Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

A skilled Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer can make all the difference when you’re struggling with a work-related injury or illness that leaves you wondering how to afford medical bills or replace lost wages. While workers’ comp benefits cover most employees, receiving these benefits is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often attempt to deny claims by arguing your injuries weren’t job-related, are exaggerated, or that your filing contained errors.

If you’re facing challenges with your workers’ compensation claim, the work injury lawyers at Munley Law can help. For 65 years, our workers’ comp attorneys have successfully helped injured workers throughout Pennsylvania secure the benefits they deserve.

Contact us for a free review of your claim. Chat live, complete our contact form, or call today. We only collect a fee when we recover your benefits.

How Can a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help You?

Workers’ compensation benefits exist to pay for medical expenses and lost wages when you suffer a work-related injury, become ill, or aggravate an existing condition while on the job. Your employer is legally obligated to carry employee workers’ compensation insurance, and most employees are covered by workers’ compensation, regardless of their status as part-time or full-time, and who was at fault for the accident.

You may not need a Pennsylvania workman’s comp attorney if you have reported your injury to your employer, applied for workers’ compensation, and received your benefits. However, the aftermath of a work injury can be harrowing, and the application process can be confusing. Knowing whose advice to take and how to protect your rights may be challenging.

Some common examples of when to hire a workers’ comp lawyer in PA include:

• You suffered a severe injury that will keep you out of work for an extended period
• Your workers’ comp claim is denied or is being delayed by your employer or the insurance company
• You have a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by the work injury
• The insurance company is requiring you to submit to an independent medical exam (IME)
• You want to file a claim against the third party.

If you need help navigating the claims process, a Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyer at Munley Law can review the details of your case, inform you of your rights as an employee, and walk you through the proper steps to take – all at no charge.

Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer near me.

Call Now

The Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits to Pennsylvania Workers

There are several types of worker compensation benefits you will receive after an accident at work:

• Medical Coverage: This includes any medical costs relating to your injury. These claims are not limited to a specific dollar amount and should cover all co-pays and deductibles. It will also include doctor’s appointments, lab tests, ER visits, medication, medical equipment (such as a wheelchair), and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: If you cannot work after an accident, you will receive a percentage of your wages and disability benefits. There are temporary and permanent benefits, depending on how long you are meant to stay out of work.
• Specific Loss Payments: If your work injury resulted in permanent scarring/disfigurement,  the loss of a limb, or impaired use of a body part, you may be eligible for “specific loss” payments. Unlike regular workers’ compensation, you may collect specific loss payments even if your injury does not stop you from working. You do not need to be out of work to receive specific loss compensation. You simply must be able to show that your injury happened in the course of your job duties. You must also notify your employer of the injury within 120 days of its occurrence and submit a workers’ compensation claim within three years of the injury’s sustained. However, the earlier you act, the better.
• Death Benefits: If a worker dies as a result of a job injury or illness, the worker’s family is entitled to receive death benefits. Even if the injury or illness did not cause immediate death, death benefits may apply if the worker passed away within 300 weeks of sustaining the workplace injury or toxic exposure. Workers’ compensation death benefits are paid to surviving family members who depend on the deceased person for financial support. Those eligible include a spouse, minor children, a dependent adult child, or a parent. Workers’ compensation must also pay reasonable burial costs, up to $3,000. A petition for death benefits must be filed within three years of the worker’s death.

Contact our workers’ comp attorneys for a free consultation.

Call Now

Industries With the Most Workplace Injuries in PA

According to Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Annual Report, the Commonwealth’s workers’ compensation system provided over $2.9 billion to injured workers in 2023. The system also received 162,194 reports of injuries and illnesses for the year. Some of the top industries that suffered the most workplace accidents include:

Manufacturing and Warehouse Operations

Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and warehouse sectors consistently rank among the industries with the highest workplace injury rates. Workers in these environments face daily exposure to significant hazards while operating heavy machinery and handling potentially dangerous materials.

Heavy machinery accidents represent one of the most serious risks, often resulting in severe injuries, including crushed limbs, amputations, fractures, and, in the worst cases, fatalities. These industrial incidents frequently occur due to inadequate training, improper lockout/tagout procedures, or equipment malfunctions. Even with proper safety protocols, industrial equipment’s sheer power and size create an inherently dangerous workplace.

Beyond acute injuries, manufacturing workers also face a considerable risk of occupational illnesses through exposure to hazardous substances. Chemical exposures can lead to respiratory conditions, skin disorders, and even long-term health issues, including certain cancers. Workers handling solvents, adhesives, or specialized industrial chemicals may develop conditions that manifest only after years of exposure, making proper ventilation and protective equipment essential throughout Pennsylvania’s manufacturing facilities.

Construction Accidents

Construction remains Pennsylvania’s most hazardous employment sector by many measures, with fatality rates consistently exceeding national averages. Falls from heights represent the single greatest danger, accounting for approximately one-third of all construction fatalities in the state. These incidents occur most frequently on roofing projects, scaffolding, and unprotected edges where proper fall protection is either absent or improperly utilized.

Beyond falls, construction workers face substantial risks from struck-by incidents involving heavy equipment, falling materials, and moving vehicles on congested job sites. Electrocution presents another serious hazard, particularly for electricians and laborers working near power lines or with improperly grounded equipment. Crushing injuries, often resulting from trench collapses or caught-between scenarios with heavy machinery, round out what OSHA identifies as the “Fatal Four” causes of construction deaths.

The physical consequences of construction accidents can be devastating and life-altering. Traumatic brain injuries may result from even relatively short falls, while spinal injuries can cause permanent disability. Burns from electrical contacts, chemical exposures, or hot materials frequently require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Many construction workers also develop chronic musculoskeletal conditions from the physically demanding nature of their work, with back injuries representing the most common reason for lost work time in the industry.

Healthcare and Social Assistance

Healthcare facilities present surprisingly hazardous work environments, with injury rates nearly double that of general private industry. Patient handling represents the primary cause of healthcare worker injuries in Pennsylvania, with nurses and nursing assistants particularly vulnerable to back injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders. The physical demands of lifting, transferring, and repositioning patients—often in awkward positions or confined spaces—create significant ergonomic challenges that mechanical lifting devices have only partially addressed.

Workplace violence has emerged as another serious concern for Pennsylvania healthcare workers. Emergency departments, psychiatric units, and long-term care facilities report increasing incidents of verbal and physical aggression toward staff. These events often result in both bodily injuries and psychological trauma, contributing to burnout and staff turnover within the healthcare system.

Healthcare workers also face unique biological hazards through potential exposure to infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens. Despite safety protocols, needlestick injuries continue to occur with concerning frequency, creating anxiety about possible transmission of serious illnesses. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated many of these existing hazards, with healthcare workers experiencing unprecedented levels of physical and mental health impacts.

Transportation and Logistics

Transportation incidents remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Pennsylvania, with commercial drivers facing numerous hazards both on and off the road. Highway accidents represent the most obvious risk, but the profession carries many additional hazards contributing to its high injury rates. Loading and unloading activities frequently result in back injuries and shoulder strains, while slips and falls during vehicle entry/exit cause numerous injuries annually.

Driver fatigue represents a particularly insidious danger in the transportation industry. Long hours, irregular schedules, and delivery pressures can impair reaction time and decision-making capabilities, increasing accident risk. Despite regulations governing hours of service, many drivers report feeling pressure to meet demanding schedules even when fatigued. The physical toll of prolonged sitting, whole-body vibration, and repetitive motions also contributes to chronic health issues for many transportation workers.

Weather conditions pose additional challenges for Pennsylvania’s transportation sector, with winter driving conditions creating heightened risks during significant portions of the year. Delivery personnel face particular challenges during adverse weather, with slip and fall incidents on customer properties representing a substantial injury source.

Mining and Natural Resource Extraction

While employing a smaller workforce than other industries covered here, Pennsylvania’s mining sector continues to experience among the highest rates of severe injuries. The inherent dangers of underground mining include roof falls and wall collapses that can cause catastrophic crushing injuries. Equipment-related accidents involving continuous mining machines, conveyor systems, and haulage vehicles contribute significantly to the industry’s injury statistics.

Respiratory hazards represent another serious concern for Pennsylvania miners. Despite regulatory efforts, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease) continues to affect workers with long-term dust exposure. Other respiratory irritants and potentially toxic gases present additional health risks that require continuous monitoring and protective measures.

Get a free case review of your workers’ comp claim today.

Call Now

Third-Party Claims After a Workplace Accident in PA

Workers’ comp insurance allows you to collect compensation for work-related injuries without filing a lawsuit against your employer. However, there are certain situations where you can bring a claim against a third party. A third-party claim is an action against another person or entity responsible for your injury. For example, if a faulty piece of machinery resulted in an accident, you may have cause to bring a claim against the machine’s manufacturer. Even if you receive workers’ compensation benefits, you may pursue a third-party claim in addition to your existing comp claim.

At Munley Law, we have represented numerous workers whose job-related injuries involved negligent third parties. For example, we handled the third-party claim for a woman who was seriously hurt in a forklift accident and secured a $12 million settlement.

Contact a Munley Law workers’ comp attorney to learn more about your legal options. We will explore every avenue to make sure you get the maximum recovery.

Can I Sue My Employer for a Work Injury?

Workers’ compensation insurance exists to compensate injured workers without a lawsuit. This means you can get the money you need fast and do not have the same burden of proof as personal injury cases. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault statute. You do not need to prove that your employer was negligent, only that you sustained the injury while performing your job. Because workers’ compensation insurance exists, employees cannot sue their employers for a work injury.

What to Do After a Work Accident in Pennsylvania

When you’re injured at work in Pennsylvania and plan to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, it’s essential to know what to do after you’re hurt at work:

Report the Work-Related Injury Immediately: Inform your supervisor or employer about the injury as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Request an incident report and ensure it accurately documents the details of the injury. Obtain a statement from any witnesses who were present for the incident. You must provide your employer with official (written) notice of your injury within 120 days of the incident, or risk your claim being invalid.

Seek Medical Attention: Obtain prompt medical care for your injury from an approved healthcare provider under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Your employer cannot tell you which doctor you must go to; your employer must provide you with a list of at least three doctors to choose from. You must treat with that doctor for 90 days. After 90 days have passed, you can treat with any doctor of your choosing. Follow the prescribed treatment plan and attend all medical appointments.

Document and Preserve Evidence: Keep a detailed record of the incident, including date, time, location, and witnesses present. Take photographs of the accident scene if possible and any visible injuries. Retain copies of medical records, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and receipts for all related expenses.

Complete the Workers’ Compensation Claim Forms: Obtain the necessary claim forms from your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Fill out the forms accurately, providing detailed information about the injury and its impact on your ability to work.

Submit the Claim Forms: Submit the completed claim forms to your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance carrier within the designated timeframe. Keep copies of all documents for your records. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documentation from the workers’ compensation claims administrator. Provide all necessary medical records, statements, and other requested materials to support your claim.

Attend Independent Medical Examinations (IME): If requested by the insurance carrier, attend scheduled IMEs with physicians selected by the insurance company. Cooperate and provide accurate information during the examination while ensuring your rights are protected.

Consult with an experienced PA Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Munley Law: An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will help to navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and maximize your benefits.

Do I Need to Prove Who is at Fault for the Workplace Accident?

No, you do not need to prove who was at fault to receive workers’ compensation benefits. One of the foundational principles of the workers’ compensation system in Pennsylvania is that it is a no-fault system. To qualify for benefits, an employee does not need to prove that their employer did something wrong or was negligent in causing the injury or illness. Likewise, with few exceptions, an employee’s negligence does not disqualify them from receiving benefits unless the injury was self-inflicted, involved illegal drug or alcohol use, or occurred during the commission of a crime.

The main criteria for receiving workers’ compensation benefits are that the injury or illness must be work-related, meaning it happened while you were doing something on behalf of your employer or during your employment. You must meet the state’s deadlines for reporting the injury and filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide a swift and certain source of benefits to injured workers, including medical care, wage replacement for time off work due to the injury, and compensation for permanent impairment, without requiring a lengthy and uncertain legal process to determine fault. This system also benefits employers by providing a degree of legal immunity from most injury lawsuits by employees. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation Claims in PA

Does Workers’ Comp in PA Cover My Injuries?

The workers’ compensation system covers most workers injured while on the job in Pennsylvania. However, there are a few types of workers not covered by Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp. Some exemptions include federal employees and railroad workers, who fall under the federal workers’ compensation system, seasonal workers, and independent contractors.

Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in PA?

There are some pros and cons of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in PA. But if you are having any issues with your comp benefits, such as your employer forcing you back to work earlier, or you are scheduled for a hearing, it’s best to speak with an experienced PA workers’ compensation attorney from Munley Law.

What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?

In some cases, the workers’ comp claims process is simple: your claim is approved, you receive your benefits promptly, and you continue receiving payments for as long as you require them. However, this is not always the case.

You still have options if you receive notice that your workers’ comp claim has been denied. It is not uncommon for a workers’ compensation claim to be dismissed at first. There are several reasons the insurance company may try to deny a legitimate claim, such as:

• The insurance company believes the accident did not happen while you were working
• There is a pre-existing condition
• You did not report the accident or seek medical treatment immediately
• There is a lack of medical evidence to support your claim
• Clerical errors or a deadline was missed

Whatever the reason, if you were injured while on the job in Pennsylvania, you have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Contact a Pennsylvania workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible to start the appeals process and get the benefits you deserve.

What if My Pennsylvania Workman’s Comp Claim is Delayed?

When an employer or insurance company delays the workers’ comp claim, an injured worker may be eligible to file a penalty petition. Actions that may warrant a penalty petition can include:

• Delaying payment to a claimant without cause
• Terminating benefits unjustly
• Denying a claim due to an improper investigation of the work injury
• Failing to notify the injured worker within 21 days that the claim is denied
• Failing to pay medical bills

A workers’ compensation attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can file a penalty petition on your behalf. Injured workers who file a penalty petition may be eligible for an award of up to 50 percent of the past-due amount owed, plus interest and attorney fees.

Let a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Munley Law Help

If workers’ comp denies your claim, you should seek a work injury lawyer immediately. Our dedicated team of workers’ compensation lawyers will help you get the benefits you deserve.

Our workers’ comp lawyers understand that the aftermath of a work-related accident can be a difficult time in your life. We are here to help. Contact us now for a FREE case evaluation for your workers’ compensation case. Call, email, or chat online. A work accident injury team member will get back to you immediately.