In Pennsylvania as elsewhere in the nation, workers compensation is a no-fault system allowing injured workers to recover for their medical treatment costs, rehabilitation and retraining expenses, loss of wages and, in some cases, permanent disability. The process is not meant to be adversarial, but it is still advantageous to have an able advocate at your side. At the law office of John M. (Jack) Purcell, I can guide you through the process and work to help you recover the maximum benefits you are eligible to receive.
At the law office of John M. (Jack) Purcell, I will make sure that your Pennsylvania workers claim is properly prepared from initial filing through administrative procedures and, if necessary, a hearing or mediation before a workers compensation judge.
While fault is not in question, calculating and proving the amount of damages requires a skilled and experienced workers compensation attorney. Recoverable damages include:
Each of these types of compensation requires the careful preparation of a case, along with medical examinations and other processes, which is why competent counsel is essential.
If your claim for benefits is rejected, your case is assigned to a workers compensation judge. In many cases, the judge will schedule the case for mediation and, if that fails, for a settlement conference. Finally, the judge will hold a fact-finding hearing where evidence is presented. If the decision is adverse to the worker, there is a right of appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board. Having a skilled attorney is vital at each step in this litigation process. During my years of practice I have handled many contested workers comp cases and appeals, and I can help achieve a successful outcome in your case.
It’s also important to know that accepting workers compensation limits your rights to other remedies against a negligent employer. In some cases, it may be more advantageous to proceed with a personal injury claim, which allows recovery for general damages and pain and suffering, whereas a workers comp claim does not. I am skilled at analyzing whether you should waive your workers comp claim and seek recovery for negligence in civil court, and whether you should also pursue a negligent third party.
John M. (Jack) Purcell, Attorney at Law, in Uniontown, PA is committed to resolving your workers compensation matter. Call my office today at 724-437-2711 or contact me online to set up a free initial consultation.