whether that is your first 5 minutes or after 40 years of employment, it is still covered by workers' compensation.
answered on Nov 22, 2017
Everything is the Judge's business. I would suggest you ask your lawyer since they were there and would have a better idea as to why it was being asked. If I had to guess, and this would be a guess, the judge is considering granting Supersedeas but is concerned whether or not you would have... View More
I don’t believe I can continue doing the line of work I was in so I was gonna find another job. I am currently on workmens comp.
answered on Nov 21, 2017
If you are receiving workers' compensation wage loss benefits and you quite your job, you will allow the defendant/employer to argue that they should no longer be required to pay wage loss benefits since your loss of earnings is now as a result of your voluntary quite rather than your work... View More
answered on Nov 16, 2017
It is difficult to answer your question without more information. If you have received a decision reinstating your wage loss benefits that is not appealed, your wage loss benefits should be paid within 30 days of the decision.
If you have been out of work for 30 weeks without receiving... View More
I have had 2 claims relating to motor vehicle accidents & 1 relating to carpal tunnel, all job-related. But they are all from over 10 years ago. Can I safely dispose of all the forms & records I have been holding onto?
answered on Nov 12, 2017
If your problems/symptoms have not resolved, you may need those documents again, so I would suggest holding on to all of them. If your problems/symptoms have resolved, I would still suggest that you hold on to the more important documents such as the Notice of Compensation Payable, the most recent... View More
And they are uninsured
answered on Nov 9, 2017
You don't. The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act requires that any Compromise and Release Agreement (settlement) must be approved in writing by a Workers' Compensation Judge before it is binding. An "out-of-court" settlement would not be enforceable, and either side... View More
answered on Oct 31, 2017
I am sorry to learn of your situation. There are two important timelines in workers' compensation to preserve your claim. First you must provide notice to your employer that you suffered a work injury within 120 days of the injury. Assuming you provided the employer with timely notice you... View More
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