At Munley Law, we answer all your Easton workers’ compensation FAQs to help injured workers understand how the workers’ compensation system works and how to secure the full benefits they deserve after a job-related accident or occupational illness.
For nearly seven decades, our Easton workers’ compensation lawyers have represented Pennsylvania workers and recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured employees and their families. Our attorneys hold leadership roles in national trial organizations and have earned recognition from Lawdragon and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting our long-standing commitment to protecting workers’ rights.
Workplace injuries can occur in any Easton industry – from healthcare and logistics to construction, manufacturing, transportation, and warehouse employment. Knowing what steps to take immediately after an injury and understanding how benefits are calculated can significantly affect the outcome of a claim.
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Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Should I Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury in Easton?
Report your injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible.
If your injury is severe, seek medical attention first. Follow up with your employer as soon as you are able. Per the PA Department of Labor & Industry, employees should report all injuries to their employer immediately. You should provide an injury report in writing, such as by email, and give details on the place, date, and time the accident occurred.
If you report an existing condition aggravated by working conditions or an occupational illness or disease, notify your employer as soon as you receive your official diagnosis from a licensed medical professional.
PA state law stipulates that an injured worker give notice within 21 days of the date of the injury in order to receive retroactive benefits unless the employer already has knowledge of the injury.
Notice given more than 120 days from the date of injury may result in the loss of workers’ compensation unless the employer already has knowledge of the injury.
How Do You File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?
The process for filing a workers’ compensation claim is outlined in five steps:
Step 1 – Report the Injury
In writing, report your work-related injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done within three weeks to receive retroactive wage benefits.
Step 2 – Complete the Required Claim Forms
Once you report your injury or illness to your employer, your employer will provide you with your claim form, which is to be filled out and returned to your employer.
This form will request all the details of the injury or illness, so be sure to document everything along the way.
Your employer should also provide you with a “report of injury” form, which will be submitted to the Pennsylvania State Workers’ Compensation Board.
Step 3 – Your Employer Reports Your Injury to the Insurer
Your employer will send the claim form to your workers’ compensation insurance carrier, and your doctor will submit an additional medical report.
Step 4 – The Insurance Company Makes a Decision
Once your claim is filed, it is up to the workers’ compensation insurance company to approve or deny your benefits.
Step 5 – Acceptance, Negotiation, or Appeal
The insurance company will either approve or deny your claim.
If your claim is approved by the insurance company:
If your claim is approved, the insurance company will inform your employer and contact you with benefit details. You and your Easton workers’ comp lawyer can now:
- Accept the employer’s workers’ comp insurance company’s benefits offer, which may cover the costs of medical expenses, disability benefits, and some of your lost wages, or you can
- Negotiate for a lump-sum settlement or a larger “structured” settlement.
If your claim is denied by the insurance company:
If your employer’s insurer denies your payments, you and your attorney can now either:
- Request a review for the insurance company to reconsider its decision, or
- File a formal appeal through the Pennsylvania state workers’ compensation board.
Do I Need to Hire an Easton Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Your workers’ comp case starts the second you report your injury or illness to your employer. Pennsylvania has strict guidelines and deadlines for filing your paperwork and reports. Your claim may be denied if the paperwork is not filled out properly.
Your Easton workers’ compensation attorney will make sure your forms are filled out completely and correctly; keep all of your claim deadlines; record, report, and process the medical evidence necessary to support your claim; help you find independent medical experts who can testify about your condition; help you determine the actual value of your worker’s compensation case; establish liability, including that of any third parties involved; advise you of your legal options; and help with potential settlement offers.
Munley Law has built a national reputation as a leader in personal injury law. Our attorneys are regularly asked to share their experience and wisdom at conferences throughout the U.S. Munley lawyers have served in leadership positions in prestigious legal organizations, including the American Association for Justice, the Litigation Counsel of America, the International Society of Barristers, and the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
We are routinely recognized by our peers and legal publications for our work in personal injury litigation, including Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, LawDragon, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys Partner James Christopher Munley was named “Workers’ Compensation Lawyer of the Year” in the Allentown Metro Area by the legal guide Best Lawyers.
You want an experienced workers’ compensation attorney from Munley Law when:
- You have been injured at work, and you need to file an initial claim for workers’ compensation
- You want to know how much you are entitled to
- Your workman’s comp claim has been denied by your employer’s insurance company
- Your medical benefits, including your prescription benefits, have been denied
- Your wage loss benefits have been denied
- You want to know about negotiating a settlement offer
- You want to talk about the option of receiving your compensation benefits in one lump payment
What Is Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Program and Who Must Carry Coverage?
The PA Workers’ Compensation Act was established in 1915 to protect Pennsylvania workers. Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that helps anyone suffering a work-related injury or illness cover lost wages and required medical treatment.
Workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory for most employers under Pennsylvania law. Employers who do not have workers’ compensation coverage may be subject to lawsuits by employees and criminal prosecution by the Commonwealth of PA.
Employers can obtain workers’ comp insurance through the State Workers’ Insurance Fund or purchase insurance through a licensed insurance carrier.
What Are My Rights If I’m Injured at Work in Easton?
Workers’ compensation insurance is provided by and paid for by the employer, and all workers in PA have the right to collect workers’ comp benefits if they are injured at work, aggravate an existing condition, or become ill from workplace conditions.
Workers’ comp coverage begins on the employee’s first day on the job. Injuries or diseases caused or aggravated by employment are covered under workers’ compensation, regardless of the worker’s previous physical condition.
You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of your status as a full-time or part-time employee.
If you are suffering a work-related injury or illness, call the experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Munley Law to learn more about your rights as an employee.
Do All Easton Workers’ Compensation Cases End in a Settlement?
Settlement agreements are a compromise between the injured worker and the employer’s insurance company. The majority of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation disputes are resolved through negotiated settlements approved by a workers’ compensation judge, helping injured workers receive compensation faster while limiting litigation risk.
“Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues our family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity. Three generations of Munleys have built this firm on one belief: that injured people deserve the same fierce advocacy that the powerful receive as a matter of course. That belief still drives everything we do.”
Caroline Munley
Can I Trust a Doctor Provided By My Employer?
Your treating medical professional’s report about your injury or illness is absolutely crucial to your workers’ comp claim.
According to the Pennsylvania State Department of Labor and Industry, “you are free to choose your own health care provider to treat your work injury unless the employer accepts your claim and has posted in your workplace a list of six or more physicians or health care providers. If your employer provides this list, also called a panel, you are required to visit a provider on the list for initial treatment. You are to continue treatment with that provider or another on the list for a period of 90 days following the first visit.”
You may see any provider on the provided list. Your employer cannot compel you to choose a particular doctor from this list.
If your employer’s listed medical provider prescribes surgery, you are entitled to seek a second opinion to be paid for by your employer/their worker’s compensation insurance company.
Once you begin receiving your workers’ comp benefits, your employer or their insurer has the right to ask you to see a doctor of their choice for examination. This is referred to as an independent medical examination (IME). If you refuse, the employer is entitled to request an order from the worker’s compensation judge requiring you to attend an examination with their chosen provider. Failure to attend may result in a suspension of your benefits.
Are All Employees Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
Pennsylvania law requires that all employers purchase workers’ comp insurance coverage. All employees in PA have the right to collect workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured during the course of their regular work functions or if they have become ill as a result of regular workplace duties.
Full-time, part-time, seasonal, and undocumented workers all have the legal right to workers’ comp benefits.
However, a few exceptions apply. Traditional workers’ compensation insurance may not cover business owners, volunteers, or independent contractors. Also, some employee categories generally have special workers’ compensation insurance, such as federal employees, railroad employees, and longshoremen.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Only My Medical Bills?
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act mandates these three primary types of benefits:
Medical Benefits
Medical coverage 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. Medical coverage includes doctor visits, medical tests, emergency room visits, prescription medicine, and medical equipment such as walkers, canes, braces, etc., and ongoing physical therapy.
Wage Loss (Disability) Benefits
If you are unable to work after an accident, you will receive a percentage of your wages, known as disability benefits. There are temporary and permanent benefits, depending on how long your occupational injury or illness prevents you from returning to work.
“Specific Loss” Benefits
You may be eligible for “specific loss” payments if your work injury resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, impaired use of a body part, or loss of a limb.
You may collect specific loss payments even if you do not miss any work as a result of your injury. You only need to be able to demonstrate that your injury happened during the course of your regular job duties.
Your experienced attorney in workers’ compensation law can answer any questions you have about specific loss or any other benefits.
Death Benefits
A fourth category of benefits is known as “death benefits” and is paid to the family of a worker who dies as a result of their workplace injury or disease.
If you have lost a loved one to a workplace injury or disease, you may be eligible to receive death benefits. As your Easton workers comp lawyer for a free case evaluation if you have lost a loved one to an accident or illness resulting from their regular work functions.
How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay?
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports the total cost of workplace injuries in 2023 was $176.5 billion. Workers’ compensation pays for medical bills and wage loss according to separate standards, which make up your total workers’ compensation benefits package.
Wage Loss Benefits
Compensation for lost wages is based on your average weekly pay rate, regardless of your status as a full- or part-time employee.
As of now, the PA weekly compensation rate for lost wage benefits amounts to two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage (AWW), and the maximum weekly rate for injuries sustained in 2026 is $1,394.00.
Lower-income workers may receive a higher percentage of their weekly wage – up to 90%. The 2026 rate is $697.00 for workers with an AWW between $774.44 and $1,045.50.
Medical Benefits
Your workers’ compensation benefits can vary based on a variety of factors. Ask your Munley Law workers’ comp attorney if you have questions about how much your claim is worth.
Can I be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Pennsylvania employers cannot legally terminate an employee in retaliation for filing a valid workers’ compensation claim. While employment may end for unrelated business reasons, retaliation can create grounds for additional legal action. An attorney can evaluate whether wrongful termination occurred.
Are Repetitive Stress Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Yes. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back strain, or occupational lung disease may qualify if caused or worsened by job duties. Medical documentation linking the condition to workplace exposure is critical.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Benefits?
In many cases, injured workers may qualify for both programs simultaneously. However, federal offset rules may adjust benefit amounts. Proper claim coordination helps maximize total compensation.
How Much Will an Easton Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cost?
Your consultation is always free, and there are no out-of-pocket expenses to hire a workers’ comp lawyer at Munley Law. We will not charge you anything until you receive your fair and just workers’ comp insurance benefits.
We are here to help.
Contact us now for a free case evaluation for your Easton workman’s compensation case. Call us, email, or chat online.
Caroline Munley
Caroline Munley is an experienced and award-winning personal injury lawyer and is a board-certified workers’ compensation specialist. Since 2018, she’s been listed in Best Lawyers in America (Personal Injury Plaintiffs; Workers’ Compensation Claimants, Northeastern PA), Lawdragon, and has been a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2022. A member of the International Society of Barristers, Caroline has won millions of dollars for car accident, commercial truck crash, and workplace injury victims.
