After a workplace injury, you need an experienced Scranton workers’ compensation lawyer to guide you through the complex process of pursuing the benefits you are entitled to. Since 1959, the award-winning board-certified attorneys at Munley Law have championed the rights of Pennsylvanians who’ve been injured at work or suffered work-related illnesses in Lackawanna County and further afield.
We’ve secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for clients, enabling them to cover their expenses, recover lost wages, and face the future with confidence. Our team includes a certified workers’ comp specialist attorney, lawyers who are members of the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum, an attorney who Best Lawyers named Lawyer of the Year for workers’ comp, and others who’ve received numerous accolades. Our injury lawyers in Scranton have also been honored by Martindale-Hubbell, Irish Legal 100, Lawdragon, Best Law Firms, the American Association for Justice, and other respected organizations.
Don’t face the confusing workers’ compensation system alone. Contact a workers’ comp attorney at Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Scranton, PA?
You should hire our workers’ compensation lawyers as soon as possible after being injured at work or developing a work-related illness in Scranton, PA. Workers’ compensation laws are incredibly complicated to understand. It can be easy for an employer’s insurance company to deny a claim, which can leave you without the benefits you need to recover from your work-related injury. That’s why talking to an expert is important, as it helps you understand your rights as a worker.
Our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers have the expertise to determine whether you are likely eligible for payment. We will meet with you to discuss your accident, determine the appropriate legal steps, and provide options for moving forward. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, our firm will assist you in filing with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and ensure you get the benefits you need to recover from your work injury.
Why Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Munley Law?
Many law firms claim to handle workers’ compensation claims. However, it is difficult to find a firm in Scranton with Munley Law’s experience and prestige.
Our team includes Caroline Munley, a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law. This certification is from the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation and is a respected credential given by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Only about 200 lawyers in the state hold this credential.
The Scranton work injury lawyers at Munley Law maintain their expertise through Mandatory Continuing Legal Education in workers’ compensation law. As part of Munley Law, our injury lawyers have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injury victims throughout Northeastern PA.
Their strong advocacy has earned them recognition as some of the top lawyers in PA. Best Lawyers named J. Christopher Munley Lawyer of the Year for Workers’ Compensation, while the National Trial Lawyers named all our partners among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania. Together with Robert Munley III and Marion Munley, Caroline is a member of the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum/Million Dollar Advocates Forum. She and Marion are also members of the International Society of Barristers and Litigation Counsel of America. In addition, Lawdragon named all our partners to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Our partners have also been named to the Irish Legal 100 list and hold Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent rating.
Our team treats every client like family. We use our specialized skills to make sure you get the most benefits you deserve. Contact our worker injury lawyers today. Our team is here to help you get the full compensation you deserve for your injury.
Workplace Injury Statistics for Scranton and Lackawanna County
According to the Department of Labor and Industry, 805 workers’ compensation claims were filed in Lackawanna County in 2023, an increase from 2022. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s 2024 annual report revealed that 1,629 work-related injuries and illnesses were reported in Lackawanna County that year. 588 of these injuries and illnesses occurred in education and health services, while 265 occurred in the trade and transportation industries.
Warehouse staff often suffer from overexertion, and sprains and strains are common in the Electric City healthcare industry. This includes places like Geisinger, Commonwealth Health, and the Lehigh Valley Health Network.
When these injuries happen, employees usually get only two-thirds of their salary while they recover. This can cause serious financial problems for families. Having experienced legal representation is essential to navigating the complex workers’ compensation system and securing the full benefits you deserve. The certified lawyers at Munley Law know the local risks. They have many years of experience helping injured people in Scranton. We help them get the money they need to support their families while they recover.
How Do Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Scranton Calculate Your Settlement?
Several factors affect a settlement. Our Scranton workers’ comp attorneys can explain how surgery, rehab, and lost wages work together. All cases are different, but these common factors could determine your coverage:
- The type and severity of your injury. For example, a herniated disc from a slip and fall that will require surgery may be worth more than a sprained wrist.
- Current and future medical expenses. If your injury requires extensive medical care, such as surgery or rehab, you can expect a larger settlement.
- Your wages. The higher your average weekly wage, the higher your settlement value may be. Workers’ compensation rates give you two-thirds of your average weekly wage. There is a maximum amount that changes each year. As of 2026, the maximum weekly amount is $1,394.
- Specific loss. If you lost the use of a body part, you could receive specific loss benefits. If you lose a hand, you will receive extra weekly benefits for the injury. This can last for up to 335 weeks.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Scranton, PA, will exhaust all possibilities when calculating the value of your claim.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Available to Injured Workers?
Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, injured victims may qualify for one or more benefits, including medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. The most common types of compensation benefits that our Scranton workers’ compensation lawyers can help you get include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): TTD benefits help people who need financial support while recovering from an injury. After 104 weeks on TTD, the insurer may ask you to have an Impairment Rating Evaluation. This will help decide if you still qualify for TTD or partial disability.
- Temporary Partial Disability Benefits: If you have less than 50 percent impairment, you might qualify for partial disability benefits. This also applies if you are cleared for light-duty work. If the light-duty job pays less than your old job, you can get two-thirds of the pay difference. This is based on your average weekly wage, up to the maximum pay rate you earned before.
- Permanent Total Disability Benefits: If the doctor determines that your condition will not improve and prevents you from returning to work, you could receive permanent total disability benefits. You will receive two-thirds of your average weekly salary at the time of your injury. This amount may change depending on whether you receive Social Security disability benefits.
- Permanent Partial Disability Benefits: If your doctor says you have a partial disability that won’t improve, you may receive two-thirds of your current wages. This also applies to your wages before the injury. This can last for up to 500 weeks.
- Specific Loss Benefits: If you have lost the use of a body part, you are eligible for specific loss benefits. Examples of injuries and bodily function loss include loss of limb, hearing loss, partial or complete blindness, and disfigurement. You can collect certain loss benefits for a limited time. Talk to a workers’ comp lawyer to determine what you qualify for.
- Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation covers any medical expenses you might have, treatment, or rehabilitation related to your workplace injuries. In the event of home modifications needed, this can also be used for those costs.
- Lost Wages: If you can’t work for more than seven days because of your injury, you might receive about two-thirds of your salary.
- Death Benefits: If a loved one dies from their injuries, the family can get death benefits within 300 weeks. They can also receive money for funeral costs.
How to File Workers’ Compensation Claims After a Workplace Accident in Scranton, PA
Filing for workers’ comp the right way following an accident is essential, as failing to follow the claims process may cause you to lose your benefits.
Follow these steps on what to do after an injury at work:
Report Your Accident to Your Supervisor
Even if symptoms show up later, report them right away. This follows the rules for severe truck collision cases and helps protect your claim. This will help keep other employees safe from accidents. If an injury occurs in the next few days, the accident will already be on record.
Your employer must display the contact information for the workers’ compensation carrier, including the administrator and the contact person. You will need this information when you submit the filing.
If you are injured, you must report your injury within 120 days of the accident. Failure to do so may mean losing your workers’ comp rights.
You should also be aware that, under 77 P.S. Workers’ Compensation § 602, the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ comp claim is three years from the date of the injury or the date of the diagnosis of your work-related illness.
Document Your Work Injury
Go to the doctor immediately after the accident to get checked out. This creates a medical record that shows how the accident caused your injuries. It also includes your treatment plan and any follow-up care you need. It’s essential to follow the treatment plan and all your appointments.
The doctor, not your boss or insurance company, will decide whether you should return or restrict your duties.
It might be helpful to keep a journal during this time. Write down your doctor’s visits and any pain or other issues you have after the accident.
Find a Scranton Workman’s Comp Attorney
There may be issues down the road with your workers’ comp claim, or you may have questions about the whole process. Whatever the case, it’s best to find an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to answer your questions and help you with your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Scranton
What Is the 90-Day Rule for Workers’ Compensation?
The 90-day rule requires an injured worker to receive treatment for their injury or illness. They must see a healthcare provider chosen by the workers’ compensation company for 90 days. After 90 days, the injured worker can receive treatment from a healthcare professional who may not be on the list.
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Cost?
A workers’ compensation attorney at Munley Law costs nothing initially. Our workers’ comp attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means our lawyer only receives compensation if we have successfully represented our client and recovered compensation. The amount we receive depends on what we win for you.
How Long Does it Take to Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits?
If the insurance company accepts your workers’ compensation claim, your benefits should start within 28 days of your injury.
If your filing is denied or no decision is made within 21 days of your injury, get help from a qualified workers’ comp lawyer. If legal action becomes necessary, resolving your case could take eight to twelve months. Once it is decided and if it’s accepted, you will receive retroactive payments.
How Much Does Workers’ Compensation Pay?
The amount of money workers’ compensation pays depends on the specific case. If the injury or disease is considered compensable, a worker can get about two-thirds of their salary. The employee can receive workers’ compensation payments until they fully recover. This is based on a decision by a workers’ compensation judge.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Long-Term Conditions and Illnesses?
Workers’ compensation covers occupational long-term conditions and illnesses, although certain restrictions exist. The workers’ compensation program will protect you if you have an accident. It also covers injuries from long-term stress. You are covered for illnesses caused by job conditions and for any injuries that happen at work.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover all Scranton Employees?
Yes, workers’ compensation covers all Scranton employees. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides workers’ compensation coverage for all employees, in general, though there are a few exceptions. There are a few exceptions, such as business owners, independent contractors, volunteers, and some employees with specialized workers’ comp insurance, like railroad workers or federal workers. The PA Department of Labor and Industry states that most employers must have workers’ compensation coverage by law.
Do All Workers’ Compensation Cases End in a Settlement?
Not all workers’ compensation cases end in a settlement, although most do. This settlement is beneficial for both the employee and the employer’s insurance. Still, there are many instances where no agreed-upon settlement can be reached, and the case ends up in court. To get the most compensation and strong support during a trial, you need an experienced lawyer with you.
What Can I Do If My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
If your workers’ comp is denied, your first step is to contact a workers ‘compensation attorney to file an appeal. Your work injury lawyer will request a hearing with the workers’ compensation judge, and if the judge denies your petition, you can appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board within 20 days. You can appeal to the Commonwealth Court if you still receive a denial.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Munley Law
What Is a Third-Party Claim in Workplace Injury Cases?
If you were injured due to a third party’s negligence while you were at work, you may be able to pursue a third-party lawsuit while also collecting workers’ compensation. A workers’ comp lawyer in Northeastern Pennsylvania can help you seek reparations from the at-fault third party. For example, if you were involved in an accident while driving for work, you could sue the careless driver and obtain workers’ compensation through your employer’s insurance.
Can I Be Fired For Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
No, an employer cannot legally fire you for filing a workers’ compensation suit. Employers might give a different reason for firing you. However, if you believe it relates to a workers’ compensation claim, contact an attorney immediately. They can help you take action to restore your benefits.
However, a company may ask you to retire if you get workers’ comp. This can depend on your age and health. Retirement should not change how much you get from workers’ comp. However, some workers may experience a decrease in benefits when they retire. If you plan to retire, familiarize yourself with your plan’s details before signing any documents.
What Should I Do if My Employer Refuses to File a Report for My Injury?
If your boss refuses to complete an injury report on your behalf, you can always file a lawsuit for your payments. It is a good idea to have a workers’ compensation lawyer. You will need to go to several hearings with a judge. It is best to have representation present in any legal proceeding.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Scranton Can Help
If you suffer an injury while performing your job duties, you may fear for your livelihood. A work accident can place you out of employment for an extended period, as you may need surgery and rehabilitation. Given the potential consequences, you deserve compensation. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer at Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.
Munley Law
227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 865-4699
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Caroline Munley
Caroline Munley 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.
