When your livelihood is at stake, you need an Allentown workers’ compensation lawyer with a proven record of winning maximum settlements. For over 65 years, Munley Law has been helping injured workers throughout the Lehigh Valley recover the benefits needed to cover medical bills and lost wages.
Our legal team knows every tactic insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. We’ve helped thousands of workers like you, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you today. At Munley Law, we don’t just handle your case – we fight relentlessly to maximize your benefits.
Don’t wait another day. Get a free consultation with our experienced workplace injury attorneys. Call now, chat live, or fill out our contact form. Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. Hablamos Español.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
According to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides benefits for medical care following a work-related injury or illness. These benefits will also provide lost wages if you cannot return to work because of job-related injuries.
Any injury or disease occurring while carrying out your duties is considered work-related. The injury or illness doesn’t have to happen on the employer’s premises to be covered, but it must occur while you’re working during the accident.
Some examples of covered injuries include:
- An incident at work that caused the injury, such as a slip and fall
- Repetitive actions that could result in a disability (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
- A pre-existing condition that the job has aggravated
- A work-related disability that recurs, causing a later ailment, such as a back injury
Benefits are available for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees regardless of who is at fault for your accident.
Speak with an Allentown workers’ compensation lawyer near me.
When to Hire a Work Injury Attorney in Allentown for Your Claim
It’s a fact – you are more likely to secure your benefits with expert legal guidance. If any of the following circumstances reflect your current situation, consider reaching out to our team for a free case evaluation:
- Underlying conditions: If you have serious underlying health conditions, employers and insurance companies can use that to deny benefits. They may claim that your pre-existing condition caused the current injury or illness.
- Employer won’t accept liability: If your employer disagrees that your injury occurred in the workplace or was due to anything related to your job duties, they may deny your claim.
- Disagreement on returning to work: Your employer may disagree with you about when you can return to work following an injury and refuse to pay compensation for loss of wages.
- Permanent disabilities: If the injury you sustained at work causes permanent disabilities, your employer may fight harder to deny compensation to reduce their costs.
- Employer retaliation: If you filed a compensation claim and suspect your employer is retaliating against you, seek legal help immediately. Employers cannot demote, reduce hours, harass, or terminate you for filing a claim.
- Questionable coverage areas: The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act may not cover federal employees, volunteers, or independent contractors.
- Insurance issues: If your employer failed to acquire or allow workers’ compensation insurance to lapse, our legal team can ensure you can still collect benefits through the Uninsured Employer Guaranty Fund.
Why Choose Munley Law as Your Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Allentown
While many firms claim to handle workplace injury claims, few match Munley Law’s specialized expertise and proven track record. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Specialized Certification: Our legal team includes attorneys certified in workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association—a prestigious distinction held by only a select few lawyers in the Lehigh Valley. This certification represents our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of knowledge and ethical practice in workers’ compensation cases.
- Decades of Focused Experience: For over 65 years, we’ve helped thousands of injured workers throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley secure the benefits they deserve. This long-standing history means we’ve encountered virtually every type of workplace injury case and developed effective strategies for each.
- A Personal Approach: At Munley Law, we don’t see cases—we see people. We treat each client like family, taking the time to understand how your injury has affected your life, work, and future. Our attorneys provide personalized attention and remain accessible throughout your case.
- Results That Speak Volumes: Our record of successful settlements and awards for injured workers is a testament to our effectiveness. We’ve helped clients secure immediate benefits and long-term compensation that accounts for ongoing medical needs and career impacts.
- No Recovery, No Fee: We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we successfully recover benefits for you. This approach allows anyone to access top-quality legal representation regardless of financial circumstances.
Industry-Specific Expertise for Allentown Workers
As the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, Allentown boasts a diverse workforce. The largest employment sectors include trade and transportation, with major distribution centers spread across the city and along Interstate 78. Leading the employment landscape is the healthcare industry, with the Lehigh Valley Health Network alone employing more than 8,000 workers across its facilities.
This industrial diversity means local workers face unique workplace risks—from repetitive stress injuries in manufacturing to lifting injuries in healthcare and transportation accidents in logistics. It’s important to hire a workers’ comp attorney in the Lehigh Valley who understands the complexities you may be facing because of the workplace injury.
Don’t risk losing the benefits you’re entitled to by attempting to navigate the complex workers’ compensation system alone. Many injured workers who don’t seek legal counsel receive significantly less compensation than they deserve—or worse, have their claims wrongfully denied.
Contact our Lehigh Valley workplace injury team today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your case.
Contact our Allentown workers’ comp lawyer now.
What Should I Do After a Workplace Injury in Allentown?
Your first step after a workplace injury is seeking immediate medical attention. Even if you think the injury is minor, you won’t know its full extent until examined by a physician. Plus, medical documentation establishes that your injury resulted from a work incident.
Once you receive medical treatment, follow these steps to secure your claim:
- Notify your supervisor or employer immediately about the injury. Provide the date, time, location of the accident, and how you were injured. You have up to 21 days to report the injury.
- Your employer will complete the paperwork for your claim. First, a First Report of Injury form will be submitted to the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation; then, a claim will be filed with the insurance company. You may need to visit a doctor approved by the insurance company within the first 90 days.
- The insurance carrier has 21 days to take action on the claim. After this period, they’ll notify you whether your claim was approved, denied, or temporarily approved pending further investigation. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
- If the report is not filed within 120 days of the incident that caused the injury, then you will not be eligible to receive benefits for your loss.
It is important to speak with a skilled Allentown workers’ comp attorney before talking to the insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced workers’ comp attorney in Lehigh County can negotiate with the insurance adjuster to protect your interests.
What Proof Is Needed to Show My Injury Is Work-Related?
You must prove that you are an eligible employee, that your loss of use of your body part is at least 50%, and that your injury occurred on the job site or off-site while working. You may also need to prove that you were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. Proving each of these can be challenging if your employer or their workers’ comp insurance company tries to show that some of this is not true. An experienced Allentown workers’ compensation lawyer can help prove you are entitled to compensation.
Types of Compensation Benefits in Lehigh County
Depending on your injury, you may qualify for different types of benefits:
- Medical Benefits: Coverage for your treatment costs
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you will need these benefits. After 104 weeks, you may need an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) to continue receiving these benefits.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): For those with a permanent disability who can still return to work. These benefits last up to 500 weeks.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): For catastrophic injuries that prevent you from working again. Contact a legal professional immediately in these cases.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Assistance in training for alternative employment
- Specific Loss: Compensation for amputation or loss of use of a body part, including paralysis or vision loss
- Disfigurement: Additional benefits for scarring, burns, or other permanent visible damage
- Death Benefits: Support for families who have lost a loved one to a work-related accident
Contact Our Allentown Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Today.
Why Would My Workers’ Comp Benefits Be Denied in Allentown, PA?
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to benefit employees who suffer injuries on the job. Regrettably, your employer or its workers’ compensation insurance company may wrongly deny your claim, stating that:
- the injury isn’t covered by the employer’s workers’ comp insurance coverage,
- the injury causing the loss or loss of use happened outside of work or
- the worker was using alcohol or drugs while at work.
In addition to these unfair reasons for denying your claim, your employer may have valid reasons for rejecting your claim, such as the incident report contains inaccurate information or the report was filed more than 120 days after the accident.
You can appeal a workers’ compensation denial. Unfortunately, the appeals process can be frustrating and complicated, which you don’t want to deal with while recovering from your injury. An Allentown workers’ compensation attorney who knows Pennsylvania work comp law will handle the appeal process on your behalf so you can focus on feeling better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Compensation in Allentown, PA
How Long Do Work Comp Benefits Last?
Pennsylvania law states you can receive benefits for up to 500 weeks if partially disabled. However, permanent disability may entitle you to lifetime benefits. Consult with our team to understand your rights and maximize your benefits.
Can I Receive a Settlement For My Workers Comp?
Workers’ compensation settlement offers may come at any point in the process. Before accepting, consult with a qualified legal professional who can evaluate whether the offer adequately compensates you for injuries and future medical expenses. Our team can negotiate with the insurance company to potentially increase your settlement amount.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The duration varies depending on case specifics. Typically, cases take 6-12 months to complete. Complex cases involving loss of function may take longer. The timeline depends on how quickly your claim is approved and whether there are complications.
What Are the Rules for Light Duty?
Light duty work is a temporary assignment for injured employees who cannot perform regular duties. These assignments accommodate physical limitations during recovery. If cleared for light duty, you must return to work if your employer can accommodate your restrictions.
Can I Sue My Employer?
No, you cannot sue your employer directly after a workplace injury. However, if a third party (like an equipment manufacturer) contributed to your accident, you may file a separate personal injury claim against that party.
Are My Benefits Taxable?
Under Pennsylvania law, workers’ compensation benefits are tax-free. However, income sources like Social Security Disability Insurance or settlement awards might affect the tax status.
Contact Our Workplace Injury Team Today
If you’ve been injured at work in Allentown or anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, contact Munley Law today for a free case evaluation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you navigate the legal process. With 65 years of experience in personal injury claims and certification in workers’ compensation from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, we have the expertise to fight for you.
Chat live, fill out our contact form, or call to arrange a free consultation. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
609 Hamilton St
Allentown, PA 18101
(610) 857-7424
