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Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law is extensive and complicated, created by legislators with influence from employers, insurance companies and, to some extent, voters; |
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There are many pitfalls for the uninformed injured worker; |
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From the moment a work injury occurs, the injured worker is expected to satisfy certain treatment procedures as well as completion of various forms; |
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Any mistakes in following initial legal procedures (even where no litigation is pending) may cost an injured employee his/her benefits and/or his/her job; |
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If an injury claim is denied, a lawyer is indispensable; |
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If an employer fails to provide a light duty job assignment to an injured worker, a lawyer is indispensable; |
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If an employer fails to accurately calculate the disability rate, a lawyer is indispensable; |
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If an employer fails to pay disability benefits, a lawyer is indispensable; |
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If an employer fails to provide paid medical treatment, a lawyer is indispensable; |
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If an employer offers a settlement, a lawyer is absolutely indispensable!! |
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If an employee fails to meet his/her obligations as to medical treatment, light duty work assignments, and more, the employee may be terminated with no legal recourse or right to unemployment compensation; |
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The medical community is obviously essential in treating an injured worker’s injuries but many physicians are not familiar with an employee’s obligations under workers’ compensation law. |