How Union Workers Compensation Works
Pennsylvania Union On-the-Job Injury Attorneys
Most workers are told to notify their supervisors or another employer representative as soon as possible after a workplace injury. This is true for union workers as well -- but they should tell their union representatives about the injury at the same time, or even before they notify their employers. Union reps are there to help union members, and a workplace injury is a good example of when you might need the help. If you are incapacitated, distracted by pain or just not sure of your rights, a union rep is there to explain your rights, preserve evidence and take other steps to protect you from mistakes or illegal behavior by your employer.
Under state law, people who are injured in the workplace are entitled to payment of all related medical bills, lump-sum payments for a death or disability, and partial wages while they are recovering from the injury and cannot work. This applies to almost all workplace injuries, including sudden and catastrophic injuries like a broken leg; chronic injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome; an aggravation of an old injury; or serious illnesses caused by something you were exposed to at work. Even if you were outside the workplace on work-related business, such as making a delivery or attending a conference, you may still make a claim. Your union contract may add even more protections, but it usually cannot take away these protections provided by state law.
Another major advantage that union members generally have is more legal protections when making a Pennsylvania workers' compensation claim. The procedure for making your claim may be different among different unions, but state law says your employer and its work comp insurer has just 21 days to accept or deny your claim. If it's denied, you may also have a special grievance procedure, which your union representative should tell you about. Under state law, you are entitled to hearings with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation, an appeal to a state board and if necessary, more appeals to the courts.
At this point, you should consider speaking with a Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyer, even if you are already working with a union steward you like. Union stewards are knowledgeable about their workers' rights, but their power is limited and they have "day jobs" to do. An experienced Pennsylvania work comp attorney brings extensive knowledge of complex state workers' compensation laws to the table, along with substantial experience with insurance companies and the time necessary to press your case. Working together, your lawyer and your union rep can protect your rights fully as they negotiate with the employer, chase your case through the BWC or go to court to secure your benefits.
The Philadelphia area workers' compensation lawyers at Cherry Fieger & Marciano have many years of experience helping employees claim benefits through the Pennsylvania work comp system. We have worked with many unions and their representatives to negotiate for injured workers' rights with their employers, insurance companies and the BWC; advise them before hearings; and aggressively press their cases in a court of law whenever necessary. Our goal is always to take the burden of dealing with bureaucracies and complex rules away from you, so you can concentrate on getting better, caring for your family and getting back to work.
Cherry Fieger & Marciano offers free evaluations of Pennsylvania workers comp cases, with no further obligation to you. To speak to us about your claim, call us today at (888) 684-7192, or click here for our confidential Web consultation form.