If you were injured at work in Reading, PA, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including payment for medical care and a portion of your lost wages. In Pennsylvania, most injured workers receive about two-thirds of their average weekly wage, up to a state maximum. However, claims are often delayed, denied, or underpaid. Insurance companies may question your injury, your treatment, or your ability to return to work.
Munley Law’s Reading workers compensation lawyers represent injured workers across Berks County, including employees at Reading’s largest employers, including Tower Health/Reading Hospital, Penn State Health St. Joseph, Carpenter Technology, East Penn Manufacturing, and Penske Logistics. In Berks County, where the average weekly wage is $1,279, most injured workers receive significantly less than the state maximum, and insurers still look for ways to reduce what they pay. Our team includes Caroline Munley, a Pennsylvania board-certified workers’ compensation specialist who has recovered millions for injured workers.
Like most injured workers, you probably can’t afford to pay a lawyer out of pocket while you’re out of work. Munley Law charges no upfront fees and collects nothing unless we win your case. Your consultation is free.
If you were injured at work and are having issues with your workers’ compensation claim, contact our Reading personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Esta página está disponible en español. Visite nuestra página de compensación laboral en español.
What Our Reading Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Do For You
Hiring a Reading work injury lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. During your free consultation, we’ll review your case, explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you understand what benefits you may be entitled to. We’ll consider the long-term impact of your injury, ensuring any settlement adequately compensates you for future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Once you hire our law firm, our first step is to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, with all necessary documentation. We’ll represent you in all dealings with the workers’ compensation insurance company, protecting your interests.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, we’ll guide you through the appeals process and, if necessary, represent you at hearings and in court.
With our certified Reading workers’ compensation attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Who Is Eligible For Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Reading, PA?
Understanding your rights is the first step in securing the benefits you deserve. If you’re employed in Reading, whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal, whether you work in a warehouse, on a factory floor, or in any other industry, you’re likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. In addition, if a worker loses their life due to a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits.
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P.S. § 1 et seq.) is the primary law establishing the state’s workers’ compensation system.
Key sections include:
- 77 P.S. § 431–434: Requires most employers to carry workers’ comp insurance
- 77 P.S. § 511–512: Establishes wage-loss benefits
- 77 P.S. § 531: Covers payment of medical expenses related to workplace accidents.
While most employees are covered, there are exceptions. Federal employees, railroad workers, and some agricultural workers may be exempt. However, they often have access to other forms of compensation.
In some cases, volunteers and unpaid workers may also be eligible for benefits. However, these situations can be complex, and it’s best to consult with a Reading workman’s compensation attorney to understand your rights.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of workers’ compensation lawyers in Reading. We’ll assess your situation and provide clear, honest advice about your options.
How Common Are Workers’ Injuries in Reading, PA?
Berks County has a large, active workforce of around 170,000 people, with an average weekly wage of $1,279. Pennsylvania is capping the weekly benefits for 2026 at $1,394.
In 2024, there were 165,985 workplace accidents in Pennsylvania. The industries with the highest number of accidents were Education and Health (45,685), Trade and Transportation (44,111), and Manufacturing (21,453).
Berks County’s highest industries were Education and Health (1,153), Manufacturing (1,128), and Trade and Transportation (806), with a total of 4,071 injuries. For many Berks County families, a delayed or denied claim isn’t just a legal problem; it’s an immediate financial crisis.
“Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues our family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity. Three generations of Munleys have built this firm on one belief: that injured people deserve the same fierce advocacy that the powerful receive as a matter of course. That belief still drives everything we do.”
Caroline Munley
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Workplace Accident in Reading
If you’ve been injured on the job in Reading, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Here’s what you need to do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Seek immediate medical care for your injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Report Your Injury: Notify your employer about your injury immediately. In Pennsylvania, you have 120 days to report a work-related injury under 77 P.S. § 631, but it’s best to do so immediately.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injury, medical treatments, and any communication with your employer or the insurance company.
- Contact Our Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyers: Consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before filing your claim. They can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and advocate for your rights.
Once you’ve reported your injury and filed your claim, your employer’s insurance company has 21 days to accept or deny your claim. You may be required to undergo a medical examination by a doctor chosen by your employer or their workers’ comp insurance company.
If your claim is accepted, the insurance company will determine your benefits based on the nature and extent of your injury. It’s important to continue receiving medical treatment for your injuries. If you stop treatment, the insurance company may believe you are no longer injured and stop your benefits.
Your doctor, not your employer, and not the insurance company, decides when you’re ready to return to work. If you have restrictions, such as a lifting limit or reduced hours, those restrictions are legally binding. If your employer is pressuring you to come back before you’re cleared, or assigning tasks that exceed your restrictions, that’s a problem. Call Munley Law’s Reading workers’ compensation attorneys before you do anything. Complying under pressure could cost you benefits you’re still entitled to.
Throughout this process, having a dedicated Reading workers’ comp attorney on your side can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
What Happens if Your Reading Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied or you disagree with the benefit determination, don’t lose hope. You have the right to appeal. Your Reading workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file this petition with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Many cases go through a mediation process to try to resolve disputes without a formal hearing. But if mediation is unsuccessful, your case will be assigned to a workers’ compensation judge for a hearing. The judge will listen to both sides and then issue a decision on your case.
If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you can appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board and potentially to higher courts.
The appeals process can be challenging, but with an experienced Reading workers’ compensation attorney by your side, you’ll have the best chance of a favorable outcome. If your claim proceeds to a hearing, Berks County cases are typically heard at the Reading Workers’ Compensation Hearing Office, located at the Reading State Office Building, 625 Cherry Street, Suite 150, Reading, PA 19602.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Reading, PA
If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for several types of benefits, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury.
- Wage Loss Benefits: Compensation for lost wages if you cannot work or earn less due to your injury.
- Specific Loss Benefits: Compensation for the permanent loss of use of certain body parts or functions.
- Disfigurement Benefits: Additional compensation for serious and permanent disfigurement of your head, face, or neck.
- Death Benefits: If a worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits.
The exact benefits you’re entitled to depend on the nature and severity of your injury. A skilled Reading workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure you receive all the benefits you deserve.
Can I Sue My Employer for My Workplace Injuries?
Workers’ compensation insurance in Pennsylvania is a no-fault system; an employer cannot be sued for additional damages for workplace accidents. However, there are exceptions:
- If your employer intentionally caused your injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
- If a third party (not your employer or co-worker) caused your injury, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them in addition to your workers’ compensation claim under (77 P.S. § 481(b)
- If a defective product caused your injury, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
These situations can be complex, so it’s best to consult a Munley Law Reading personal injury attorney to understand all your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation in Reading, PA
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Reading Cost?
Munley Law handles workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover benefits for you. Your initial consultation is free. If we win your case, our fee is a percentage of your recovery; you never pay out of pocket to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania, but having one significantly improves your chances of receiving full benefits. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and attorneys working to limit what they pay. An unrepresented worker may accept a lower settlement, miss a deadline, or lose benefits they’re entitled to without realizing it. If your claim has been denied, delayed, or disputed, or if your employer is pressuring you to return to work before you’re medically cleared, you should consult a workers’ compensation attorney before taking any action.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor For the Workplace Injury?
Your employer may provide a list of approved healthcare providers. You must see one of these providers for the first 90 days of treatment. After that, you can choose your doctor.
After the initial 90-day period, you can seek a second opinion from a specialist. Your workers’ compensation should cover this visit.
Can I Still Receive Benefits If I Return to Work With Restrictions?
Yes. If you return to work but earn less than you did before your injury because of work restrictions, such as reduced hours, lighter duty, or a lower-paying position, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits to make up a portion of the difference in your wages.
Your employer is required to accommodate your medical restrictions. If they cannot offer you a position within your restrictions, you may be entitled to continue receiving full wage loss benefits. If your employer offers you a modified duty position but the work exceeds your restrictions, do not accept it without first speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney. Accepting work beyond your restrictions can jeopardize your claim and your health.
How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?
It depends on the nature and severity of your injury. Benefits for temporary disabilities last until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement. Partial disability wage loss benefits are capped at 500 weeks under Pennsylvania law. Medical benefits have no time limit as long as treatment remains reasonable and necessary. Insurance companies will regularly attempt to modify or terminate benefits before an injured worker has fully recovered through an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE). If you receive a notice that your benefits are being reduced or stopped, contact a workers’ compensation attorney immediately.
Can I Choose a Lump Sum Settlement?
In some cases, you may be offered a lump sum settlement. However, you should consult with a Reading workers’ compensation attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure it fairly compensates you for your injuries, as accepting a settlement may bar you from pursuing future compensation.
Can I Be Fired For Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
No, after Shick v. Shirey (1998) it was deemed illegal for an employer to retaliate by firing you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation If I Was Injured While Commuting?
Generally, injuries that occur during your regular commute are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, there are exceptions, such as if you were performing a work-related task during your commute or if you were using employer-provided transportation.
Contact a Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Munley Law Today
Most injured workers in Reading have never filed a workers’ compensation claim before. The process involves deadlines, insurance adjusters, and legal procedures that can be hard to handle while you’re also dealing with an injury. Munley Law handles that process so you can focus on getting better.
If your claim has been denied or delayed, or if you’re not sure what you’re entitled to, contact Munley Law today for a free consultation.
Caroline Munley
Caroline Munley is an experienced and award-winning personal injury lawyer and 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.
