Located about 16 miles outside of Philadelphia, Abington Township employs a large number of workers in the healthcare, manufacturing, educational, retail, and service industries. When workplace injuries occur, they disrupt the lives of employees who depend on their jobs for their livelihood. An Abington Township workers’ compensation lawyer knows how frightening this can be for you and your family, and we are dedicated to helping you get the resources you need to heal from your injuries quickly.
Munley Law uses our 65 years of experience to guide you through the claim process and make sure that your claim is resolved fairly and in a timely manner. The process can be challenging. However, we provide clear direction so you know what to expect and how to move forward. An Abington Township personal injury lawyer from our team is ready to help you and your family regain your footing after an accident.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Abington Township
Workers’ compensation lawyer Caroline Munley
Munley Law has handled numerous personal injury and workers’ compensation cases in Abington Township. This experience enables us to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the area while fostering strong relationships with local employers, industry leaders, medical providers, Montgomery County Courthouse personnel, and experts in their respective fields. The strength of these relationships helps us to better serve you and provide the appropriate supportive resources.
When you work with our attorneys, you receive exceptional services to support your goal. We are familiar with the intricacies of workers’ compensation law and the obstacles that can arise during a case. Using customized strategies, we can tailor our argument to meet your specific needs. Our workers’ comp attorneys never stop advocating for you and your right to recover compensation.
Common Injuries and Illnesses Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
When you are injured on the job, you need to know what injuries, diseases and illnesses are covered by workers’ compensation, as not everything is covered, or some claims may require more information. First and foremost, workers’ compensation eligibility in Pennsylvania is contingent on employees being injured or becoming ill on the job while performing their regular job duties. When this happens, workers can file a workers’ compensation claim for their losses. Common injuries that employees can file a claim for include:
Repetitive stress injuries
Broken bones
Soft tissue damage
Penetrating wounds
Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
Trip, slip, and fall accidents
Loss of vision or hearing
Diseases or illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous substances
Lung conditions
While these injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, they will not be covered if they were the result of illegal activities, alcohol and drug impairment, or were self-inflicted. If employees were hurt while they were not actively working, or chose to ignore safety procedures, then workers’ compensation will not cover those injuries either.
Types of Workers in Abington Township Who Commonly Need Workers’ Compensation
Healthcare workers, manufacturers, educational staff, and retail and service employees commonly suffer injuries while on the job. The cause of these accidents can range significantly and leave employees suffering from mild to severe conditions. These workers often need swift medical attention and financial support to cover their care. Jefferson Abington Hospital typically treats injured employees in the area, as it is the only Level II trauma center in the county. They act swiftly to treat injured individuals.
What to Expect When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Abington Township
Employers are required to offer workers’ compensation insurance to their employees so they can get the care they need, recover from their injuries, and return to work as quickly as possible. Because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, employees can get the compensation they need faster, and employers cannot be sued and held liable, except in limited circumstances. To recover disability benefits and protect your claim, you will need to follow very specific steps.
When it comes to your workers’ compensation benefits timeline, it is important to act quickly. In general, you have up to 120 days to file a report of your accident, but it is recommended that you notify your employer within the first 21 days if possible for more favorable results. Your employer is required to then report your injury to the workers’ compensation insurance provider within 3 days. Insurance must approve or deny your claim within 21 days.
During this time, you should continue to get medical care and closely follow your doctor’s treatment plan. You should also keep all records of treatment and expenses to use as evidence in your claim. The insurance company will review your condition, overall need, and determine how long your disability will last. They will also generally cover two-thirds of your average weekly income. These factors are taken into consideration when determining your compensation.
What Losses are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation
If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you will be able to recover losses such as medical expenses, lost earnings, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits, as applicable. This compensation is meant to provide you with the support you need to recover from your injuries and return to work. An Abington Township workers’ compensation attorney will help you identify your recoverable losses and calculate how much you may be entitled to receive.
Your lawyer will also help you when dealing with workers’ compensation insurance adjusters. They will often use different tactics to avoid paying you the full amount you are entitled to, or try to avoid paying you altogether. By keeping thorough records and hiring a lawyer, you can protect your claim benefits and rights.
Workers’ Comp Lawyers Help Employees Handle Unique Situations
Some industries are innately more dangerous than others and expose workers to more risk. These types of jobs may also have unique factors that require special considerations when on the job or filing a workers’ compensation claim.
For example, healthcare workers are often exposed to numerous diseases, pathogens, bloodborne conditions, and more that could put them at risk of illness or developing a serious condition while on the job. Nurses can also suffer cumulative trauma from repetitively lifting patients, which can interfere with their ability to do their job.
For manufacturing employees in the area, they can be injured by machinery, repetitive motions, chemicals, and an unsafe work environment. When employers fail to do their part in enforcing safety protocols and a safe workspace, they could be in violation of OSHA protocols. If this happens, workers can also report the violation to OSHA, which may result in extra compensation or your injuries.
Finally, given the presence of the SEPTA commuter rail system, many workers in the area use this mode of transportation to get to and from work. Because of the state’s coming and going rule, individuals cannot file a claim if they are hurt on their way to work or heading home. However, exceptions may apply to individuals whose job duty is travellingl, or those who are completing a work-related assignment on their way to or from work. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Abington Township can provide clarity if this situation applies to you.
Filing a Third-Party Claim and How it Impacts Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
While you cannot sue your employer or coworker for accidents caused by negligence on the job, you can file a lawsuit if your injury was caused by someone outside of your company. This is known as a third-party claim. For example, if you were hit by a motorist while you were making work deliveries, or your injury was caused by a defective tool or piece of machinery, you could sue the motorist or manufacturer directly.
These claims resemble personal injury lawsuits and require that you demonstrate the other party’s negligence so their liability is clear. If found to be at fault, they must pay you for the losses they caused you. In these types of cases, you may also be able to recover more of your losses, such as pain and suffering.
In some instances, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation and third-party claim simultaneously. However, these cases are more complicated, and employers may seek reimbursement from your third-party settlement for losses they paid for already. It is essential to hire a workers’ comp lawyer to guide you through these types of cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Abington Township
How much compensation can I receive for my workplace injury?
In addition to compensation for your medical treatment, injured workers in Abington Twp. are entitled to compensation for lost wages if they are unable to work because of their injury. Wage-loss compensation in a workers’ comp case is typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state-defined maximum. In some cases involving specific loss of a body part or function, compensation is calculated by multiplying your wage rate (two-thirds of your weekly income) by the number of weeks you are entitled to recover compensation for a particular injury. For example, the loss of a toe is covered for 40 weeks, while PTSD is covered for 104 weeks. You can find guidelines regarding the length and amount of workers’ compensation benefits available can be found in the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act § 301.
The statewide average weekly wage can change from year to year, and your rate can depend on your income and the year’s minimum and maximum range. For claims filed in 2025, individuals cannot recover more than $1,347 per week. This means that individuals who make between $1,010.26 and $2,020.50 can recover two-thirds of their income. Those who make between $748.33 and $1,010.25 will receive a weekly rate of $673.50. For any employee who makes $748.32 or less, their rate is equal to 90% of their weekly income.
Can I be fired or retaliated against for filing a workers’ comp claim in Pennsylvania?
No, employees cannot be fired for filing workers’ compensation claims. If your employer terminates you because of your claim, they are breaking the law and you may have grounds to file a lawsuit for wrongful termination or retaliatory behavior. However, because Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, you may need a lawyer to help you prove that you were terminated as an act of retaliation.
Can I choose my own doctor after a workplace accident?
According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry, you may have limited options for choosing a health care provider. If employers provide a list of health care providers, you must select one from that list or else risk not having your injury covered. If your employer does not provide a list of physicians, then you are free to select your own.
What happens if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, a workers’ compensation attorney in Abington Township can investigate the reason behind the denial to see whether or not it was valid and fair. They will walk you through the decision and your options, as well as help you file a workers’ compensation appeal.
Do I need a lawyer for my workers’ compensation claim?
You have the freedom to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own, but hiring a workers’ comp attorney can be very valuable. They know the ins and outs of the law, how to handle insurance companies that do not have your best interests in mind, how to handle claim denials, and so much more. They advocate for you as they negotiate on your behalf and can help you recover more compensation.
Contact Munley Law About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Abington Township
Munley Law helps you recover maximum compensation for your injuries and manage the many requirements involved with filing and resolving a workers’ compensation claim. We provide you with a tailored approach that targets the specific needs of your situation and provides solutions designed to secure a favorable outcome. Schedule a free consultation with our team when you contact us to learn more about how we can serve you.
