Our Scranton workers’ compensation lawyers can provide much-needed support if you’re injured in a slip-and-fall accident at work in Scranton, Pennsylvania. One misstep on a slick floor or unstable surface can change everything. Suddenly, you’re dealing with pain, missed paychecks, and questions about what happens next.
Workplace falls occur more often than many people realize, and the effects can linger long after the incident. After a fall on the job, it’s not always clear what your next move should be. You may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, and in certain situations, you could also have a personal injury claim against a third party who caused the hazard.
The challenge is knowing which path applies to your case and how to protect your rights from the very beginning.
At Munley Law, our workers’ compensation attorneys have spent decades helping injured workers in Scranton deal with these exact situations. We know how to deal with employers, insurance carriers, and complex claims, and we don’t back down when your recovery and financial future are on the line. When you work with our team, you get experienced, award-winning advocates focused on securing the full compensation you are due.
We offer a free initial consultation. Get in touch today.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 
How Common are Slip and Fall Incidents at Work?
Falls are one of the most common workplace accidents, and they’re often serious. Slip and fall incidents continue to be a leading cause of serious workplace injuries across the United States. There were 2.5 million workplace injuries across the United States in 2024, the lowest figure in approximately 20 years.
Even as overall injury rates have declined in recent years, falls remain a persistent hazard in many industries. In 2024, Pennsylvania employers reported 165,985 work-related accidents. Falls on the same level and falls from a higher level together accounted for 13% of all injuries.
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
Long-Term Effects of Workplace Fall Injuries
While some fall injuries heal in weeks, others can have lasting physical and financial consequences.
Workers who suffer serious fall injuries may face:
- Ongoing pain that limits daily activities
- Reduced ability to perform physical job duties
- Permanent disability or loss of function
- Long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation needs
In some cases, workers are unable to return to their previous role after a serious fall. Sometimes they’re unable to return to work at all. This makes it critical to pursue the full range of benefits available under Pennsylvania law, including wage loss benefits and potential permanent disability compensation.
“Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues our family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity.”
Caroline Munley
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 limitations on your work.
How Is Fault Determined?
For workers’ comp, you don’t need to prove fault. You only need to show that 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, and 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 a 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
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Fall Claims
After a workplace fall, insurance companies will investigate the claim to determine its value. Their evaluation typically looks at the severity of your injuries, your medical records and treatment history, whether you are able to return to work, the conditions that caused the fall, and any statements provided by you or witnesses.
Insurance carriers may attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. This is why it’s important to avoid giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers before speaking with an attorney.
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 You Have to Go to Court for a 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 Legal Representation Matters After a Fall at Work
A workplace fall claim can quickly become complicated, especially when multiple parties, insurance carriers, and medical providers are involved.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through every step of the process, helping you file your claim correctly and on time, gather the necessary medical and accident evidence, challenge denied or delayed benefits, identify potential third-party liability, and negotiate for full and fair compensation.
With legal guidance, you’re far more likely to recover the benefits you need to cover medical care, lost income, and long-term recovery.
FAQs About Slip and Fall Accidents at Work in Scranton
How Long Do I Have to Report a Workplace Fall in Pennsylvania?
You generally have 120 days to notify your employer of a work injury, but reporting it as soon as possible helps protect your claim.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Fall at Work?
In most cases, no. Workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may have a third-party claim against another responsible party.
What If My Employer Denies My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
You have the right to file a claim petition and have your case reviewed by a workers’ compensation judge.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Work Injury?
In Pennsylvania, you may be required to receive treatment from an employer-approved provider for a limited period if a list is properly posted.
What If I Can’t Return to My Old Job After My Injury?
You may qualify for ongoing wage loss benefits or other compensation depending on your disability status.
What if I were partly at Fault for My Fall at Work?
You can still receive workers’ compensation benefits even if your own actions contributed to the fall. Workers’ comp in Pennsylvania is a no-fault system. If a third party was involved and you file a personal injury claim, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rules.
Do I Need to Miss Work to Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
Not always. You can receive medical benefits for a work injury even if you do not miss any time from work. Wage-loss benefits typically begin if you are unable to work for more than seven days due to your injury.
What If My Fall Injury Gets Worse Over Time?
Some injuries, like back injuries or head trauma, may worsen after the initial accident. You should report any new or worsening symptoms to your employer and doctor right away. You may still be entitled to additional medical treatment or expanded benefits if your condition develops over time.
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. While Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, your employer cannot terminate you solely because you exercised your right to report a workplace injury and seek benefits.
Contact Munley Law for a Fall at Work Claim in Scranton
For nearly 70 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.
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.
