A pedestrian is no match for a motor vehicle in the event of a collision. Motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents can result in pain, suffering, and sometimes death. It is important, for their own safety and the rights of others, for pedestrians to understand the law when it comes to navigating sidewalks and roadways.
Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act is a unique creature. While fault for a work injury is most times irrelevant—meaning, even if you cause the accident, you will be entitled to benefits—these benefits are limited in nature and scope.
For instance, your indemnity benefits, resulting from a loss of earnings arising out of the injury-related disability, are limited to two-thirds (66 2/3%) of your average weekly wage (for an AWW of $552.77 and below, it is 90%), up to a yearly state-imposed maximum—for 2017, it is $995.00. Scarring and disfigurement are separately compensable, but only to the head, face and neck areas, as is the loss of a body part—meaning, it is either separated from the body, or, if not, the part is of no use “for all practical intents and purposes.”
When Is a Dog Owner Liable for Injuries the Dog Caused?
For many people, the old adage, “A dog is a man’s best friend,” accurately describes the human-canine relationship. When a dog attacks a human, however, it can result in physical injuries and psychological trauma that could last for years. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you may be held financially liable for the injuries caused by your dog if it bites someone. The extent of your liability depends on several factors.
When Your Employer Won’t Cooperate After a Work Injury: What’s Your Recourse?
Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation laws are designed to protect most workers by providing compensation for medical expenses incurred because of a work-related injury.
Depending on the extent of your injury, you may also be entitled to payment for lost wages. The law also provides for "specific loss" benefits, which you may be entitled to receive for certain serious and permanent injuries or disfigurements. If a family member was killed as the result of a work-related injury, workers' compensation also provides death benefits to surviving dependents.
What Happens if My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?
Nearly all workers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are entitled to workers' compensation benefits if they are injured on the job or suffer an illness due to work conditions. During 2015, 166,102 work injury and illness cases were reported to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania. Most of us assume of we are injured on the job or become ill because we were exposed to hazards in the workplace that we will automatically be approved for workers' compensation benefits. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Surveillance In Workers’ Compensation Claims (yes, it could have, and probably has, happened to you)
Over the last couple of decades, I have handled several thousand workers’ compensation claims on behalf of injured employees, or claimants. Even though the same set of laws governs work-related injuries in Pennsylvania, each and every claim is different in many ways. One thing, though, that has been consistently present in every single claim I have handled is the employer’s and insurance company’s desire to minimize costs associated with the claim.
Personal Injury Claims and Social Media Posting Do Not Mix
Along with Spring, Lancaster County is abuzz with outdoor activity. And, hand-in-hand with Lancastrians shedding the chains of Winter comes a flurry of social media posts about all of the outdoor fun.
Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid After Sustaining An Injury At Work
If you have recently sustained an injury at work, in Lancaster County, you are probably wondering what steps you need to take to properly file a workers’ compensation claim. Whatever you do, do not make any of the following work injury-related mistakes, because your case, and the amount of compensation you are entitled to, could be affected.
When driving with an unrestrained pet, accidents and injuries in Lancaster, PA can be more common, because the driver is distracted. Like other common distractions, such as cell phone use or any activity that takes your attention away from the road, unrestrained dogs and cats increase your likelihood of having a traffic accident. If you are the cause of an accident, you may be held liable for property damages, personal bodily injuries and even vehicular death.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Lump Sum Settlements
If you are injured at work in the state of Pennsylvania, your right to compensation is covered by the PA Workers' Compensation Act. This piece of legislation is vital for workers throughout the state, but what exactly does it cover? Let's take a look...
While dogs are known to be man’s best friend, this rule often extends only to the animal’s owner. As many Americans have found out, dog bites are very common. With over 77 million dogs in the US, dog bite laws have been put in place to ensure that citizens are protected and can receive adequate compensation for any and all injuries. Have you been bitten by a dog and want to learn more about your legal rights? Look no further.
Your Responsibilities After Getting Injured At Work
If you have suffered an injury or illness at work, creating a paper trail may be the last thing on your mind. Yet, if you believe that you may be entitled to compensation, it is absolutely essential to start building your case from the outset. Here are four steps that everyone injured in the workplace is responsible for taking:
