Workers in Pennsylvania have protections in the event that they get hurt on the job or wind up sickened because of their career. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation provides not only medical benefits that cover someone’s care but also disability benefits that replace a portion of their missing wages. These benefits are important because they help ensure that those who work for a living don’t wind up impoverished as a result of their employment.
Sadly, some workers who have a very valid reason to file a workers’ compensation claim will find their claim denied initially. If you receive a denial, don’t give up. Instead, it may be time to start planning for an appeal.
Take action quickly but plan and review everything carefully
After a workers’ compensation denial, you have the right to make an appeal. Some people initially accept the denial, hoping to return to work quickly. When that doesn’t occur, they later return to their claim and hope to connect with the benefits they need to provide for themselves and their families. In most cases, you have three years from the date of your claim denial to file an appeal.
The sooner you appeal, the sooner you can potentially collect benefits. When you appeal the denial, don’t just wait to hear back. Take action by collecting documentation of your condition and how it impacts your life. From a second medical opinion to video footage about how your injury affects your balance or mobility, there will be many ways in which you can document different kinds of disabilities to help validate your claim and prove the necessity of your workers’ compensation benefits.
Getting professional help can also be an important step toward improving your odds of success with an appeal.