OVERVIEW OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION

If you've suffered the misfortune of being injured on the job, it is important for you to know your legal rights. The Workers' Compensation Act provides the payment of benefits to workers injured on the job. Injuries include certain occupational diseases and may include an aggravation or acceleration of a non-work related condition that affects your ability to work or results in death. Benefits are also payable if you suffer a disfiguring scar as a result of a workplace accident or from a surgery related to treatment of a work injury. Benefits are payable as follows:

• Weekly compensation to the disabled worker;
• Hospital, surgical, and medical expenses related to treatment of a work injury
• Death benefits to a deceased workers' dependents
• Weekly compensation benefits payable in a lump sum if you suffer an amputation or loss of use of certain extremities

If you are recieving Workers' Compensation benefits, at some point your employer will attempt to stop or reduce your benefits by filing a petition with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. This petition will be filed after you are examined by a physician at the request of the workers' compensation insurance carrier. It is imperative that you seek legal advice as soon as possible after you suffer a work injury or if you are requested to attend an independent medical evaluation.

Workers' Compensation Law is complex and ever-changing. Morascyzk, Stopperich & Associates has handled hundreds of workers' compensation cases. We have the experience you need to deal successfully and effectively with aggressive insurance companies and employers.