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How to Choose a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Written by PAWorkersCompHelpNow on July 3, 2013. Posted in attorney, avvo, best attorney, best lawyer, credentials, how to choose a pennsylvania workers comp lawyer, pa workers comp, pennsylvania workers compensation lawyer, qualified, super lawyer

If you have been injured on the job and your workers’ compensation case has been denied, you’ve already been through enough stress. The last thing you need is to have a difficult time finding the right lawyer for your case. However, this is not a decision that should be rushed. Many injured people that have lost their workers’ compensation cases could have won with better legal representation. Below are a few tips to help you effectively find the best attorney for your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case.

Find a lawyer that specializes in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation is not something that can be handled by ANY attorney. There are a lot of laws, terms, and scenarios involved with workers’ comp that inexperienced lawyers will not thoroughly understand. It is in your best interest to find a lawyer that specializes in workers’ compensation and has a proven track record of winning workers’ compensation cases.

Find a lawyer with the best credentials.

Thanks to the internet, finding a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer with the best credentials is pretty easy. A good place to start is with the law firm’s website. Are there any testimonials? How long has the lawyer been practicing? What kind of unique experience are they bringing to the table? If you can, find a lawyer that has experience representing both employers and employees. Attorneys that have fought on both sides of the fence can provide the most insight.

You can also see if they have listing on sites like AVVO and Super Lawyers. Furthermore, Pennsylvania now has an official way of recognizing attorneys that are most qualified in the field of workers’ compensation. Lawyers can be certified as specialists in the practice of workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. It is in your best interest to find a lawyer that has this certification.

Look for a lawyer that presents themselves professionally and stays involved.

While you are checking a lawyer’s website for credentials, be sure to pay attention to other details. Is the site professionally presented? Is the content well written? Is the site up-to-date? Lawyers that keep up-to-date websites and regularly create videos/blogs show that they are constantly immersed in workers’ compensation and like to keep themselves informed about what is going on in the field.

Remember, if your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you can’t afford to choose a lawyer at random. Make sure you hire one that qualifies to represent you in a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case.

Injury: 5 Tips For Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on The Job

Written by PAWorkersCompHelpNow on April 19, 2013. Posted in carpal tunnel syndrome, pa workers compensation benefits, pennsylvania workers compensation lawyer

Those who routinely perform activities on the job that involve forceful or repetitive hand or wrist movement, or who often use vibrating equipment such as jackhammers and sanders, have an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Below are some tips you can use, both on and off the job, to decrease your chances of developing this condition.

1. Change your tool or grip.

If there is an alterative, less-straining tool available that could perform the same task, speak with your supervisor about switching devices. If switching tools is not an option, try alternating hands or using different grips.

2. Stretch

Take a few minutes to stretch every 20-60 minutes. Here are some helpful exercises from WebMD you can do to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.

3. Wear a Brace

If you already have carpal tunnel syndrome, or are beginning to show early signs, wearing a brace is a viable option. However, braces are not meant to be worn over long periods of time, and the relief is only temporary. If you are showing signs of carpal tunnel or would like to wear a brace, you should consult with your doctor before making any decisions.

4. Check your Ergonomics

Like some of the other injury types we’ve covered in our blog (neck, back), the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome is not limited to construction workers and other laborers. Desk workers also need to have their work stations properly proportioned to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. The height of the chair should put your forearms level with the keyboard to prevent any straining of the wrists. You can also use an ergonomic keyboard as well as a cushioned mouse pad to ease the pressure put on your wrists.

5. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Conditions such as diabetes and arthritis as well as poor habits such as smoking and eating unhealthy foods can contribute to carpal tunnel. Doing your best to maintain good, healthy habits and keeping any conditions under control will reduce your risks of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you begin showing signs of carpal tunnels syndrome, make an appointment with your doctor and speak with your supervisor about implementing these suggested changes into your work station. Remember, you are entitled to a a safe work environment.