How Can Injured Workers Receive Treatment?
Employers in Pennsylvania must provide employees with a notice of their rights when they are hired. The employee signs the notice showing that they understand they are covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
The employer then must provide a list of at least six providers that can treat their employees. Under Pennsylvania law, three of these providers must be physicians. The injured employee can choose any provider from the list, and they can change to another provider at any time so long as that provider is on the employer’s list.
Some injured employees may require emergency or specialty care. When that treatment is deemed reasonable, the employee can go outside the list of approved providers for care.
All bills from the doctor’s office or medical clinic are forwarded to the workers’ compensation insurance provider. Keep in mind, however, that the insurance provider may choose to stop coverage at any time. When this happens, it may be necessary to involve a workers’ compensation lawyer to protect the rights of the employee and their family.
How Do Injured Employees Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Workers’ compensation benefits provide a source of income while helping to pay for medical bills resulting from any work-related injuries. This compensation is a guaranteed limited coverage provided in exchange for the employee agreeing not to sue their employer for damages.
Each level of workers’ compensation coverage is progressively more comprehensive until the worker is provided with total disability benefits if they cannot go back to work again. It is important to remember that the insurance company pays these benefits after the employer has filed a report.
The employer’s report signals to the insurance company that a claim must be paid. Without a report, the employee cannot receive the coverage they need.
Workers’ compensation benefits continue until the injured employee has recovered or has been deemed permanently disabled. If coverage is not paid appropriately, a workers’ compensation lawyer can review the case and help victims understand their rights.
We Are Ready To Help
Call AlpernSchubert, P.C., in Pittsburgh at 412-506-9561 to review your case and address your concerns about your right to workers’ compensation benefits. You can also contact us via our online contact form. Your case evaluation has no cost.