Pennsylvania Heart & Lung Benefits Lawyer
If you are seeking benefits under the Heart and Lung Act, you need an attorney that has years of experience handling these claims. The process of pursuing benefits under the Heart and Lung Act is very complex and can vary throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In order to assure that you receive the medical care and benefits that you are entitled to, you need an attorney that is familiar with the interplay between workers’ compensation benefits, social security benefits, Act 632/534, and your collective bargaining agreement with regard to the Heart and Lung Act.
Having handled these claims for almost two decades and having represented PSCOA and AFSCME members as well as management employees for all 28 state correctional institutions as well as numerous FOP lodges, firefighter’s associations, volunteer firefighters, forensic security aides, Department of Public Welfare (“DPW”) employees and employees of state mental hospitals, I have the experience needed to help you overcome any issue that you will encounter while going through this process. I have recovered millions of dollars in benefits for employees under the Heart and Lung Act, contact an experienced Pennsylvania hear & lung benefits lawyer today.
Who Is Covered by the Pennsylvania Heart and Lung Act?
The Heart and Lung Act applies to broad classes of Pennsylvania employees, specifically including the following:
- State police
- Liquor Control Board: Enforcement Officers or Investigators
- Board of Probation and Parole: Parole Agents, Enforcement Officers and Investigators
- Department of Corrections: Correction Employees with Principal Duties of Care, Custody and Control of Inmates
- Department of Human Services / Department of Corrections: Psychiatric Security Aides with Principal Duties of Care, Custody and Control of Inmates
- Office of Attorney General: Drug Enforcement Agents whose principal duty is the enforcement of the drug laws of the Commonwealth
- Office of Attorney General: Special Agents whose principal duty is the enforcement of the criminal laws of the Commonwealth
- Delaware River Port Authority Police
- Any Policemen, Fireman or Park Guard of any County, City, Borough, Town or Township
- Commonwealth: Firemen
- Any Sheriff or Deputy Sheriff
- Pennsylvania Game Commission / Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Any Enforcement Officer or Investigator
When Am I Covered by the Heart and Lung Act?
A Pennsylvania employee in a job category covered under the Heart and Lung Act who suffers an injury while performing an official duty in that employment may be eligible for Heart and Lung Act benefits.
The purpose of the Heart and Lung Act is to provide a full salary, not compensation, to employees in certain dangerous occupations who have been injured on the job and who are expected to recover and return to work in the foreseeable future. The Heart and Lung Act provides for complete wage replacement (at your full salary (including pay raises), but without overtime), medical expenses, pay raises and accrual of retirement credits, as well as, vacation and sick time.
This act is not a replacement for Act 632/534 (if eligible) or Workers’ Compensation benefits, which is why it is important to make sure that these claims are handled concurrently with one another. If an employee’s injury is found to be “permanent” rather than temporary, that employee could lose his right to continue receiving benefits under the Heart and Lung Act but could still qualify for receipt of Act 632/534 benefits and/or Workers’ Compensation benefits.
Because of the complexity of these claims, it is important that you contact an experienced Heart and Lung Act attorney as soon as possible, following an injury so that you don’t jeopardize any benefits that you may be entitled to under this act. You have to understand that you are going to be dealing with a claims adjuster or some other individual that is well versed in this process and they are going to do everything and anything they can to limit their liability. That is why you need someone that is more experienced than they are, so you aren’t bullied or misconceived into making a decision that can cost you your job or your benefits. I represent all eligible employees at every stage of the process and at every hearing. And should it become necessary, we can pursue your claim all the way from the appeals hearing to the Commonwealth Court and up to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
If your injury prevents you from being able to return to your position, it is important that you take certain steps to protect yourself so that you recover the most you can from the benefits available to you, so that you are able to provide for you and your family. I will assist with negotiating a settlement or buyout, application for social security disability benefits and disability pensions for eligible employees.
Get the Representation You Deserve
For these reasons, when you retain me, you know that you have an experienced Pennsylvania heart & lung benefits lawyer that will aggressively pursue your rights and be assured to get what you deserve. It is also important to remember that you will never pay a fee unless we win your case.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, contact Figured Law Firm at 570-954-9299. I represent all Pennsylvania residents. In addition to my office location, I will schedule an appointment to meet with you at your home for your convenience again at no cost to you.
