What a Work Comp Lawyer Can Do for Union Members
Glenolden Workers' Compensation Lawyers
If you're a union member, you may wonder whether you need a lawyer at all for your workers' compensation claim. After all, one of the most important advantages of belonging to a union is being able to use the services of a union steward or representative, someone who works with you and understands the rights given to you by your union's contract. While this is a substantial benefit that you should take advantage of, a Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyer can work together with your union rep, to provide complete knowledge and full protection of your legal rights.
A union steward should be one of the first people you tell about your injury. Your union steward understands your rights under the collective bargaining agreement between the union and your employer, which is very important right after an accident. In the first few days after you report your injury, you will need to know your rights, preserve any evidence related to your injury and discuss your injury and claim with your employer. A union representative can explain these procedures and be present to represent your interests during any meeting with supervisors or insurance claims adjusters.
However, a union steward may not be able to help if your case extends beyond negotiations at your workplace, which is likely if your initial work comp claim is denied. Although union representatives know more about the complex Pennsylvania workers' compensation laws than most people, they are probably not as familiar with them as an attorney. In fact, it's against the law for people who are not lawyers to give you legal advice! An experienced Pennsylvania work comp lawyer has handled many cases like yours. Lawyers know which laws apply to your case, can evaluate the likely outcome of your case and understand how to counter the most common tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying legitimate claims.
Just as importantly, union stewards already have full-time jobs; they cannot devote the same time and resources to your case that your lawyer can. If you need to appeal your case to the state Bureau of Workers Compensation, you may need an advocate just to cut through the red tape and make sure that the agency addresses your case quickly. Professional workers' compensation lawyers know how to do this, and they have the legal experience and skills to argue for your rights inside and outside of court. And of course, an experienced workman's comp lawyer can represent you at administrative BWC hearings and in the Pennsylvania courts.
Cherry Fieger & Marciano has many years of experience representing injured workers in Philadelphia. We are proud to say that we have worked with many union representatives and stewards to get workers their full work comp benefits, even when the employers and insurance companies initially refused to "play fair." We understand workers' rights under Pennsylvania workers' compensation law, and we're not afraid to stand up to big insurance companies to protect you. And because we specialize in helping injured people, our goal is always to take the bureaucratic burden of an injury claim off your hands, so you can devote your injury to getting medical care, providing for your family and getting back to work.
Cherry Fieger & Marciano offers free consultations -- meetings where we learn more about your case and give you a professional opinion about what to do next, all at no further obligation to you. To arrange your Philadelphia, PA workers comp case evaluation, please click here to fill out our confidential consultation form or call (888) 684-7192.