If you were injured on the job, you need a Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorney who will fight for you.
Workplace injuries can happen when we least expect them. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that a work injury occurs every 7 seconds. That means that approximately 510 employees are injured every hour, 12,600 every day, 88,500 every week, and 4,600,000 every year. If you sustained injuries while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To get the maximum compensation in Allegheny County, you need a law firm that will fight for you. You need Munley Law’s Pittsburgh Personal Injury Attorneys.
Our accomplished attorneys are ready to use their skills, knowledge, and board certifications to seek justice on your behalf. We have won millions of dollars for workers injured at work, including settlements of $12 million and $1 million.
Get a free case evaluation and expert support from our Pittsburgh lawyers. We charge no fees unless we win.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Often Do Workplace Injuries Happen in Pittsburgh?
According to the latest edition of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation and Workplace Safety Annual Report, there were 165,985 work-related injury and illness cases reported across the state in 2024 – an increase of 4,560 incidents over 2023’s reported cases. More than half of these cases took place in just two super-sectors: trade and transportation (26.6%) and education and health services (27.5%).
Allegheny County accounted for the second-highest number of workplace injuries in 2024, with 11,320 injuries and illnesses reported; 6.8% of the total reports for the year. The county’s education and health services sectors saw the majority of these accidents, accounting for 4,092 such incidents, followed by trade and transportation, which was responsible for 2,148 worker injuries during the period in review.
As for the most prevalent injury types, sprains and strains comprised 35.1% of all cases reported across the state, while contusions, crushing, and bruising accounted for 22.1%. There were also 26,546 cases of cuts, lacerations, and punctures, comprising 16% of all injuries recorded. The majority of contusions, crushes, bruises, cuts, and lacerations (73%) affected workers’ upper extremities in 2024.
Am I Eligible to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pittsburgh, PA?
In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation insurance exists to cover the medical bills and wage loss for employees who get injured in a workplace accident and cannot work. Most employees are covered by workers’ compensation regardless of who was at fault for the work injury.
However, it’s not uncommon for workers’ compensation cases to be denied. Your employer or their insurer may argue that your injury was not work-related, or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or your treatment is delayed, contact a workers’ compensation attorney right away. We will help you through the appeals process and make sure you receive the compensation you are owed.
What Kinds of Workers’ Comp Benefits Can You Collect in Pittsburgh?
Workers’ compensation typically covers your medical bills and lost wages while you are unable to work. Wages are compensated at a rate of ⅔ of your weekly wage, up to a maximum amount.
Specific loss benefits exist for the loss of a body part or body function, such as an amputation, paralysis, loss of vision, or loss of hearing. Death benefits exist for the surviving family members of an employee who suffers a deadly work injury.
Understanding Third-Party Claims in Workers’ Compensation Cases
In some workers’ compensation cases, someone other than your employer may be responsible for your workplace injury. For example, if you were driving a vehicle as part of your job and were struck by another driver, the at-fault driver can be held responsible.
If a steelworker was injured by a faulty piece of machinery, the machine’s manufacturer may be held responsible. In compensation cases like this, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties even if you are also receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers with decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases can help you navigate that process and get maximum compensation.
Our Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Protect Workers’ Rights
In 1959, our family founded Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys in Scranton, Pennsylvania, with one simple mission: to provide all people with the highest quality of legal representation and equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities.
Over the last seven decades, we have expanded across the United States. However, our workers’ compensation lawyers still continue that founding mission today. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys never back down against the big guys. Instead, we stand up for employees and work hard to get them compensation.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys have been awarded some of the legal industry’s most respected accolades and certifications for their work with injured workers across Pennsylvania. We are the state’s only law firm with three attorneys board-certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and we also have four lawyers board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Trial Law. Our partners are all named some of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania and hold Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent Ratings for their notable professional achievements.
Additionally, Caroline Munley is a certified workers’ compensation specialist through the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Claims
What are the Most Common Workplace Injuries Workers Face on the Job?
As the NSC reports, the most common job site injury events that force staff to miss work include:
- Overexertion from lifting, lowering, and repetitive motions. According to the NSC, overexertion accounts for 33.54% of injuries. In 2023 and 2024, this rate decreased slightly, with overexertion causing 32% of the injuries requiring days off work reported nationwide.
- Contact with equipment, such as individuals who are struck by or against equipment, caught in or compressed by equipment, or struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing equipment structures. Of all workplace injuries, contact with equipment accounts for 26%, increasing to 27% in 2023 and 2024.
- Slips, trips, and falls to the same or a lower level account for 25.8% of debilitating injuries while at work. By 2024, these high-risk accidents accounted for 26% of all injuries requiring days away from work.
What Workplace Accidents Most Often Result in Lost Workdays?
As the NSC reports, the most common job site injury events that force staff to miss work include:
- Overexertion from lifting, lowering, and repetitive motions. According to the NSC, overexertion accounts for 33.54% of injuries.
- Contact with equipment, such as individuals who are struck by or against equipment, caught in or compressed by equipment, or struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing equipment structures. Of all workplace injuries, contact with equipment accounts for 26% .
- Slips, trips, and falls to the same or a lower level account for 25.8% of debilitating injuries while at work.
Which Jobs Have the Highest Risk of Injury for Pittsburgh Workers?
The top jobs with the largest number of workplace injuries leading to lost work days are:
- Emergency service and first responders, including firefighters and police officers
- Transportation and shipping jobs, like truck driving
- Manufacturing and production
- Healthcare
- Installation, maintenance, and repair jobs
- Construction
If you are coping with injuries that prevent you from working in one of these or other positions, get the work comp benefits you deserve. To take the first step towards getting your life back, schedule a free consultation with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers from Munley Law today.
Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
According to Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, you cannot be fired in retaliation for filing a workers’ comp claim. However, you may be fired for other reasons while you are receiving work comp benefits. If you filed a claim and then got fired, you should speak to an attorney right away. A good workers’ compensation lawyer knows how to investigate your case and determine whether your boss has wrongfully denied your compensation benefits. To learn more about your rights, call us today.
Can I Still File a Workers’ Compensation Claim if the Injury Was My Fault?
The workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine if your work injury qualifies for benefits. Most work-related injuries are covered as long as the injury occurred while you were performing your regular duties.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pittsburgh, PA?
If you suffer a workplace injury, you have 120 days to report the injury to your employer, or risk losing your right to claim benefits. The rule of thumb is to report your injury as soon as possible, even if you don’t yet know whether you’ll need to file a workers’ comp claim. Injuries can worsen in the days and weeks following the initial incident, and the more time that passes, the harder it can be to verify the details of your claim. If you encounter any difficulties in reporting your injury, filing a claim, or any aspect of the process, an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at Munley Law can help.
What is Considered “Light Duty” Work in Pittsburgh
If you are unable to perform your regular work duties because of an injury, your employer may offer you light duty. Light duty involves less strenuous or physically demanding tasks than your regular duties. Your doctor can help you determine if you can take light duty or if you should be on sick leave.
Does My Employer’s Insurance Company Influence My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Some cases may qualify for a lump sum settlement, which offers injured workers a one-time payout instead of ongoing benefits. Our attorneys explain how these settlements affect future rights and help you decide if it’s the right choice. Lump sum options can offer closure and financial stability after a work-related injury.
How the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act Protects Injured Workers
Yes—your employer’s insurance company plays a big role in your case, from reviewing your medical records to deciding whether to approve benefits. If your claim is delayed, denied, or reduced, our lawyers can challenge the insurance company’s decision and protect your rights. We help injured individuals fight back against unfair insurance tactics.
Contact a Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Munley Law has represented injured Pennsylvanians for over 70 years. Our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorneys handle claims at every stage — from initial filing through appeals before the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, and we have a dedicated workers’ compensation specialist on staff.
Our lawyers are recognized by Super Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum for their numerous victories achieved on behalf of our Pittsburgh clients. J. Christopher Munley is also named Lawyer of the Year for Workers Compensation by Best Lawyers, helping to bring specialized expertise to every workers’ comp claim and case we handle.
If your claim has been denied or your benefits delayed, contact our Pittsburgh office today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you.
Caroline Munley
Caroline Munley is a certified workers’ compensation specialist. During her time fighting for the rights of workplace injury victims, she has recovered millions of dollars for injured workers, in addition to being named as among the Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiffs and Workers’ Compensation Law-Claimants for Northeastern Pennsylvania.
