by Raul » Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:20 pm
I used to practice workers' compensation law in Michigan. I know where you're coming from because I had occasional clients who felt that way. You say it was your third to last day of work, but you don't say why. Do you have another job lined up and will this hamper your beginning the other job? If you don't have a job lined up, is this going to hamper your job search? If yes to either question, for what period of time is that going to be the case? In other words, can your wage loss be calculated? In terms of the medical, is this going to require surgery? Is an uneventful healing expected? To what degree can an uneventful and rapid healing be predicted? What are the chances of there being complications? What are the chances of some further medical procedures being required down the road? What are the chances that there may be some permanent impairment resulting? I'm not familiar with Pennsylvania Worker's Compensation law, but you might want to consult an attorney working in the area. What is the state law on injuries occurring after you have clocked out? You don't say whether or not you were still on the employer's premises, and that is very likely an important point. Workers' Compensation is supposed to be a no-fault system, but fault creeps in to a degree. Did you do anything for which the workers' compensation insurance carrier will take you to task? Summing up this answer, what I am saying is that there are a lot of factors to weigh in determining whether or not it is worth it to file. Certainly you should give notice of the injury just to protect your future rights. You should at least give your current employer and insurance carrier the opportunity to pay your wage loss and medical benefits on a voluntary basis. If they are going to dispute liability, you should probably at least consult with a good workers' compensation attorney in Pennsylvania before making a final decision as to whether you are ready to fight for the benefits or not.