Anybody who has ever been in the workers' compensation system has heard the phrase "independent medical examination," or "IME." An IME is an examination requested by an insurance company to be performed on an injured worker by a doctor who has never treated the injured worker before, is hand-picked by the insurance company and is paid for the examination by the insurance company. Webster's Dictionary defines "independent" as "not subject to control by others," or "not affiliated with a larger controlling unit." Trying to reconcile the definition of "independent" with the concept of an independent medical examination, however, is fruitless.
In Pennsylvania, employers are required to carry special insurance coverage that provides benefits to compensate workers for a variety of losses such as medical care, lost wages and disability. However, workers’ compensation coverage bars employees from suing their employers — even if the harm was intentional, such as during an argument. While workers’ compensation can simplify the process of reimbursing employees for on-the-job injuries, workers can take additional legal action under certain circumstances.
Do Pennsylvania Laws Protect Dog Owners from Dog Bite Liability?
Unless a dog owner or bite victim accepts responsibility for a dog bite, issues of liability can end up in the Pennsylvania courts. Determining whose negligence caused a bite begins with investigation on the part of the appropriate state or local authorities, but the final decision requires the judgment of a court magistrate.
From a Dog’s Point of View, You May be the Attacker
Pennsylvania’s strict dog bite liability law holds owners responsible in most dog bite cases. But winning a legal battle is of little comfort when you or your child must live with a permanent visible scar or other condition caused by a dog bite. By understanding more about why dogs bite, you can avoid placing yourself in imminent danger.
If I File for Workers’ Compensation, Can I Sue Anyone Else?
If you have been injured on the job, your employer may have explained that workers’ compensation is your sole source of financial recovery for medical bills and lost wages. You cannot sue your employer in addition to, or instead of, your workers’ compensation claim. And your workers’ compensation claim does not cover damages for pain and suffering. But what if parties other than your employer are responsible for your work-related injury? What are your options?
When Are Wage-Loss Benefits Paid Under Workers’ Compensation?
While seeking medical treatment when you have suffered an on-the-job injury is your first priority, identifying your safety net for lost wages is a close second. Bills for the mortgage, electricity, car lease, food for your family and now your medical care continue even as your injuries prevent you from going to work. But there is good news for those in this predicament. Nearly every Pennsylvania worker is covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, which provides for wage-loss compensation.
With ownership of an animal comes responsibility for its actions. Recently, pit bull-mix dogs have gained notoriety for their serious and sometimes fatal attacks on young and old across the nation.
Understanding the Complexity of Truck Accident Claims
Our law firm helps clients and families injured in traffic and other accidents. Much of the time, personal injury actions settle outside of the courtroom. Sometimes they do not. With complicated matters, such as in a collision involving a truck and an automobile, litigation is usually the best way to get results.
Most Common Questions Related to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Some jobs are more dangerous than others, but regardless of where you work or what you do, you should be prepared for the possibility of suffering an injury while on the job. Workers’ compensation regulations are complex, and it’s very difficult to try to figure them out while you’re dealing with an injury. Before an injury occurs, you should be familiar with your company’s workers’ compensation policies and your rights under Pennsylvania law.
