Munley Law’s workers’ compensation lawyers in Wilkes-Barre understand how dangerous and demanding a corrections officer’s job can be. Officers at Luzerne County Correctional Facility and nearby facilities face daily risks, from inmate assaults to slip-and-fall incidents. Even a clear, job-related injury is not always approved without a fight. When your health, income, and future are on the line, you deserve guidance from a legal team that knows how to manage Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp system.
If you’re a corrections officer and were injured on duty, our Wilkes-Barre attorneys can help you process your workers’ compensation claim. Our firm has decades of experience handling these claims for law enforcement, corrections, and other high-risk professions. We understand the unique hazards you face and the challenges officers commonly encounter during the claims process.
Munley Law has earned national recognition for our results, professionalism, and commitment to injured workers. Our Wilkes-Barre workers’ compensation attorneys have recovered billions in benefits and settlements, earned top peer-review ratings, and helped countless corrections officers secure the support they need to heal. When you need trusted representation, Munley Law is ready to protect your rights from day one. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Why Do Correctional Officers in Luzerne County Need Workers’ Comp?
Corrections officers and all other categories of prison workers serve a vital role in our society. They are responsible for supporting and organizing inmates’ lives and assisting with rehabilitation. But the understandably stressful environment sometimes heightens the tension between inmates, creating potentially violent situations that must be addressed. The potential for injury due to interaction with prisoners, combined with everyday hazards like those found in any workplace, creates a high-level risk of on-the-job injury for corrections officers.
Workers’ compensation insurance exists to help when violence or accidents result in injuries to corrections officers and other employees of America’s jails and prisons.
Anyone injured at work, in Luzerne County, or in any Pennsylvania location, has the right to receive treatment and be reimbursed for expenses covered under the Pennsylvania State Workers’ Compensation Program. Similar programs are operated by other U.S. states. Sometimes the application process is seamless. Other times, obstacles appear. That’s when the services of a workers’ compensation attorney can be helpful. Specialists in enforcing workers’ compensation laws can assist injured corrections officers in receiving the compensation they deserve.
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Call Us At 844-686-5397 Corrections Officers Injured at Work: The Statistics
The position of corrections officer was the second most dangerous job in 2016. In 2020, the job was more dangerous than ever. The pandemic exacerbated the ongoing level of stress suffered by prison workers and inmates. Tension increased for both corrections officers and their charges. Increased stress can contribute to violence. The International Corrections and Prisons Association mentions the ongoing high rate of physical attacks upon prison staff by inmates.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 27,630 cases of corrections officers and jailors being injured on duty in 2024, making it the seventh most dangerous job in that year. This amounts to 799.4 injuries per 10,000 full-time employees. The average number of absentee days was 14.
As deeply serious as the threat of intentionally inflicted injury is, it is only one potential cause of the many injuries for which corrections officers are at risk. In the next section, we will share a listing of injuries most often suffered by staff members responsible for the welfare of inmates at correctional facilities.
Why Do Corrections Officers Face Ongoing High Risks?
The job of a corrections officer is one of the most challenging career positions. On-the-job injuries occur with statistically significant frequency. Steps are being taken to improve conditions for those working in correctional facilities. But the process is exceedingly slow and risk can never be completely eliminated. Jails and prisons will likely always be near the top of the list of workplaces with above-average potential for a work-related injury.
Correctional researchers, administrative officials, and prison systems seem not to have prioritized the health and safety concerns of COs. While some facilities have begun to implement programs and policies to improve CO health and reduce stress, such as employee assistance programs and peer-support programs, these have not been used on a large scale, nor has their effectiveness been evaluated. These programs may also neglect some of the risks described above that affect CO wellness and safety.
Common Injuries Suffered by Corrections Officers – and Their Causes
A high proportion of corrections officer injuries result from prisoner contact. Worst-case scenarios occur during prison uprisings when multiple corrections officers receive serious injuries simultaneously. But even on a day-to-day basis, violence is a risk that must be guarded against.
However, any prison employee is just as likely as a factory or retail worker to slip and fall on a freshly mopped floor or strain a muscle when lifting an excessively heavy object.
Common injuries suffered by corrections officers include cuts and bruises, broken bones, and head injuries – including concussions, knife or stab wounds.
In a prominent study of U. S. correctional officers killed or injured on the job, it was found that work-related injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, were most often caused by:
- Assaults.
- Or other violent acts.
Next on the list of leading causes of both fatal and non-fatal injuries were:
- Overexertion – Strained and sprained muscles and other types of musculoskeletal injuries can result from the awkward postures and movements required to restrain inmates, move furniture, or equipment. Standing for prolonged periods when supervising inmates also stresses bones and muscles.
- Contact with dangerous objects and equipment.
- Transportation-related events – Workers in many industries suffer a high percentage of injuries linked to transportation-related responsibilities. Corrections officers must often transport prisoners for various reasons. Not only traffic accidents but incidents resulting from prisoner handling during transport can trigger injuries.
Regarding nonfatal assault and violent act injuries, over one-third, or 37%:
- Occurred during incidents when the officer was required to restrain a prisoner.
- Or during interaction with an inmate during an altercation.
Nonfatal injuries most often affected:
- An upper limb.
- Two-thirds affected a hand and/or fingers.
The most common types of non-fatal work-related injuries were:
- Sprains and strains (30%).
- Contusions and abrasions (28%).
“Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues our family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity.”
Caroline Munley
Steps to Take Following an Injury at a Correctional Facility in Wilkes-Barre
Corrections officers are usually employed by a government entity. As an employee, injured prison workers are covered by the applicable employer’s workers’ compensation arrangements.
When injured at work as a corrections officer:
- Tell your supervisor immediately about the incident during which you incurred your injury.
- Document what happened, including as many details as possible.
- See a doctor.
- Submit a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible.
- Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer for a consultation if it seems you may experience difficulty in receiving fair and timely reimbursement for treatment, lost income, and other legitimate issues directly related to the workplace injury which may qualify for compensation.
The corrections officer’s employer – the facility – usually operated by a government entity, should have a policy established for addressing workplace injuries. In general, medical bills and part of any lost wages are covered by workers’ compensation. The percentage of wages covered normally depends upon the severity of the injury.
Emotional and psychological pain and suffering, which understandably accompany some incidents that occur at correctional facilities, are not normally included under workers’ compensation coverage.
In some cases, further litigation is warranted by the situation. In cases where other parties, unusual circumstances, or faulty equipment contributed to the condition that caused the injury, additional compensation through a third-party lawsuit may be possible.
To obtain workers’ compensation for corrections officers, take immediate action
An immediate and appropriate reaction immediately following an injury increases your chances of receiving reimbursement if a claim is necessary.
Complete an incident report even if you believe you are only slightly injured. The full extent of damage is often not apparent immediately. Sometimes complications can occur later.
Strive to record facts accurately. Make descriptions detailed. Note dates and times. Don’t let officials pressure you to settle immediately. If you believe you will not receive the benefits for which you are qualified, don’t sign off on your rights until you speak with a Wilkes-Barre workman’s compensation law firm.
Why Contact a Wilkes-Barre Worker’s Compensation Lawyer?
Most people understandably expect that an injury obviously incurred while working in a jail or prison would warrant immediate compensation. But it can be difficult to convince an insurance adjuster to approve payment to cover injuries suffered at any type of workplace, including a correctional facility.
If you suspect or encounter any problems in submitting your claim, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney in Wilkes-Barre who is familiar with the laws and process governing workers’ compensation can result in valuable advice and/or the advantage of obtaining a skilled negotiator who will stand up for your rights. Remember, Munley Law attorneys do not charge for services until you receive approval of your claim.
How to Determine if an Injury is Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ comp covers most employees
If you are an employee of an organization, your on-the-job injuries are almost certain to fall under workers’ compensation coverage. As long as your injury is directly related to your job duties, and you can prove that is the case, you are eligible to receive the benefits of medical bill payments and reimbursement for lost wages.
A few exceptions
Notable exceptions to workers’ compensation coverage are workers who serve as independent contractors. Also, some professions maintain their own systems for compensation, like, for example, shipyard and railroad workers.
To be certain, seek legal advice from an attorney who handles workers’ compensation for corrections officers
Knowledgeable, professional representatives of insurance companies often do their best to discourage payment of some claims for workplace injuries. Confusion is sometimes created by the fact that laws are always changing. Each state differs regarding workers’ comp coverage details.
With such uncertainty and confusion, it’s only fair that you, the injured employee of a prison or jail, should consult with a professional. Workers’ comp attorneys are skilled in determining whether you qualify for workers’ comp benefits or reimbursement from a third party for job-related injuries. You deserve professional representation.
What is the Deadline for Workers’ Compensation, and How Difficult is it to File a Claim?
Workers must be mindful of Pennsylvania’s strict statute of limitations when filing workplace injury claims. A supervisor must be notified of any workplace injury suffered within 120 days of its occurrence. The workers’ comp case must be filed within 3 years of the date the injury-causing incident occurred.
Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer (the supervising government entity, in the case of a publicly run prison) and the employer’s insurer have 21 days following the date they receive notice of the injury to determine whether they agree it’s work-related or not. If they agree, an appropriate notice will be issued. If they don’t believe it to be work-related, they will issue a statement of denial.
What Conditions May Cause a Claim to be Denied?
Here are a few common issues:
- The employer or the insurer may believe the injury was not work-related or of sufficient severity.
- The incident report appears to contain errors.
- Required dates for notification and claim filing were not met.
- The employer believes the injured worker was using illegal substances, which impaired his actions and caused the injury.
Prompt consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney helps prevent oversights that may result in claim denial.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your case. If your employer submitted a claim, which was denied, you have three years from the date your injury occurred to file a claim with the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
If filing on your own, it’s essential to seek the assistance of a Wilkes-Barre lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation. Remember, our attorneys work on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless we obtain your benefits.
Is a Third-Party Lawsuit Appropriate?
If faulty or defective equipment at the prison contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a third-party workers’ compensation claim. A Wilkes-Barre workers’ compensation attorney can help you determine if you have the basis for a third-party case.
The professionals at Munley Law, based in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, are here to help. Since 1959, workers injured in Pennsylvania have trusted Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to secure their benefits. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have earned the highest possible peer and client review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell. Additionally, J. Christopher Munley was named “Workers’ Compensation Lawyer of the Year” for our region, and Caroline Munley is named a certified workers’ compensation specialist by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Section on Workers’ Compensation Law.
Munley Law has also secured millions of dollars in benefits, settlements, and verdicts for injured workers, including government employees and corrections staff. When you choose Munley Law, you gain a team committed to protecting your rights, handling the paperwork, managing deadlines, and standing up to insurers who may try to delay or deny your claim.
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FAQs About Wilkes-Barre Workers’ Compensation for Corrections Officers
What Injuries Qualify a Corrections Officer for Workers’ Compensation?
Any injury that occurs while performing your job duties may qualify. This includes injuries from inmate assaults, overexertion, slips and falls, equipment accidents, transportation incidents, and repetitive-stress injuries.
Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim If I Was Injured While Restraining An Inmate?
Yes. Injuries sustained during inmate interactions—including restraint, self-defense, or breaking up an altercation—are typically considered work-related and should be covered under Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp system.
What Should I Do If My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
A denial of your workers’ compensation claim is not the end of your case. You have the right to file a petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. A Wilkes-Barre workers’ compensation attorney at Munley Law can guide you through the appeals process.
Do Corrections Officers Qualify for Benefits if Stress or Trauma Caused The Injury?
In some cases, yes. Pennsylvania does recognize certain psychological injuries for first responders and law enforcement personnel, but these claims are complicated. Consulting a workers’ comp attorney is essential.
What if Equipment Failure Contributed to My Injury?
If defective equipment, unsafe conditions, or third-party negligence played a role in your injury, you may also qualify for a third-party claim in addition to workers’ compensation. An attorney can determine whether additional compensation is available.
Contact the Workers’ Comp Attorneys at Munley Law Today
If you’re a corrections officer in Wilkes-Barre and have been injured on duty, remember that filing a workers’ compensation claim can become complicated very quickly. Our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through these complex processes with perseverance and efficiency, and seeing the case through to a victorious end.
Call or email us for a free consultation with a Wilkes-Barre workers’ compensation lawyer regarding your specific situation.
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.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on January 6, 2026.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
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