It depends. Benefits can include medical care, prescriptions, some rehabilitative services, orthopedic appliances, disability compensation, and, in some instances, they will pay for one-time modifications to a home or vehicle.
Yes, workers’ compensation pays for lost time at work. If time away from work because of an injury or illness exceeds 7 days, a portion of normal wages are paid.
Protect yourself and maximize the workers’ compensation benefits available to you. Start here:
Time limits and requirements apply to each step of an injured worker’s pursuit of workers’ compensation benefits. When you’re experiencing wage loss and medical bills you’re unable to pay, we want to get you the benefits that will help you cover those costs as soon as possible. If you or a loved one has been injured at work, contact us.
In workplace injury cases, fault does not matter and doesn’t affect your worker’s compensation claim. Generally, you cannot sue your own employer for negligence, or pain and suffering, in Pennsylvania.
However, a workers’ compensation claim may lead to a lawsuit against a negligent third party such as a property owner. If we find that a different company or person is responsible for your injuries such as not keeping the work property in a safe condition, we can file a lawsuit for your complete damages, including pain and suffering and other components of your loss that can’t be recovered in a workers’ comp proceeding against a third party.
When your claim is denied, your pursuit of justice isn’t over. Don’t let them add insult to injury.
Our attorneys can take steps to refute the basis of the denial and file a claim petition on your behalf. We know this system — we’ve successfully represented injured workers in Western PA for over 30 years. We’re here to answer your questions, navigate the process and make sure you know your rights every step of the way. Contact us.
Your employers could have legal grounds to deny your initial claim if:
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, contact us ASAP. We’ve been filing claim petitions for thousands of denied workers, and we can help you too.
When your claim is denied, your pursuit of justice isn’t over. Don’t let them add insult to injury.
Our attorneys can take steps to refute the basis of the denial and file a claim petition on your behalf. We know this system — we’ve successfully represented injured workers in Western PA for over 30 years. We’re here to answer your questions, navigate the process and make sure you know your rights every step of the way.
Your employers could have legal grounds to deny your initial claim if:
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, contact us ASAP. We’ve been filed claim petitions for thousands of denied workers, and we can help you too.
A lump sum can seem like the key to getting back to a normal life quickly when you have piles of bills, frequent medical appointments, and endless phone calls. But it isn’t always your best option. Accepting a lump sum means you can’t pursue more money later, and unfortunately, the amount offered is often too low.
When evaluating your situation, we may consider:
We’ll help you determine if a lump sum settlement is your best option, and if, so we can help you negotiate for more money. Our goal is to get you as much as we can in your case if you want a settlement.
Sometimes, the workers’ comp insurance company’s doctor has a different opinion from your treating physician about when you can come back to your job. Knowing more about the process and what you will face can help ensure you are not being forced back into work before you are truly ready. Read about your rights here.
I’ve been notified that my benefits are at risk.
Did your insurance company notify you that they intend to stop, suspend or reduce your benefits? Don’t challenge them alone.
We represent those people whose benefits the insurance company has attempted to terminate, modify or suspend:
We’ve represented thousands of injured workers whose benefits the insurance company has attempted to suspend, modify, or terminate because:
We fight the insurance company by presenting the facts of your condition to maximize the chance your benefits will be recovered.
Yes. If you are asked to attend an IME (Insurance or Independent Medical Exam) or IRE (Impairment Rating Evaluation) you’ll need to discuss your rights with an attorney including whether the insurance company is even entitled to the exam, how to proceed, and a possible plan of action in response to an unfavorable result.
Yes. Having an attorney present during the vocational interview ensures your rights are protected. In most cases, the vocational expert is working on behalf of your employer, and isn’t there to protect your best interests. That means the assessment gathered at your interview can be used as evidence that your benefits should be modified or stopped.
If you’ve been asked to attend an IME, IRE or Vocational Interview, contact us ASAP. Our attorneys are equipped to assist you in challenging any opinion of your employer’s medical or vocational expert to show that:
We can also assist in:
If you’ve already attended the interview and you disagree with the results, we can help you dispute the findings.
IMEs (Independent Medical Examination) and IREs (Impairment Rating Evaluation) are common in workers’ compensation cases when a permanent disability rating is a possibility. However, the doctor being brought in to conduct them isn’t always as neutral as it should be. Contact one of our law firm immediately to ensure you secure the benefits you deserve. When preparing for an evaluation, remember:
In fatal workplace accidents, our lawyers pursue family death benefits under the workers’ compensation system. At the same time, we’ll identify all potential defendants who might be held accountable for your family’s loss.
If you choose to file a wrongful death claim, our attorneys will:
There is no cost to contact us at 888-99-D-U-G-A-N or through our contact form. We are here to answer your questions and handle the hassles so you can focus on your family.
Mitch and his team are nothing short of amazing! From start to finish they had my back, and didn’t stop fighting for me till I got what was rightfully mine! Thank you for giving me my life back
Your staff are wonderful and knowledgeable, amongst the most caring people I have talked with. Thank you for having the team that you have. Many blessings to all from my heart ❤
Thank-you to Mitch and his Associates for helping me in my time of need. Even [though] it was not a million dollar case, they treated it and me like it was. They always answered the phone and returned calls, if they didn’t have an answer right away they found that answer and call back fast.Thank-you again …. I would highly recommend.
They made it so easy! Recommend them highly! I was getting no where on my own
Dugan and Associates really came to bat for me. They were very responsive to my needs and always answered any questions I had. Mr. Dugan made the whole workmans compensation process bearable. I would recommend them for anyone.
Mitch Dugan is a great workers comp layer. he knows how the system works and works to help you. I would use him over and over again.
Mitch was the best. I was going through much stress being hurt and basically unloved by my employer. He was always there when I needed his help. He always called me back if he was in court. He was humorous sometimes and that aleved alot of anxiety. I was satisfied with his suggestions and guidance. Very professional. He always was able to explain things to me and was very nice. He also obtained a very nice settlement for me. Thank you Mitch.
Hired one of those other firm’s, After 8 months of them doing nothing for me, I found and hired Dugan & Associates, Within the first week I had a workers comp judge and a comp hearing, My case settled a few months later, I would hire Mr dugan again and I highly advise you to use Mr Dugan’s firm, He will fight the insurance company for you and get you what you deserve
Mr. Dugan & his team are great, everything Mr. Dugan went over with me was easy to follow & to the point, I know I could not have got the settlement I did without the help of Mr. Dugan & his team! I would recommend Dugan & Associates to anyone who is serious about getting the best settlement possible
