Erie Work Injury Lawyers

Injured on the job? All states, including Pennsylvania, require employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. In the event of a workplace injury, workers' comp covers employees' medical expenses and awards benefits for any time off they need to recover (usually in the form of ⅔ of average weekly income). However, employers and insurance companies have been known to manipulate the system to short-change their workers and minimize payouts. Your injury is enough to contend with; don't try to fight a corporation or insurance company, too. Erie Trial Lawyers will act in your best interests, helping to set you up for either a productive return to the workforce or a dignified retirement.

What are the 4 types of disability I can claim?

• Temporary total disability: wherein you can't work at all for a limited time
• Temporary partial disability: wherein you can perform in a reduced or limited role until recovery is achieved.
• Permanent total disability: wherein you don't foresee ever being able to work again. In such cases, you may be eligible for Social Security disability payments.
• Permanent partial disability: wherein you can still work, but not at the same level or capacity as before or within the same function. 

When do I need a workers' compensation lawyer? 

• When your employer doesn't carry workers' comp insurance.
• When your ability to work has been affected, especially long-term. The insurance company may assign you to an independent medical examiner, who may lowball you on your permanent disability rating, lessening your potential settlement or awards.
• You have a preexisting condition with the injured body part. Insurance companies may use this against you. 

Can there be compensation for injuries sustained at work beyond the scope of workers' comp?

Yes — for instance, an automotive accident sustained between client visits or an injury sustained by a defective piece of workplace equipment (for which you might collect product liability damages from the manufacturer.)

Work Injury Consultation