For over 30 years, Nikolaus & Hohenadel has been fighting for the rights of injured workers and disabled individuals. Our workers’ compensation lawyers and disability benefits attorneys are highly regarded for providing our clients with powerful representation when they need it most. We believe that an informed client is the best client, which is why we have compiled this list of important resources for individuals who are seeking workers’ compensation or Social Security disability benefits.
Workers Compensation
The Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers Compensation
In Pennsylvania, as in most other states, all employers are required to provide workers’ compensation to full-time and part-time workers. If you have been injured during the course of your job, this coverage provides wage-loss and medical benefits while you are out of work.
Contact information:
Bureau of Workers Compensation
1171 S. Cameron Street, Room 324
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2501
Phone: 717-783-5421
E-mail:
Claims information helpline:
1-800-482-2383
Website
https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Compensation/WC/Pages/default.aspx
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation:
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment, including:
- Diagnostic Services
- Vocational Evaluation
- Counseling
- Training
- Restoration Services
- Placement Assistance
- Assistive Technology
Contact information
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
1521 North Sixth Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Website
https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/ovr/Pages/default.aspx
Physicians List:
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act allows employers to establish a list of designated health care providers from whom injured workers must seek treatment for their work injury or illness. For more information about the applicable guidelines, visit the website:
https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Compensation/WC/HCSR/Pages/Physicians-List-Defined.aspx
Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act
The state’s workers’ compensation law defines the rights and obligations of employees alike. Workers receive medical treatment and are compensated for lost wages due to work-related injuries and disease, while employers are protected from civil lawsuits by employees. More information and the text of the law are available online:
Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main programs to individuals who cannot work due to a disabling medical condition: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income. To learn more about these programs, visit their website: www.ssa.gov
The Pennsylvania Medical Assistance Program
Medical Assistance (MA) or Medicaid, pays for health care services for eligible individuals. To determine if you qualify or to apply online, go to this website:
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance.aspx
The Social Security “Listings”
The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that qualify for disability benefits. This list does not contain all disabling conditions, however, and you still may be eligible even if your condition is not listed. These rules are known as “the Listings” and can be found online at:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
The Social Security “Grids”
The SSA also provides rules for disability examiners to follow to determine whether an applicant is “disabled” or “not disabled,” based on an individual’s age, education level, work experience and physical capacity. These rules are referred to as “the Grids” and are available online at:
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-app-p02.htm
Contact Nikolaus & Hohenadel Today
If you are seeking worker’s compensation or disability benefits, the best way to protect your rights is to work with the right attorneys. When you become our client, you will have peace of mind knowing that our legal team is in your corner. We offer free consultations and you will not pay any attorneys’ fees to us until we obtain the compensation and benefits you deserve. Please contact our office today to learn how we can help.
