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NewsMark Schmidt Appeared on Law Journal TV’s Workers’ Compensation Program On Monday, May 14, 2007
May 11, 2007
Guests provided insight on Workers’ Compensation: The Judge, Mediation & Settlement. Read More...Main Line Times Reports on Mark Fridkin
May 6, 2007
Mark Fridkin, Esq., has joined the firm as a partner. Read More... Fridkin Joins Schmidt, Kirifides, Pearson & Koutcher as Partner
May 1, 2007
New partnership expands law firm’s service offerings and adds office locations Read More... Mark Schmidt on Law Journal TV
January 15, 2007
Mark Schmidt Appeared on Law Journal TV to discuss Workers' Compensation Issues Read More... Law Firm Donates To KIDS CHANCE Inc.
December 10, 2006
Schmidt, Kirifides, Pearson & Koutcher donate to KIDS' CHANCE, Inc. Read More... Contact Us
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How a Lawyer from Schmidt, Kirifides, Pearson, Koutcher & Fridkin Can Help You
Our experienced attorneys can help you decide whether you have a valid claim. If you do have a claim, your lawyer can help you determine what steps you must take to obtain benefits. In addition, it is common for insurers or employers to initially deny a Workmen's Compensation claim. In the event your claim is denied, we can handle the appeals it will take to get you the benefits you are owed. Finally, our competent lawyers can bring suit against any third parties that contributed to your injury or illness. Because time is very important in these cases, you should not delay in contacting us if you think you have a claim. Waiting to do so could result in delayed or forfeited benefits.
To speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys or arrange a free consultation, call us at 610.892.9300, or use our convenient online contact form.
Types of Workplace Injuries
Asthma
Brain Injuries
Heart Attack
Carpal Tunnel
Hearing Problems
Occupational Disease
Scars and Scarring
Spinal, Neck and Back Injuries
Death
Eye Injuries
Loss of Fingers
Loss of Limbs
Knee Injuries
Understanding Workers Compensation in Pennsylvania
Workers' Compensation (also referred to as workers' comp, workman's compensation, workman's or workmen's comp, and workmen's compensation) is a system of employer-financed, no-fault insurance. It provides employees who are disabled by work-related injury or disease with a fixed amount of money. Because it is often the only way to get money for work-related injuries and disease - since employees can't normally sue their employers or co-employees - Workers' Compensation is meant to protect employees by guaranteeing payment for accepted claims. Generally, workers are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for an injury or illness.
Under the system, virtually all employers must carry Workers' Compensation insurance to protect their employees. Injured workers are typically entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Money is also available for the dependents of workers who are killed by accidents or illnesses sustained on the job.
While the Workmen's Compensation system sounds fair in theory, recent years have unfortunately seen employers and insurers, rather than workers, benefiting from the relevant laws. In fact, a September 2006 report by a consumer rights group indicates that injured workers often have to contend with "adversarial bureaucracy and inadequate benefits under state Workers' Compensation systems." The report, entitled "Workers' Compensation - A Cautionary Tale," calls the U.S. Workman's Compensation system a "colossal failure." According to the report's author, "Workers' Compensation is an unfortunate example of how a seemingly fair program can be manipulated by political forces into a nightmare for those it was originally meant to help."
It is no wonder, then, that Pennsylvania's Department of Labor & Industry suggests that injured workers hire an attorney to help them navigate through the system. You should be aware that Workers' Compensation litigation is complex, and your employer or your employer's insurance carrier will be represented by an experienced attorney.
For more information on Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Laws, see our Frequently Asked Questions section.
To speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys or arrange a free consultation, call us at 610.892.9300, or use our convenient online contact form. |
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Can I apply for benefits in addition to those provided by the Workers’
Compensation Act?
Yes. You are permitted to apply for other sources of income such as Social
Security, unemployment or public assistance while your case is proceeding.
However, you must remember that Workers’ Compensation is a “wage
loss” system. You may not “double dip.” That is, you cannot
receive benefits from two different sources. This means that at the conclusion
of your claim, the insurance company might be able to deduct what you received
in other benefits from your Workers’ Compensation claim. Or you might
have to return money to the agency from which you received those benefits.
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