If you suffered a slip and fall at work in Scranton, you’re likely dealing with pain, paperwork, and lots of questions. Will workers’ comp cover your injuries? Should you file a lawsuit? And how does this impact your job? At Munley Law, our workers’ compensation attorneys help workers across Scranton get the benefits and compensation they deserve after a fall on the job.
How Common are Slip and Fall Incidents at Work?
Falls are one of the most common workplace accidents — and they’re often serious. In 2022, falls caused 865 worker deaths and over 211,000 injuries nationwide. In Pennsylvania, nearly 15,000 fall-related injuries were reported in the private sector in 2022.
Typical Injuries from Work Falls
Even a short fall can cause serious harm. Some workers never fully recover. Early medical care and legal help can make a big difference. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma, traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Knee and shoulder tears
- Concussions
Do I Have a Case After a Fall at Work?
If you were hurt in a fall while doing your job, you likely have a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. That means you can get medical coverage and wage replacement even if no one was to blame. In some cases, you may also have a third-party personal injury claim. For example, if your fall was caused by a broken ladder made by a faulty manufacturer, you might sue that company. To know which path is right, you’ll need to answer:
- Were you on the clock?
- Did your employer carry workers’ comp insurance?
- Was a third party (not your employer) at fault?
An experienced work injury lawyer in Scranton can help you sort through these questions. Call Munley Law today to figure out how to proceed.
What’s My Case Worth?
Every claim for an accident at work is different. Much depends on the particulars of your situation. But several factors impact how much you may receive:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Time missed from work
- Whether you can return to the same job
- Permanent injuries or disabilities
- Pain and suffering (only in personal injury cases)
Workers’ comp usually covers medical care and a portion of your wages. If you file a personal injury claim, you may get additional compensation for emotional stress and long-term limits on your work.
How Is Fault Determined?
For workers’ comp, you don’t need to prove fault. You only need to show the injury happened at work. But if you pursue a third-party lawsuit, your lawyer will gather evidence to prove negligence. This may include:
- Witness statements
- Security camera footage
- Safety reports
- Maintenance records
In Scranton as elsewhere in PA, liability matters most in personal injury claims — not workers’ comp.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Negligence Rules
Pennsylvania employs a rule known as modified comparative negligence in personal injury cases. This means you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault—as long as you were less than 51% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame. For example, if you were 20% at fault for your fall, and your total damages were $100,000, you’d receive $80,000. This rule doesn’t apply to workers’ compensation claims.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Get?
Your claim type will determine what’s available to you. After an slip and fall accident at work, the two main types of compensation include:
Workers’ Compensation
- Medical expenses (hospital visits, surgery, rehab)
- Lost wage benefits (up to two-thirds of your weekly pay)
- Specific loss benefits (for permanent injuries)
- Death benefits for surviving family members
Personal Injury Lawsuit
- Full lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earnings
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages in extreme cases
What Should I Do After Falling at Work?
The steps you take right after a fall matter. Tell your employer right away. You have only 120 days to report a work injury in Pennsylvania. Seek medical attention. Use an approved provider if your employer has a posted list. Document the scene. If possible, take pictures of what caused your fall. Get witness names. Statements from coworkers can help your claim. Talk to a lawyer. They can explain your options and handle the paperwork.
Timelines and Deadlines
In Pennsylvania, you face two main deadlines. Missing either deadline can mean giving up your right to compensation. You have:
- 120 days to report a work-related injury to your employer
- 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the date of the fall
The timeline depends on the type of claim. Having a trusted personal injury lawyer helps expedite the process and keeps things on track. In general you can expect that:
- A workers’ comp claim may start paying within weeks, but full benefits can take months.
- A personal injury lawsuit can take 6–18 months or longer to settle, depending on the aspects of the case and the court schedule.
Will I Have to Go to Court for my Workplace Slip and Fall Case?
Most fall-at-work claims never go to trial. Workers’ comp claims are usually resolved through hearings or mediation. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, many settle before reaching court. But if your case goes to trial, we’ll be ready to represent you fully.
Insurance companies often offer low settlements early on. A lawyer can help you decide if the offer is fair — or fight for more. If an insurance adjuster calls you:
- Don’t give a recorded statement without a lawyer.
- Don’t downplay your injuries.
- Don’t accept a settlement until you understand the full value of your claim.
What If No One Else Has Insurance?
If someone without insurance caused your slip and fall, you may still have options. Some employers carry employer liability insurance or umbrella coverage. You may also be covered under uninsured/underinsured motorist policies if a vehicle was involved. Munley Law can investigate all possible sources of coverage for you.
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
At Munley Law, there’s no upfront cost. We work on a contingency fee — you don’t pay unless we win your case. This includes both workers’ comp and personal injury claims. Our fees are capped by Pennsylvania law and always discussed upfront.
Why Choose Munley Law for a Fall at Work Claim in Scranton?
For over 60 years, Munley Law has helped injured workers in Scranton and across Pennsylvania. Our attorneys have earned recognition from Best Lawyers in America, the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and Super Lawyers. We’ve recovered millions for people hurt on the job — and we treat every case with care and respect.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall at work in Scranton, don’t try to handle it alone. Between workers’ comp, insurance claims, and possible legal action, things can get complicated fast. At Munley Law, we’ll explain your options, guide you through every step, and fight to get you the maximum compensation allowed by law. Your recovery starts with one call. Reach out today for a free consultation. We’re ready when you are.
