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Workers' Compensation
A work injury can be traumatic enough without the added confusion and frustration of workers' compensation laws and regulations. If you're hurt at work, 
you may be eligible for medical benefits and lost wages. Family Death Benefits are also available in the event of a fatal injury. Don't make decisions that could affect your future without consulting with an attorney about your rights. At Dugan & Associates, we've dealt with work injury cases and know the laws, and we'll work to protect your rights. There is no fee for our services unless we get you benefits. Call our office for a free initial consultation.
Workers' Compensation Cases
What benefits are available to me under Workers' Compensation insurance?
Workers' Compensation provides for Medical Benefits, which pay for your reasonable and necessary medical expenses. Earnings Loss Benefits pay for a percentage of your wages while you are unable to work. Death Benefits pay a percentage of your wages to certain family members in the event of a fatal injury. Specific loss benefits for loss or loss of use for all practical intents and purposes of vision, hearing, limb or disfigurement to head, face or neck.
Do I need to have an attorney to file a Workers' Compensation claim?
If Workers' Compensation claims are paid immediately after an accident, ordinarily you do not initially require a lawyer, although questions may arise which if handled properly could help protect your ongoing benefits. If you are denied benefits or are asked to appear before a Workers' Compensation judge, the representation of an attorney is recommended. Also if you have been receiving benefits and the workers' compensation insurance carrier is attempting to terminate, modify, or suspend your benefits, you should have an attorney represent you.
When can I begin to collect benefits?
Medical Benefits cover hospitals, doctors, chiropractors, therapists…any reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the treatment of your injury. For the first 90 days of treatment, you must use one of your employer's health care providers in order to be covered. After the first 90 days, you may use your own health care providers and still be covered.
Earnings Loss Benefits will not be paid to you for the first seven days after your injury occurs, unless your disability lasts for more than 14 days. If you are totally disabled, you will receive benefits for not more than 104 weeks. (Note: if you were injured prior to June 24, 1996, you are entitled to total disability benefits for as long as you are totally disabled.) If you are partially disabled, you can receive benefits for up to 500 weeks, regardless of when your injury occurred.
What do I do if the insurance company refuses to pay my medical bills?
If the insurance company challenges your bills, they will ask a Utilization Review Organization (URO) to review them and decide whether they are reasonable and necessary and should be paid. If the URO decides that your bills should not be paid, the insurance company will notify you. You then have 30 days to file a Petition for Review. If you do not file within 30 days, the insurance company will no longer be responsible for the payment of your medical bills.
How long can I collect Medical Benefits?
Medical Benefits are payable for as long as you are injured and receiving medical treatment.
For more questions about workers' compensation, contact us.
Dugan & Associates
4 West Manilla Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Tel: (800) 772-5422
(412) 922-0800
Fax: (412) 922-0801
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© Copyright 2006 Attorney Mitchell H. Dugan Attorney at Law
