Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Green Tree

If you’ve been injured on the job in Green Tree, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Porta-Clark & Ward are committed to helping you get the benefits you deserve. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers will guide you through the complex claims process and fight for your rights. Call (412) 921-7350 today for a free consultation and get the support you need.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?

If you’ve been injured at work, you may have many questions about how the workers’ compensation process works, including how long it will take to resolve your claim. The timeline for a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania can vary depending on several factors. 

The Workers’ Compensation Process in Pennsylvania

When you get injured at work, your employer and their insurance company are responsible for covering medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and other benefits under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws. The first step is to file a claim, but how long that claim takes to resolve depends on the circumstances of your injury and how complicated the case is.

Here’s an overview of the general steps involved in a workers’ compensation claim:

• Report the Injury to Your Employer: Pennsylvania law requires that you report your work-related injury to your employer within 120 days of the accident. If you don’t report your injury within this timeframe, you may lose your right to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, reporting your injury as soon as it happens can help ensure that the process goes more smoothly.
• File the Claim with the Insurance Company: After you report your injury to your employer, they are required to notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The insurance company then has 21 days to either accept or deny your claim. If your claim is accepted, they will begin providing benefits, including medical coverage and wage replacement. If your claim is denied, you may need to appeal the decision, which could significantly lengthen the process.
• Medical Treatment and Documentation: Throughout the claims process, you will need medical treatment for your injury. It is important to keep detailed records of your medical visits, treatments, and how the injury affects your ability to work. If your injuries are significant, this documentation will play a key role in determining your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
• Benefit Payments: If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you will begin receiving benefits. These can include wage replacement benefits (typically around two-thirds of your average weekly wage) and medical treatment related to the injury. However, the amount of time it takes to start receiving these payments varies depending on how quickly the insurance company processes your claim.

How Long Does It Take to Get Benefits?

In Pennsylvania, the insurance company has 21 days to accept or deny your claim after you report your injury. If they accept your claim, they are required to start providing benefits within 30 days from the date of your injury. This includes paying for your medical bills and providing wage replacement benefits if you are unable to work due to your injury.

However, not all claims are accepted immediately. If there is any dispute or ambiguity about the nature of the injury or the cause, the insurance company may delay their decision. In this case, you may need to file an appeal or go through additional hearings to resolve the dispute.

Factors That Can Affect the Length of a Claim

While the above timeline provides a general overview of the workers’ compensation process, there are several factors that can cause the process to take longer. These factors include:

• Disputed Claims: If there is a dispute about the cause of your injury, whether your injury is work-related, or the extent of your injuries, the insurance company may deny your claim or delay its decision. If your claim is disputed, you will need to go through hearings with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Board to resolve the issue, which can take several months.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing condition that is similar to the injury you sustained at work, the insurance company may argue that your condition is not related to the work injury. In these cases, your claim may take longer to resolve as additional medical documentation and expert testimony may be needed to establish a connection between your injury and the workplace accident.
• The Severity of the Injury: More serious injuries typically result in longer claims processes. If you have a permanent or long-term disability, it may take longer for the insurance company to determine the full extent of your injury and how long you will need medical care or wage replacement benefits. The more complicated your case, the longer it may take to reach a resolution.
• The Medical Treatment Process: Ongoing medical treatment or surgeries that extend your recovery time can also affect how long your claim takes to resolve. If your doctor needs to provide regular updates on your recovery or if you need additional treatments or rehabilitation, the claim process may continue until your medical situation stabilizes and your recovery is clearer.
• Settlement Negotiations: If you and the insurance company are negotiating a settlement, it can take additional time to come to an agreement. Settlement negotiations typically occur when your doctor determines that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning that your condition is unlikely to improve significantly. Negotiating the terms of a settlement can take months or even longer, depending on how much the insurance company is willing to offer and how much you are willing to accept.
• Appeals Process: If your claim is denied or if you disagree with the benefits awarded, you may need to go through the appeals process. This typically involves a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge and can take several months to resolve. If you lose at the hearing, you may be able to appeal the decision further, which can add additional time to the claims process.

How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation Claim Take to Settle?

A workers’ compensation claim can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years to settle, depending on the complexity of the case. A typical claim with straightforward injuries may take a few months to resolve. However, claims involving serious injuries, disputes about the extent of the injury, or complicated negotiations can take much longer.

In some cases, a workers’ compensation claim may be settled quickly through negotiation or mediation. In other cases, the insurance company may drag out the process to avoid paying out a fair settlement. This is where having an experienced attorney on your side can help ensure that you’re getting the compensation you deserve.

Can You Speed Up the Process?

While you can’t control how long the insurance company takes to process your claim, there are steps you can take to make sure your claim moves as smoothly and quickly as possible:

• Report the injury immediately: The sooner you report your injury, the sooner the claims process can begin.
• Seek medical treatment right away: Make sure to visit a doctor as soon as possible after the injury. Delays in treatment can complicate the process.
• Keep thorough records: Document all medical visits, treatments, and other relevant details related to your injury.
• Consult a lawyer: An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help guide you through the process, ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed, and advocate for your rights.

A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Who Will Protect Your Rights

The length of time it takes to resolve a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania depends on several factors, including the nature of the injury, any disputes, and the time it takes to settle. While most claims will take a few months to process, more complicated cases can take longer. By following the proper steps, maintaining good communication with your doctor and employer, and consulting with an experienced attorney, you can help ensure that your claim is resolved as efficiently as possible.

If you’ve been injured on the job in Green Tree, you deserve the full workers’ compensation benefits available to you. Porta-Clark & Ward will stand up for your rights and fight for the benefits you need to recover. Contact a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney today at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation.