What happens to my workers’ compensation benefits if I’m incarcerated?
Section 306 (a)(2) of the Pa WC Act allows an employer to suspend an injured workers’ wage loss benefits if they are incarcerated following a conviction. Medical benefits for the work injury continue but wage loss benefits stop. The incarceration MUST follow a conviction, not merely an arrest. Read More
“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great… Read More
Does being an illegal alien or an undocumented worker prevent me from getting workers’ compensation?
No, the mere fact that you are not in the USA legally does not prevent you from collecting compensation under the Pa WC Act. But, there are a number of things that you should be aware of if you are an undocumented worker. First, your… Read More
Can I move out-of-state or leave the country while I’m receiving workers’ compensation benefits?
Yes, you can but not without some issues. First, getting medical treatment for your work injury out-of-state or outside the USA can be difficult. Many non-PA medical providers refuse to accept the reimbursement rate applicable to ALL medical providers who treat an injured worker under the PA WC… Read More
Can I change lawyers if I’m not happy with my current lawyer?
Yes! You have the right to change lawyers just like you have the right to change doctors if you are not satisfied with their services. You should hold any professional that you hire to the highest standards and, make sure they are responsive to your needs. Discharging a… Read More
Am I entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if my work didn’t cause my condition but, it aggravated or made my condition worse?
Yes! An aggravation of a pre-existing condition is treated the same as a new injury under the Pa WC Act. In other words, whether your injury is new, such as a fall causing a fracture of your wrist or, is an aggravation of a pre-existing condition, like arthritis… Read More
Can I refuse surgery and treat my injury conservatively, if I choose?
Yes, but this decision comes with some risk. Section 306 (f.1)(8) of the Pa WC Act says that if an injured worker refuses reasonable medical treatment, the worker forfeits all rights to compensation for any injury or, any increase in the worker’s disability which results from the refusal. The Act… Read More
Can I sue my Employer for anything other than workers’ compensation benefits for a work injury?
No, workers’ compensation benefits are your exclusive remedy against your Employer, as well as any co-employee, for damages from a work injury, even if the Employer or co-employee were negligent in causing the injury. An exception to this rule is if your Employer didn’t have workers’ compensation insurance at the… Read More
How does child support affect my workers’ compensation?
In Pennsylvania, the law requires that the workers’ compensation insurance carrier to pay your support obligation from your weekly workers’ compensation benefits if there is an outstanding child support order against you. Moreover, any back due child support must be satisfied or, at very least arrangements made with the District… Read More
Must I pay out-of-pocket for my work-related prescriptions?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! As long as you’re receiving wage loss benefits, you’re also entitled to full medical coverage for your work injury. Your employer or, its workers’ compensation insurance carrier are legally obligated to pay for your work-related medical bills, including prescriptions; doctors’ visits; diagnostic studies such as x-rays, MRI’s, CAT… Read More