Worker’s Compensation

Each year tens of thousands of workers are injured on the job. These injuries range from very minor to the most serious and even death. If you or a loved one have been injured on the job and cannot return to work, you may ask how will I get by without an income and who will pay my medical bills. You should seek Fetter McDermott’s experienced, qualified attorneys. Please call us at (570) 546–2136 or (570) 601–6636 we will be happy to provide you a no-cost consultation.

Common Questions about
Worker’s Compensation

In Williamsport, Lycoming County, and all of Pennsylvania workers have very specific legal rights. Below is a summary of those rights, however every case is different and you should consult with an attorney.

Who will pay my medical bills?

Your employer is required to pay any medical costs associated with your work injury. In the event payment is delayed by your employer’s denial of medical benefits, your health insurance will begin paying your medical expenses. If you are later successful in your case, your employer will reimburse your health insurance and more importantly they will reimburse your out of pocket expenses.

Do I have to see my employer’s doctor?

In most cases yes. The law in Pennsylvania, including Williamsport, requires each employer to provide an injured employee with a list of doctors for treatment. In general and with limited exceptions, you must treat with one of the doctors on that list. However, you only need to treat with that doctor for 90 days after the first treatment. Following the expiration of the 90 days you may choose to continue treatment with a doctor from your employer’s list or you may seek out your own doctor.

Additionally, if your employer’s doctor advises an invasive surgery/procedure you are entitled to a second opinion. Your employer will be required to pay for the second opinion.

Who will pay my wages?

Your employer is also required to pay you wages while you are unable to return to work. Depending on how much you were paid while you were working, your employer may be required to pay up to 90% of your weekly wage or 2/3 of your weekly wage up to a cap of $858 per week.

What if I can never return to work?

Typically, if you are unable to return to work your employer may be required to pay your wages for a period of 9 to 12 years. While there is a limit to the amount you can collect for wages there is no limit to the medical expenses. Pennsylvania Worker’s Compensation provides one of the nation’s best health care systems to Pennsylvania residents, including those in Williamsport and Lycoming County. Your employer is required to pay any medical expense associated with your injury. Better yet, there are no caps, deductibles, or copays.

What if my employer denies my injury is work related?

If you have been denied worker’s compensation benefits, you need Fetter McDermott’s experienced, qualified attorneys. Act quickly — there are time limits restricting your ability to file a claim. Please call us at Fetter McDermott (570) 546–2316 or (570) 601–6636. We are here to serve you and help you obtain your benefits.

Facts about workplace injuries

In 2009 work place injuries and illnesses totaled almost 89,000 in Pennsylvania. Of these 89,000 injuries, 100 were fatalities. The most common injury reported is a sprain strain, most commonly resulting from overexertion. Of the almost 89,000 workplace injuries in Pennsylvania each year 41,058 were sprain strains. The most common part(s) of the body to be injured are the arms and legs, accounting for approximately 56% of the 89,000 work injuries.¹

If you have been injured at work, please don’t delay speaking to an attorney. Here at Fetter McDermott we will be happy to fight to get you all the benefits you deserve. Please call us at (570) 546–2136 or (570) 601–6636 to set up a free initial consultation.

10 Things to Do if You Suffer an Injury at Work

1. Notify your supervisor and fill out an incident report. If your supervisor does not fill out or provide you with an incident report speak to their supervisor. If you are unable to get an incident report send a dated letter informing the company of the injury.

2. Ask for a list of your company’s panel doctors. This should be posted but request one.

3. Select an appropriate doctor from the list and seek treatment from a panel doctor. Remember in most cases you are obligated to treat with the panel doctor for 90 days after your first treatment.

4. Follow the doctor’s recommendations and restrictions.

5. Speak with a worker’s compensation attorney. Generally, the earlier in your case you speak with a lawyer the less delay you will have if your employer chooses not to pay you.

6. When you receive the report from the Department of Labor and Industry carefully check that the injury listed on the report is the same injury as your doctor treated.

7. If you receive a “Notice of Compensation Payable” double check that your wages are stated correctly.

8. If you receive a “Denial of Claim” immediately call an attorney.

9. If you are offered an alternative job while you heal, make sure the job duties fall within your doctor’s restrictions.

10. Make sure to follow your doctor’s restrictions both at work and at home.

1. Source: Pennsylvania Work Injury and Illness Report, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Claims Management Division, LIBC – 775 (December 2010).
   (return to article ↑)