What to expect from the initial workers’ compensation intake

Mooney Law is proud to represent workers throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Work injuries are tough. They can be financially, emotionally, physically, and emotionally devastating. At Mooney Law, we are committed to providing excellent representation based on our trusted and proven experience.

So you have been injured at work. You want a free consultation with Mooney Law for your work injury. What should you expect? What kind of information should you have ready?

First, since the onset of the COVID pandemic, we leave it up to the client whether they want to meet in person in one of our offices or have a phone consultation. Regardless, the same information is required. At your initial consultation you will speak with me, Attorney Mark Buterbaugh. I am a Partner in the firm and the firm’s exclusive workers’ compensation attorney.

During that initial meeting, you will be asked questions about your work history, wages at the time of the injury, and the position you were in when the injury occurred. You will then be asked how the accident happened. It is important to share as many details about how it happened in this intake process. What were you specifically doing? When did you develop symptoms? What body parts were injured? Make sure you tell me about all body parts injured, even minor injuries. Additionally, since the injury occurred, have your symptoms improved, stayed the same, or worsened?

Next, you should be prepared to discuss events right after the injury occurred. Were there any witnesses? Who did you report the injury to? What did you specifically tell them when you reported it? Did the insurance company contact you? Did they take a recorded statement? Did you give a written statement? Was a work injury report provided by the employer?

Next, be prepared to talk about your medical treatment since the occurrence of the injury. Provide all medical providers including your family doctor? Let me know if you have had any MRIs, injections, surgery, therapy, etc. . . . This information is vital to the claim, so be specific. What about your current status? Still treating? With who? Are you out of work, working light duty, or doing your regular job? If you are out of work or on light duty, what medical provider provided the work restrictions?

I can’t stress enough that it is extremely important to share with me whether you had any prior injuries or pre-existing conditions involving the body parts you injured at work. It does not matter if they were minor issues that required little, if any, treatment. Just share all information. The more I know the more effective the representation will be in your case. Hiding or avoiding pertinent information regarding prior injuries can devastate your case, but disclosing will allow me to address those issues upfront.

At the conclusion of the initial intake. I will discuss the workers’ compensation process and what you should expect moving forward. That is what we are here for, to navigate you through the complexities of workers’ compensation and litigation.

This is not an exhaustive list, but a good start. I am more than happy to discuss your case with you to see how we can help you! Our consultations are always free. So call or email us today. You can call 717-200-HELP or 717-632-4656. You can also email us to request a consultation at info@mooney4law.com. For more information, you can visit the firm website at Mooney4Law.com.

Mark Buterbaugh

Attorney representing injured workers and Social Security Disability clients in Pennsylvania and Maryland.