What happens if I am released to light duty and there is no light duty job?

If you have been released to light duty and your employer refuses to accommodate those restrictions, then your workers compensation wage loss benefits will continue. In a claim that is denied, then the potential liability for workers compensation wage loss benefits continues to accrue against the workers compensation insurance carrier, should your claim petition be granted. Not all employers have light duty. That can be frustrating for an injured worker who wishes to get back to work. Many do. Wage…

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Why am I receiving unpaid medical bills in my Pennsylvania workers’ comp case?

Why am I receiving medical bills in the mail when I was injured at work? There are several potential answers to that question. Under the Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act, most injured workers are entitled to certain benefits. One of those benefits is medical care and treatment. Covered medical treatment can include doctor visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, work hardening therapy, medication, lab and diagnostic tests, surgery, pain management, rehabilitation services, and more. Additionally, it is important to know that there…

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9 Reasons Why You Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney

When an injured worker is out of work from the work injury and getting paid wage loss benefits, should they still seek an experienced workers’ compensation attorney? The answer is YES. Here are 9 specific reasons you should seek the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. 1. Document review. Throughout the course of a workers’ compensation claim, injured workers receive numerous documents and correspondence. Some of those advise the injured worker to sign. Having Mooney Law representing you allows…

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Facebook Can Harm Your Pennsylvania Workers Comp Case

Facebook and other social media can harm your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case. In today’s world, it is natural that when something impactful happens in our lives, we want to share that news with friends and family and we do so on Facebook and other social media. However, it is critical for an injured worker to understand that Facebook posts can and will be used against you in a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case. Insurance companies do background searches on injured workers.…

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12 Things to Know About Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation

Here are twelve basic things injured workers should know about Pennsylvania workers' compensation.  Only employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. Often times, usually in cases where the employer is uninsured, we litigate the issue of whether the injured worker was an employee or subcontractor. I personally have litigated tons of these employee status issues. If the injured worker is truly an independent contractor, then there is no entitlement workers’ compensation benefits. Disputes over employment status are fact…

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2022 Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Average Weekly Wage Set

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has released the 2022 average weekly wage rates.  The Department set the maximum average weekly wage (AWW) at $1,870.50 with a maximum disability rate of $1,205.00.  That means if your AWW is higher than $1,870.50, you are still only entitled to $1,205.00 per week when you are out of work because of the work injury.  If your AWW is between $669.44 and $903.75, then the disability rate is set at $602.50.  That is…

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Are work restriction notes important in Pennsylvania Workers Compensation?

Work restriction notes from the treating doctor are important to a workers’ compensation case. This can be confusing when an injured worker is out of work or has been terminated from employment. Why would I need a work restriction note if I am not working? Why is a work restriction note important? Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, work restriction notes are critical to wage loss entitlement. First, an employer has a right to accommodate work restrictions. If the employer…

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Slip and Falls on Snow and Ice at Work are Work Injuries

It is that time of year when winter weather can roll into our area at anytime.  Snow, ice, and freezing rain make for slippery conditions.  Not only does winter weather cause motor vehicle accidents, but frequently causes work-related injuries. Whether injured workers are walking to work from parking lots, walking between buildings, taking trash out, slips and falls on ice and snow are common at work.  They are also work-related injuries that are compensable under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act.…

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Meeting my Mooney Law Work Injury Attorney During COVID

With the winter season upon us, we are being advised to expect increases or a new 'wave' of COVID cases, especially with the appearance of the Omicron variant.  In fact, Pennsylvania is already reporting the third highest daily rates in the United States. As we move forward through the winter months, I leave it up to the comfort of my clients and prospective clients on how they wish to meet with me.   There are three options for clients to meet…

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