Scranton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Scranton Personal Injury Lawyer / Scranton Workers' Compensation Lawyer

A Scranton workers’ compensation attorney can provide essential support if you encounter difficulties with your workplace injury. Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to cover medical treatment and lost wages following an on-the-job accident. Although Pennsylvania law requires coverage for all employees injured, companies frequently delay or deny workers’ compensation claims. If you are facing an issue with your injury claim, the workers’ compensation lawyers at Munley Law can advocate for you. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Scranton today to schedule a free consultation.

When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Law Firm

You should hire our workers’ compensation law firm as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation laws are incredibly complicated to understand. It can be straightforward for an employer’s insurance company to deny a claim, leaving you without the benefits you need to recover from your injury after a work-related accident. That’s why it’s always important to review our workers’ comp FAQs and speak with an experienced practitioner to 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 sit down with you and examine your accident, determine the appropriate legal recourse in the future, and present you with options for proceeding. If your workers’ compensation filing has been denied, our firm will represent you and help you file with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. We’ll ensure you get the benefits you need to recover from your work injury.

Why Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Munley Law?

Although many law firms say they handle workers’ compensation claims, finding a firm with the same experience and prestige as Munley Law in Scranton is challenging.

Our team consists of certified specialists in workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association—a prestigious credential authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and held by only about 200 lawyers statewide. The attorneys have dedicated over five years to workers’ compensation law, with at least 50% of their practice focused exclusively on this specialized field.

The injury lawyers at Munley Law maintain their expertise through Mandatory Continuing Legal Education in workers’ compensation law. They have demonstrated their comprehensive knowledge by passing the rigorous certification examination, which covers Scranton workers’ compensation law, rules, and leading case law. As part of Munley Law, our injury lawyers have secured millions of dollars for injury victims throughout Northeastern PA.

Their exceptional advocacy has earned them recognition among the Top 25 Trial Lawyers in PA, Best Lawyers in America, and membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates group. Our team treats each client like family while leveraging our specialized expertise to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve. Contact our worker injury lawyers today to benefit from our team’s expertise and commitment to helping you secure the full compensation you are entitled to 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 annual report further states that the number of injuries by industry reported in the Commonwealth during that year includes industries that are located in Lackawanna County — manufacturing, construction, trade and transportation, and education and health services.

Because warehouse staff often suffer overexertion injuries, our guide for insurance claims explains how to document lifting or pulling incidents properly. Sprains and strains are other common injuries among those working in the Electric City healthcare industry, such as Geisinger, Commonwealth Health, and the Lehigh Valley Health Network.

When these injuries occur, employees typically receive only two-thirds of their salary during recovery periods, which can create significant financial hardship for families. Having experienced legal representation is essential to navigating the complex workers’ compensation system and securing the full benefits you deserve. The certified attorneys at our law firm understand these local industry risks and have decades of experience helping injured Scranton residents recover the compensation they need to support their families during recovery.

How Scranton Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Calculate Your Settlement

Several factors shape a settlement, and our Scranton catastrophic injury attorneys can quantify how surgery, rehabilitation, and wage loss interact. All cases are different, but these common factors could determine your coverage:

• The type and severity of injury you may have. For example, a herniated disc that will require surgery may be worth more than a sprained wrist.
• Current and future medical expenses. If your injury will require extensive medical bills, such as surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments, you can expect a higher settlement amount.
• Your wages. The higher your average weekly wage, the higher your settlement value may be. The workers’ compensation rates provide two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a maximum amount, which changes every year. As of January 1, 2024, the maximum amount is $1,325 weekly.
• Specific loss. If you lost the use of a body part, you could receive specific loss benefits. For example, if you suffer an amputation of your hand, you would get an additional amount of weekly benefits for the injury, up to 335 weeks.

Speak with a Scranton workers’ compensation lawyer near me.

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Workers’ Compensation Benefits 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 of coverage that our Scranton workers’ compensation lawyers can help you receive include, but are not limited to:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits often bridge the gap for those seeking construction accident litigation help while they heal. However, after 104 weeks on TTD, the insurer may require you to undergo an Impairment Rating Evaluation to determine if you are still eligible for TTD or partial disability.
• Temporary Partial Disability Benefits: If, after the evaluation, you are less than 50 percent whole-body impaired or cleared for light-duty, you may qualify for partial disability. Should the light-duty job pay less than your old position, you are entitled to two-thirds of the pay difference based on your average weekly wage up to the maximum pay rate you previously earned.
• Permanent Total Disability Benefits: If the doctor determines your condition will not improve, preventing you from returning, you could receive permanent total disability wages. 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 the doctor says you have a partial disability that will not improve, you may receive two-thirds of your current and pre-injury wages for a maximum of 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 only collect specific loss benefits for a specific amount of time, so consult with a workers’ comp lawyer to learn what you may 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 are out of employment for more than seven days because of the injury, you may receive approximately two-thirds of your salary.
• Death Benefits: If a loved one dies due to their injuries, the family can recover death benefits within 300 weeks of the injury and reimbursement for funeral expenses.

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. 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 are delayed, immediate reporting mirrors the protocol followed in serious truck collision cases and protects your claim. Not only will this prevent other employees from getting into a workplace accident, but the accident is already on record if an injury does occur within the next couple of days.

Your employer must post the contact information of the company’s workers’ compensation carrier, its 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 you lose your rights to workers’ comp.

Document Your Work Injury

Go to the doctor immediately after the accident to get checked out. That way, there is a medical record that shows how your injuries were caused by the accident, the medical treatment plan you are expected to follow, and any additional follow-up for your treatment. It’s important 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 may be in your best interest to keep a journal during this time that records doctor visits and any pain or other issues you may be experiencing following the accident.

Find a Scranton Workman’s Comp Attorney

There may be issues down the road with your workers’ comp claim. Or you just have questions about the whole process. Whatever the case, it’s best to find an experienced workman’s compensation lawyer to answer your questions and help you with your claim.

Call Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Scranton

Have a question about your workers’ comp petition? We answer our most common client questions about workers’ compensation benefits, the process, and what to expect when working with our experienced workers’ comp attorneys in Scranton, PA.

What Is the 90-Day Rule for Workers’ Compensation?

The 90-day rule states that an injured worker must seek treatment for their injury or illness with one of the healthcare providers selected 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?

Our workers’ comp attorneys operate on a contingency fee. A contingency fee is a common arrangement used to receive a percentage of their client’s monetary amount when they win or settle the case. In a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer only receives compensation if we have successfully represented our client. The amount we receive is contingent upon what we win for you.

How Long Does it Take to Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits?

As long as a workers’ compensation claim is accepted by the insurance company, your workers’ comp benefits should begin within 28 days of the date of your injury.

However, if the filing is denied or a decision is not made within 21 days of your injury, you should seek the services of 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?

Generally, if the injury or disease is ruled compensable, a worker is entitled to about two-thirds of their total salary if recovery lasts longer than seven calendar days. There is no maximum payment period. Payments are made for the entire duration of the disability and are tax-free. The employee is entitled to workers’ comp payments until they have medically recovered with no restrictions established by a workers’ compensation judge’s decision.

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Long-Term Conditions and Illnesses?

Workers comp eligibility is limited to occupational disease and injury, but certain restrictions exist. The workman’s comp program will cover you in the case of an accident, injuries sustained due to long-term stress, illnesses developed due to the job conditions, or an injury occurring on the job.

Speak with a qualified workers’ compensation advocate in Scranton for free if you have any questions.

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover all Scranton Employees?

Yes. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides workers’ comp coverage for all employees as a general rule. There are a few exceptions.

According to the PA Department of Labor and Industry, “workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory for most employers under state law. Employers who do not have workers’ comp coverage may be subject to a lawsuit by victims and to criminal prosecution by the Commonwealth.

Do All Workers’ Compensation Cases End in a Settlement?

Most workers’ compensation suits will end with a settlement that works best for both the employee and the employer’s insurance company. Still, there are many instances where no agreed-upon settlement can be reached, and the case ends up in court.

To ensure you receive maximum compensation or the dedicated representation in the case of a trial, you should have an experienced litigator by your side.

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. Insurance companies often resist paying your benefits, claiming your injury was not work-related. Even a clerical mistake can result in the denial of your payment.

You have up to three years to file an appeal with the state Workers’ Compensation Bureau. Your work injury lawyer will request a hearing with the workers’ compensation judge. 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.

Our experienced Scranton workers’ comp attorneys are here to help.

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What Is a Third-Party Claim in Workplace Injury Cases?

In some cases, you may be able to pursue a third-party suit 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 driving as part of your employment duties and were in a crash, you could bring a lawsuit against the negligent driver and collect workers’ comp through your employer’s insurance company. It can be challenging to navigate a third-party claim independently, so contact a Scranton injury attorney with experience in workers’ compensation.

What if I Was Fired After Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

An employer cannot legally fire you for filing a workers’ compensation suit. Employers may give another reason for firing you, but if you think it could be related to a workers’ compensation claim, you should call an attorney as soon as possible to take further action to restore your benefits.

However, depending on your age and physical condition, a company may ask you to retire if you receive workers’ comp. Retirement should not affect the amount you receive under workers’ comp; however, there are instances where a worker may see a reduction upon retirement. If you plan to retire, know your plan’s details before signing anything.

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 would be advisable to have a workers’ compensation lawyer, as you will have to attend a series of 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. You may need surgery and rehabilitation. Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer at Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.

Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on June 12, 2025.