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answered on May 23, 2024
We cannot provide legal advice on this board. We can only give general legal information. We cannot tell you whether you should take this action or not. Generally speaking, I often tell clients that they should avoid doing something that would surprise their doctor. As to whether one can... View More 
Adjuster ordered new MRI upon reading my results radiologist says I'm post cervical c3457 fusion surgery with no stenosis at any level a unremarkable exam?I followed up with the second opinion doctor the adjuster sent me to and provided him with a copy of disc He was only giving a report of... View More
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answered on Mar 22, 2024
I can answer half of your question - my firm only handles workers' compensation matters, so I cannot comment on any medical malpractice issues. As to workers' compensation, it matters greatly whether you are actually at Maximal Medical Improvement (MMI). A finding of MMI can lead to a... View More
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answered on Feb 24, 2024
I agree with Mr. Belt. An injury is often accepted by the insurance carrier issuing a Notice of Compensation Payable. When the insurance carrier then wants to make a change, they would issue an Amended Notice of Compensation Payable. It is not necessarily a bad thing, but should be reviewed to... View More
Hurt w/herniated disc 1.5 yr ago. After fee I get 32k/past MED.Hired great lawyer.Week prior to going full time I hurt disc & got pay raise. So wk/amount # is skeewed.Recent MRI shows persistent,slight progressive disc pathology.Dont think future MED/wages/past & future... View More
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answered on Feb 1, 2024
First, take stories you hear from other people with a grain of salt. Even if they are not exaggerating, every case is different (based on the facts of the case). One settlement amount has no real relevance to another case. You have an attorney you trust (as you should!). Nobody on this board,... View More
I am currently involved in a workers' compensation claim in Pennsylvania and have been asked to sign a release allowing access to my Medicare and SSDI information. I'm concerned about how this information will be used. Do I legally have to sign this release for my workers' comp provider?
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answered on Apr 24, 2025
If you have an attorney (and you should), this question is best directed to him or her. If you don't, it is perfectly okay to demand to know why they want this information. Typically, the workers' compensation insurance carrier would want Medicare information if they were looking at... View More
I was at work in Pennsylvania and went to a customer's house. While proceeding to the backyard, I slipped and fell on visible ice and broke my tibia and ankle. There were no warning signs about the icy conditions. I reported the incident to my employer and am currently in the hospital for... View More
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answered on Mar 3, 2025
I agree with Mr. Belt. Where available, an injured worker need not choose between receiving workers' compensation benefits and pursuing a personal injury case against a third party responsible for the work injury. There is interplay between the two types of cases, but both can be pursued.... View More
I have been off work due to a back injury and surgery since August 2023 and have been receiving workers’ compensation. My doctor has advised that I cannot return to work as a truck driver, and there is no expectation of my condition improving. I am exploring early retirement. If I decide not to... View More
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answered on Feb 19, 2025
The short answer is no, you do not have to repay workers' compensation benefits if you do not return to work. However, the first thing you should do is consult with an attorney before making any decisions regarding your future. You could easily cost yourself in terms of money and rights by... View More
Cervical spine was why I had pain numbness in both hands ask about carpal tunnel he said he would address that after Anterior 567 fusion surgery? Never happened he then did a c3c4 mobi disc replacement.out at MMI? Still have sever numbness a pain and adjuster denying treatment for carpal tunnel?... View More
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answered on Mar 22, 2024
As we so often say, you should consult with an attorney certified as a specialist in workers' compensation law (whether my firm or another of the fine attorneys on this board). If the doctor is saying the carpal tunnel syndrome is related to the work injury, there may need to be litigation to... View More
I am a phlebotomist and I hurt my thumb at work it is a contusion to the thumb with tendent injury that caused mild to severe carpal tunnel it has been a little over six months I have been working the whole time but on restrictions mainly no use of right hand now I m on a one pound weight limit... View More
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answered on Mar 18, 2023
You need to sit down with an attorney, preferably one certified as a specialist in workers compensation law, to talk about your options. When (and how) to settle a case is a crucial time in the case and should never be done without the advice and assistance of an experienced attorney. Settlement... View More
I know about Third Party Suits but I think the machine manufacturer is no longer in business. The company I worked for rigged the machine to suit its manufacturing needs. I incurred 3 partial amputations on my fingers because the machine was not running properly and broke. In addition to this, I... View More
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answered on Apr 20, 2022
I agree with Mr. Belt all around. First, I would urge you to retain an attorney certified as a specialist in workers' compensation law, whether my firm or another of the fine attorneys on this board. Second, yes, typically, workers' compensation is an "exclusive remedy,"... View More
I was involved in a car accident on October 2020 in NY, I live in PA and did not hire an attorney because my insurance company said they would take full responsibility, the report said we were both at fault even though the driver cut me off on the opposite side and hit my driver side, I was... View More
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answered on Mar 2, 2022
The first answer is that you should immediately consult with an attorney about the facts specific to your case. You are asking for legal advice, but on these boards, we can only provide general legal information. From the facts you gave, I am unclear about your situation. Were you driving for... View More
fell off a ladder at a property while doing my job
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answered on Oct 6, 2021
I agree with Mr. Belt. While you cannot sue your employer for a work injury (with very narrow exceptions), you may be able to sue a third party, if that third party caused your work injury (we see this in car accident and products liability cases most often). Consult with an attorney to see what... View More
In months and they haven't responded to you about your case moving forward
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answered on Sep 21, 2021
I completely agree with Mr. Belt. As attorneys, we need to make sure we keep our clients informed about what is happening in their cases. Your attorney needs to do a better job in communicating, but you should be demanding that he or she do a better job! Good luck!
settlement for future earnings. Is your spouse entitled to this lump settlement?
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answered on Aug 26, 2021
Unfortunately, I cannot answer your question. I (and my firm) handle only PA workers' compensation cases. The question you are asking is not governed by workers' compensation laws, but by family law. I would suggest you post this on the Family Law practice area. Good luck!
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
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answered on Apr 19, 2021
I agree with Mr. Belt, if this was a PA injury. However, if you work in NJ, this may be a NJ workers' compensation case. Every State has very different workers' compensation laws. You will need to find an attorney experienced in workers' compensation in the State in which your... View More
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answered on Mar 25, 2021
If you have litigated your case before a Workers' Compensation Judge, I must presume you have an attorney. If that is correct, the attorney would be the best one to ask this question. Only your attorney has exposure to the full facts and context of your case. We would just be guessing. If... View More
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.
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answered on Oct 7, 2020
After you are released to return to work, following a work injury, your employer can elect to offer employment to you within your restrictions. If you continue to suffer a loss in wages due to your restrictions (such as no longer getting overtime work), then you should be receiving partial... View More
I told HR about illness. They said they would clean the dust and call their Dr and ask him if I needed an appointment. I told HR I wanted vacation because I felt so sick from the dust. HR never filled out an accident report, or sent me to Dr. I feel sick and want to visit my doctor. What should I... View More
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answered on Mar 26, 2020
You are asking for legal advice, and that is not something you will get on forum like this. We can only provide general legal information here. Legal advice is something specific to you case, given by an attorney who represents you.
Certainly, an exposure like this can be a work injury.... View More
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.
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answered on Dec 5, 2019
When injuries happen at the workplace, even if you are not on the clock, often you are still covered by workers' compensation laws. You should talk to an attorney certified as a specialist in workers' compensation law, whether my firm or another of the fine attorneys on this board, so... View More
I am still able to work after suffering a work related injury. However, medical visits/therapy are necessary. Unfortunately, these appointments are only available during working hours. My employer is forcing me to use my accrued PTO for this time. This seems unfair to me, unless I am able to be... View More
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answered on Sep 21, 2019
I agree with Mr. Palutis. The key is whether the treatment at issue is available outside of work hours. If so, workers’ compensation benefits would not be available for a loss in wages due to getting this treatment. Physical therapy, for example, can be an issue in this regard. However, if... View More
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