Havertown, PA workers’ compensation attorney Daniel J. Siegel shares his advice for someone who has been injured at work. He stresses that the first step after a workplace injury is to report it, no matter how minor it may seem, because failing to notify your employer can prevent you from receiving benefits. The next priority is to seek immediate medical care and document your injuries thoroughly. He points out that if injuries aren’t recorded in a medical file—whether from a car accident or a work-related incident—insurance companies or employers are unlikely to acknowledge them.

He stresses the importance of consulting an attorney early. With decades of experience representing injured workers, he notes that his firm has even authored Workers’ Compensation Law: The Basics, a resource used by judges and lawyers statewide. An attorney can guide clients on critical questions, including whether they must treat with a company doctor, who pays for medical care (the answer is no for the employee), and what happens if an employer terminates them.

He highlights that the goal is to ensure injured workers receive their entitled benefits, including wage loss and ongoing medical care. Employers and insurance companies rarely explain these rights, but a knowledgeable lawyer does. He points out that while clients may initially receive benefits without legal representation, having an attorney establish a relationship from the start ensures they are protected if complications arise, such as attempts to cut off benefits or disputes over medical evaluations. Ultimately, he underscores: report the injury, seek medical care, and consult an attorney.