Scranton Workers Compensation Lawyer

A Scranton workers compensation lawyer can provide essential support if you encounter difficulties with your workplace injury claim. 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 workers injured on the job, insurance companies frequently delay or deny workers comp claims. If you are facing an issue with your work injury claim, the workers compensation attorneys at Munley Law can advocate for you to obtain the benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact our Scranton law office today to schedule a free consultation.

When to Hire a Workers Compensation Attorney in Scranton

You should hire our Scranton workers comp lawyer as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania 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 speak with an experienced lawyer to understand your rights as a worker and to have someone fight for you to get you the payment you deserve.

Our Scranton workers’ compensation attorneys have the expertise to determine whether you are likely eligible for payment. We will sit down with you and examine your accident, determine the best legal recourse in the future, and present you with options on how to proceed. If your compensation has been denied, we will represent you and help you file a claim 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 Munley Law to Handle My Workmen’s Comp Claim in Scranton?

Although many law firms say they handle workers’ comp claims, finding one with the same experience and prestige as Munley Law may be difficult. Our Scranton workers compensation attorney is board certified in workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association, one of the few lawyers in Scranton hold this certification. We have helped thousands of workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania receive their benefits after a workplace accident. We treat each client like family and work hard to get you the benefits you need to recover from your injury.

Failing to consult with an attorney following an on-the-job injury may result in not receiving the benefits you are qualified for, so reach out to our Scranton worker injury lawyers as soon as possible.

How Scranton Workers Compensation Attorneys Calculate Your Settlement

Several factors determine the settlement of a workers’ comp claim, including the type and severity of your injury, the medical expenses, the length of time you will be out of work, and the type of benefits you can receive. All workers’ compensation cases are different, but these common factors could determine how much you can receive for your workplace injury:

• 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 workplace 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 per week.
• 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.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Injured Scranton Workers

Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, injured employees 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 receive include but are not limited to:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are available to injured workers who cannot return to work for a period of time. However, after 104 weeks on TTD, the insurance company 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 work, 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 to work, 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 in a work accident, 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 injury. In the event of home modifications needed, this can also be used for those costs.
• Lost Wages: If you are out of work for more than seven days because of the injury, you may receive approximately two-thirds of your salary for the time you lost from work.
• Death Benefits: If a loved one dies due to a workplace injury, the family can recover workers’ compensation death benefits within 300 weeks of the injury and reimbursement for funeral expenses.
• Social Security Disability: You may be eligible to receive both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and workers’ compensation.

How to File For Workers Compensation in Scranton, PA

Filing for workers comp the right way following a workplace accident is essential. Failing to follow the claims process may cause you to lose your benefits. Follow these steps on how to file for workers’ compensation in Scranton, PA:

Report Your Accident to Your Supervisor in Scranton

Even if you don’t think you were injured, your supervisor must know about the accident. Not only will this prevent other workers from getting into an accident, but the accident is already on record if an injury does show within the next couple of ways.

Your employer must post the contact information of the company’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier, its administrator, and the contact person. You will need this information when you submit your claim.

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 Scranton 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 employer or insurance company, will decide whether you should return to work 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Scranton

What is the 90-Day Rule For Workers’ Compensation?

The 90-day rule states that an injured worker must seek treatment for their work injury or illness with one of the healthcare providers selected by the workers’ compensation insurance company for 90 days. After 90 days, the injured worker can receive treatment from a healthcare specialist who may not be on the list.

If your employer does not provide a list of designated healthcare providers or the list does not comply with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act guidelines, the employee has the right to treat with a provider of their choice.

How Much Does a Workers Compensation Attorney Cost in Scranton?

Our workers comp attorneys work on a contingency fee. A contingency fee is a common arrangement lawyers use to receive a percentage of the monetary amount that their client receives 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 your lawyer receives is contingent upon what we win for you.

A contingency fee has many benefits for an injured worker. Of course, one of the most important considerations is that you are not charged anything upfront for your attorney to accept and start work on your case.

Once you sign with our Scranton workers’ compensation attorney, we can start working on your case immediately without waiting for a deposit or other payment. It’s important to note that you will receive most of your final compensation, regardless of the amount.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits?

As long as your 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 claim 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, it could take eight to twelve months before your case is resolved. 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 work restrictions established by a workers’ compensation judge’s decision.

Medical benefits are also provided for under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. In PA, benefits for medical treatment for work-related injuries or diseases include:

• Services rendered by physicians or other healthcare providers
• Reasonable surgical and medical services needed
• Hospital stays for a semi-private room, hospital treatments, services, and supplies
• Prescription medicines
• Orthopedic appliances and orthopedic supplies such as braces, walkers, canes, etc.

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 attorney 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 Pennsylvania law. Employers who do not have workers’ comp coverage may be subject to lawsuits by employees and to criminal prosecution by the Commonwealth.

Exceptions include:

• People covered under the federal workers’ comp program, such as railroad workers, longshoremen, and federal employees
• Domestic servants (coverage is optional)
• Agricultural workers who work fewer than 30 days or earn less than $1,200 in a calendar year from a single employer
• Employees who have requested and been granted exemption due to religious beliefs or their executive status in certain corporations

Do All Workers’ Compensation Cases End in a Settlement?

The majority of workers’ compensation claims will end with a settlement that works best for both sides between 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 best representation in the case of a trial, you should have an experienced lawyer by your side. The Scranton workers’ compensation lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys have been representing the hardworking people of Northeastern Pennsylvania for more than 60 years. We have experience as trial lawyers if your case does land in court, and we have the negotiating power to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Can I Do If My Scranton Workers Comp Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ comp claim 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 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 claim, 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.

There is no fee until we win your case.

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What Is A Third-Party Claim in Workers Compensation Cases?

In some cases, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim 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 job duties and were in a crash, you could bring a claim 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 personal injury attorney with experience in workers’ compensation claims.

What If I Was Fired After Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim?

An employer cannot legally fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Employers may give another reason for firing you, but if you think it could be related to your 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, an employer 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, make sure you 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 employer refuses to complete an injury report on your behalf, you can always file a claim petition for your payments. It would be advisable to have an attorney, as you will have to attend a series of hearings with a judge. It is best to have an attorney 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 work for an extended period. You may need surgery and rehabilitation.

The Scranton workman’s compensation attorneys at Munley Law will fight to ensure you have everything you need until you can work again. In addition to securing your workers’ compensation benefits, we will explore all other possible sources of recovery. For instance, if your injury resulted from a piece of faulty machinery, you may have cause to pursue a claim against the manufacturer. Our board certified workers’ compensation attorney will make sure you get the benefits you need following a workplace accident.

At Munley Law, cost should not stand in the way of justice for the injured. Therefore, we do not collect a fee for our services unless we recover your benefits. As our client, you will not have to pay anything upfront.

Contact a Scranton workers compensation lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570)865-4699