Hazleton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Under federal law, employers must provide a work environment free of known health and safety hazards. A workplace injury can be devastating to an individual and their loved ones. In addition to physical pain, you may experience significant financial strains due to lost wages and mounting medical expenses. Workers’ compensation is supposed to cover these costs, but what if your claim is denied?

The Hazleton workers’ compensation lawyers at Munley Law help injured workers in Hazleton get the compensation they deserve. If you suffered an injury in a workplace accident and have problems with your workers’ comp claim, contact our Hazleton workers’ comp lawyer for a free consultation. Chat live, email us, or call today.

Do I Need a Hazleton Workers’ Comp Attorney?

When you’ve been injured on the job in Hazleton, finding your way through the workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming. While not every workplace injury requires legal representation, many situations can benefit from the expertise of a local workers’ compensation attorney near you.

You should consider hiring our Hazleton personal injury attorneys for the following situations:

• Your claim has been denied. Insurance companies frequently deny legitimate work injury claims, hoping workers won’t appeal. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers know how to challenge these denials effectively.
• You’re receiving inadequate benefits. Even when claims are accepted, many injured workers receive less compensation than they deserve. Our work injury lawyers ensure you get the full benefits you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
• Your injury is severe or permanent. Serious injuries that result in permanent disability or significant time away from work require skilled legal advocacy to secure appropriate long-term benefits.
• You’re facing retaliation because you filed a workers’ comp claim. We can protect your rights and hold employers accountable if you’ve experienced negative consequences because you filed a workers’ compensation claim.
• Your employer disputes your claim. When employers argue that your injuries occurred outside of work or question the severity of your condition, our legal team will fight to validate your claim.
• You’re receiving other government benefits. If you’re also receiving Social Security Disability or other benefits, coordination is critical to maximize your total compensation.
• You have questions about the workers’ compensation process. The system is complex, with strict deadlines and specific procedures. Our attorneys provide clear guidance tailored to your situation.

At Munley Law, our workers’ compensation attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers in Hazleton and throughout Luzerne County. We understand the local system, know the judges, and have the resources to build the strongest possible case for your benefits.

Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Contact Munley Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced Hazleton workers’ compensation attorneys will evaluate your case and help you understand your rights and options. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

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The Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits Available to Hazleton Workers

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Hazleton’s manufacturing plants, warehouses, or food processing facilities, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits, such as:

• Medical Coverage – Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must cover all necessary medical expenses resulting from your workplace accident. This includes emergency treatment at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, appointments with specialists, surgical procedures, physical therapy at Hazleton rehabilitation centers, prescription medications, and medical equipment needed during recovery.
• Wage Replacement – Hazleton workers who miss work due to workplace injuries can receive approximately two-thirds of their average weekly wages through workers’ compensation.
• Specific Loss Benefits – With manufacturing as one of the largest employment industries in Hazleton, it’s no surprise that workers face risks that can result in permanent injuries. If you’ve suffered disfigurement or lost the use of a body part while working, you may qualify for specific loss payments, regardless of whether you return to work.
• Disability Compensation – Whether your disability is temporary or permanent after a workplace injury, you’re entitled to disability benefits. The amount and duration depend on your medical assessment and ability to return to work in any capacity.
• Death Benefits – Families who have lost loved ones to fatal workplace accidents in Hazleton can receive death benefits, including funeral expense coverage and ongoing financial support for dependents.
• Social Security Disability – Many injured workers in Hazleton may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in addition to workers’ compensation, particularly for severe injuries common in manufacturing and warehousing operations.

You should receive your benefits within approximately three weeks after reporting your injury to your employer. Your specific compensation amount depends on whether you have a total or partial disability, with total disability benefits generally equaling about two-thirds of your weekly earnings.

Remember that Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis. This means that even if you were partially responsible for your accident at a Hazleton workplace, you’re still entitled to benefits. However, this also means you cannot sue your employer for additional pain and suffering damages outside the workers’ compensation system. However, if someone else caused your injury, you may be able to file a third party claim. Contact Munley Law’s experienced Hazleton workers’ compensation attorneys today to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to after a workplace injury.

What Happens When My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied in Hazleton?

Many injured workers in Hazleton rely on workers’ compensation to pay their expenses following a workplace accident. Unfortunately, when the insurance company denies your claim, you may not know how you will pay your bills while recovering.

There are some common reasons why a workers’ comp claim is denied, including:

• There was a mistake made when filling out the paperwork. Even if you followed all the procedures in reporting your injuries, you might be denied because the employer or insurance carrier had missed a key detail or made a mistake in the paperwork.
• You did not report the injury in time. According to Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation lawyers, you have up to 120 days from the date of your injury to inform your employer of your injury. You cannot collect benefits if the accident is reported after 120 days.
• There were no witnesses to the accident. Of course, any proof of your accident can help strengthen your claim. But you should still report the accident and seek medical attention if there are no witnesses. A doctor can usually verify that your injuries were caused by a workplace accident.
• There’s an issue with the accident report or medical records. If your accident report differs from what injuries you sustained, the insurance company may deny the claim. For example, you claim in the report that you tripped over a power cord and fell, breaking your leg. However, the medical records show that you only sustained an ankle sprain. This discrepancy may cause the insurance carrier to deny your claim.
• You were doing something illegal at the time of the accident. For example, if you had alcohol or drugs in your system at the time of the accident, you would not be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In addition, if you start a fight while at work and are injured, your claim will be denied.

If your claim was denied for any of these reasons, contact our Hazleton workers’ compensation attorney immediately to start the appeal process.

There is no fee unless we win.

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What Are the Common Types of Work Accidents in Hazleton, PA?

Hazleton’s various workplace environments have unique safety challenges and injury risks. As Hazleton workers’ compensation attorneys, we’ve helped clients from all major industries in our region recover from work-related injuries.

The most common industries that have the most on-the-job accidents are:

• Manufacturing Injuries—The manufacturing sector represents one of the city’s largest employment categories. Local manufacturing facilities include food processing companies such as Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland, packing companies, and other various production facilities operating throughout the Humboldt Industrial Park and surrounding areas. Common manufacturing accidents include repetitive motion injuries, burns, toxic exposure from chemicals, and slips and falls.
• Warehouse Accidents – Warehouses are pretty typical in the Hazleton area, and unfortunately, they can pose a significant risk of injury for workers. Manual lifting, repetitive motion, heavy machinery operation, and forklift operation can all cause serious harm to workers.
• Heavy Machinery Accidents – Heavy machine accident dangers are real in Hazleton. Those operating heavy machinery in an industrial facility, a distribution center, or a construction site are always at risk of serious injury. Lack of equipment maintenance or proper safety procedures can lead to severe accidents.
• Forklift Accidents – Forklifts are widely used to stack and move materials in Hazleton’s warehouses, distribution centers, and construction sites. Faulty machinery, lack of safety devices, poor maintenance, overloading, improper training, or driver error can cause a forklift accident, leading to a severe injury.
• Transportation Accidents – Traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in this country and the cause of many work-related injuries for truck drivers, delivery drivers, and other transportation workers. In addition, workers operating large trucks, cranes, backhoes, and other vehicles on construction sites and other work areas are at risk of serious injury.
• Healthcare Worker Injuries – Nurses, aides, and other caregivers do physically demanding work involving heavy lifting, long hours, and other strenuous activities, resulting in injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Hazleton

Can I Change Jobs While on Workers’ Compensation?

If you get into an accident at work, you may consider changing jobs while on workers’ compensation. But is that possible without hurting your claim?

First, be aware that your former employer’s insurance company still has to pay for medical treatment if you quit your job while on workers’ comp. But if you quit your job before filing for workers’ compensation, it may be challenging to get the benefits. So, before leaving your job, it’s best to speak with our workers’ comp lawyer in Hazleton to learn your next steps.

Can I Lose My Job While on Workers’ Comp?

Those injured in a workplace accident often have the same concern: “Can I lose my job while on workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania?” And the answer is quite complicated.

Pennsylvania law states you cannot be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you are fired in retaliation for filing a claim, this is illegal, and you should speak with an attorney immediately.

However, Pennsylvania is an at-will state. This means that your employer can lay you off for any legal reason. So, for example, if your injury will affect your job, your employer may let you go.

If you lost your job after filing for workers’ compensation, speak with our Hazleton workers’ comp attorney to learn your legal options.

Can I Sue Workers’ Comp for Pain and Suffering?

According to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, an injured employee cannot collect damages for pain and suffering after a workplace accident. In addition, an employee cannot sue an employer after an accident. A worker may only collect workers’ comp benefits for medical expenses and lost wages.

However, there may be other legal options you can explore. For example, if you get into a car accident while on the job, you may be able to file a third-party claim against the other driver. The third-party claim will allow you to obtain pain and suffering. Contact our Hazleton workers’ compensation attorney for a free consultation to learn more about third-party claims.

What is Light Duty? Can I Refuse It?

When an employee is hurt at work and cannot work their regular job until they recover, their employer may offer light duty work. This type of work is usually less demanding and for fewer hours a day until you fully recover and return to your current position.

If your physician clears you for light duty work and the employer has made the appropriate arrangement that accommodates any restrictions your doctor sets, you should accept the offer. Turning it down could result in a loss of workers’ comp benefits.

If you are concerned about light duty work, call our injury attorneys for a free consultation.

Contact the Hazleton Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Munley Law Now

For more than 65 years, the workers’ comp attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have been protecting the rights of injured workers in Hazleton and across Luzerne County. With our decades of experience, we are here to help you. Contact our Hazleton office for a free consultation with our experienced workers’ comp lawyer. We will answer all your workers’ comp questions and advise you on your next steps. We are available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win your case.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

197 N Cedar St.
Hazleton, PA 18201
(570) 536-9498