Intimidated by the legal process? Don't let that stop you from seeking help in getting what you deserve for work injuries or harm caused by another person's negligence. At the Pittsburgh Workers Compensation Attorneys of Dugan & Associates, we strive to help you understand the legal process and your rights. Most importantly, we assist you in pursuing your rights under the law and making your claim. We will fight for you as your legal representative and help you get what you are entitled to.
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. Contact Dugan & Associates for a FREE initial consultation.
If you or somone you know has suffered:
- Injuries at work
- Aggravation of a pre-existing injury while on the job
- Development of an illness that is work-related (i.e. asbestosis or carpal tunnel syndrome)
and is in need of an attorney who will represent your interests zealously, then contact Pittsburgh Workers Compensation Attorneys of Dugan & Associates at 412-506-3311 or by completing the attached contact information form.
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.