Legal Question in Workers Comp in Pennsylvania

Re: back problem

First, you should IMMEDIATELY give notice to your employer that your back proble was either caused or aggravated by your work. The law requires that you give 120 days notice of any WC injury, but the longer you wait, the harder your case will be.

Second, you should know that your company's WC insurance company will almost certainly deny your claim, although there is a slim chance they will accept it. If you were injured in a specific incident, and immediately reported the injury, the insurance company might have agreed to accept the claim. If they do, you will be required to treat with one your employers' "panel" doctors for the first 90 days.

If the insurance company denies your claim, you will have to retain a lawyer (a good idea anyway) and file a Claim Petition. You will need medical support from your doctor, that your injury either resulted from work or was aggravated by work, and disables you. The problem is, a workers comp case takes between 8-12 months before you get a decision, depending where you live. This means that you won't get paid unless and until you win your case. The 3 most important things for you to do now are 1.give notice to your employer; 2. Make sure your doctor will support you; and 3. See a lawyer.