Workers’ Compensation – What is a Contract Employee?

It is much more difficult to claim that no employer-employee relationship exists with contract workers than trying to prove a sole proximate cause claim, since these claims are rather easily dismissed. Before any work agreement is signed, employers will attempt to show you that you are not an employee, and in the event of a workplace injury, employers will immediately begin to try to convince you that you were never part of their workforce. They use language to confuse the relationship. More about our “Workers Compensation Lawyers in San Antonio” here
They hire you as a “contractor” to show you that you do not have certain rights and protections, yet they have you do all the work of regular employees. If you are somehow harmed or injured in their workplace, they will then be able to argue that they are not liable for your injuries and thus they can avoid paying you compensation. Employers may think that certain employees are contractors, but Texas law may classify you in truth as an employee, with the result that they are, in fact, liable for injuries and harms you’ve suffered in the workplace. They may, in fact, be liable for your medical expenses and lost future wages.
Find information on how to act after a “Work Accident Injury in San Antonio” here.
So that an injured worker can receive compensation for his or her injuries, the harmed employee in this situation also carries the burden of proof to establish an employer-employee relationship. A skilled, aggressive, and experienced workers’ compensation attorney has access to over twenty years of experience to help you prove that an employer-employee relationship existed with your nonsubscriber employer and our Law Office workers’ comp lawyers can help you receive the full and fair compensation that is your right.

Texas law holds you to be an employee if one or a few of the following conditions are met:

The employer in question withholds taxes and Social Security from your paycheck.
The employer in question provides all the necessary equipment for your work.
The employer in question expects you to abide by a specific work schedule and work for defined periods of time.
The employer in question managed, guided, and inspected your work during your work shift.
The employer in question has you give up some of your traditional employee rights by signing a document or contract you to mandatory drug testing or signing a confirmation that you’ve received and read an employee handbook.
The employer in question has hired you for an indefinite period of time and not just for a single job.
The employer in question pays you an hourly wage or salary and not on a case-by-case basis.

Our Law Office workers’ compensation attorneys will depose and interview your coworkers and examine any material evidence that can establish the existence of an employer-employee relationship whether our attorneys have to comb through employment contracts, pay stubs, time-cards, and other forms of solid evidence.

Injured at work in Pittsburgh? Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you secure the workers’ compensation benefits you need to heal and move forward.

 Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pittsburgh

Your life can change instantly when you’re injured on the job in Pittsburgh. From the physical pain to the financial uncertainty, dealing with a workplace injury is never easy. Fortunately, Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system is designed to protect workers like you. If you’ve suffered an injury or illness related to your job, understanding your rights and benefits under workers’ compensation is the first step toward protecting your future. More information https://munley.com/pittsburgh/ on this webpage

At Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped injured workers across Pittsburgh recover the compensation they deserve. In this article, we’ll explain how the workers’ comp system works, what benefits you may be entitled to, and why having an experienced attorney can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim.

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical and wage benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In Pennsylvania, nearly every employer must carry workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, regardless of how many people they employ or the nature of the work.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. That means you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent or at fault for your injury. As long as your injury or illness occurred in the course and scope of your employment, you are likely entitled to benefits.

The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits to injured workers:

Medical benefits cover the cost of all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, hospital stays, and medical devices.

Wage loss benefits are available if your injury prevents you from working. There are two main types:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are available if you are completely unable to work
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits, if you return to work in a lower-paying position due to your injury

Generally, wage loss benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum set by the state.

If your injury leaves you permanently disabled, you may be entitled to ongoing wage loss benefits and specific loss benefits for loss of limb, vision, or hearing. In cases of permanent disfigurement, you may receive additional compensation.

Suppose a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness. In that case, surviving dependents may be eligible for death benefits, including funeral expenses and ongoing support for a spouse or children.

To begin the workers’ compensation process in Pittsburgh, there are several essential steps to take immediately after your injury:

Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. You have up to 120 days to do this, but the sooner, the better.
Seek medical treatment. Your employer may have a list of designated healthcare providers you must use for the first 90 days.
Document everything. Keep records of your injury, doctor visits, missed workdays, and communication with your employer or the insurance carrier.
File a claim. Your employer should report your injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, but you or your attorney can file a claim petition if needed.

Many workers are shocked that the insurance company denies or delays their initial claim. Common reasons for denial include:

Allegations that the injury was not work-related
Failure to report the injury in time
Missing or incomplete medical records
Claims that you had a pre-existing condition
Disputes over whether the treatment is necessary

This is where an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help. At Munley Law, we work to gather the medical evidence, challenge denials, and ensure your rights are fully protected.

You can appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim through the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. This process may include:

Filing a Claim Petition
Presenting your case before a workers’ compensation judge
Providing medical and witness testimony
Challenging the employer’s or insurer’s evidence

The appeals process can be complex, and one small mistake could result in a loss of benefits. Having an attorney who understands the system is critical to achieving a successful outcome.

Employers and insurance companies have legal teams working to protect their interests. You should have someone protecting you. The attorneys at Munley Law:

Understand the complexities of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law
Negotiate with insurers for fair settlements
Challenge delays or denials of benefits
Represent you at hearings and appeals
Help you avoid returning to work before you’re medically ready

We also help you explore other avenues of compensation if your injury was caused by a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver.

Workers are often pressured to return to work before they’re fully healed. While some may be offered light-duty positions, knowing your rights is important. If your treating doctor has not cleared you to return or the light-duty job does not match your restrictions, you may be able to refuse without losing benefits.

Munley Law can help you navigate these return-to-work issues and ensure your recovery isn’t compromised by financial pressure or employer tactics.

Dealing with a work injury is hard enough without having to battle the workers’ compensation system alone. If you’ve been hurt at work in Pittsburgh, don’t take chances with your financial future.

Contact Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight to secure the benefits and compensation you need to move forward confidently.

More Great Work Accident – Injury / Workers’ Compensation Blogs here:
https://houston-auto-accident.com/third-party-liability-in-work-accidents/
https://san-antonio-auto-accident.com/the-role-of-vocational-rehabilitation-in-workers-compensation-claims/
https://corpus-christi-auto-accident.com/the-role-of-a-workers-compensation-lawyer-in-philadelphia-work-injury-cases/
https://mcallen-auto-accident.com/pre-existing-conditions-on-workers-compensation-claims/
https://austin-auto-accident.com/what-happens-if-youre-injured-on-a-construction-site/
https://el-paso-auto-accident.com/permanent-disability-and-workers-compensation-claims/
https://laredo-auto-accident.com/workers-compensation-appeal-process-in-philadelphia/
https://beaumont-personal-injury.com/work-related-mental-health-injuries/
https://victoria-auto-accidents.com/protect-your-rights-during-your-recovery-in-philadelphia/