Workers’ compensation is supposed to be simple: you’re hurt at work, benefits follow, no fault required. In practice, claims get denied over technicalities, “independent” medical exams cut benefits off, and injured workers accept less than the system owes them. We represent injured workers — never insurance companies — through every stage of Pennsylvania’s system.
The Rules That Protect (and Trap) Injured Workers
- Report fast. Pennsylvania requires notice to your employer within 120 days of injury — but waiting even weeks invites a dispute. Report in writing, immediately, even for injuries that seem minor.
- It’s no-fault. Your own mistake generally doesn’t bar benefits; our post on who’s eligible covers the basics, and the PA Department of Labor & Industry administers the system.
- Benefits are specific. Medical treatment, wage-loss benefits (a percentage of your average weekly wage), and specific-loss awards — but generally not pain and suffering; see our explainer on pain and suffering in workers’ comp.
- Third-party claims run alongside. If someone other than your employer caused the injury — a negligent driver, a property owner, defective equipment — a separate lawsuit can recover what comp doesn’t, including pain and suffering. This dual-track analysis is where injured workers most often leave money behind; see our work injury page and construction accident page.
When Claims Go Wrong
Denied claims, delayed checks, forced light-duty disputes, benefit termination petitions — each has a formal answer through the workers’ comp litigation system, with hearings before a judge. OSHA standards and BLS injury data often support what actually happened at the worksite; our posts on suing an employer for negligence and winter workplace accidents cover common scenarios. Retaliation for filing a claim is unlawful — if it’s happening, tell us. Full answers live on our Workers’ Compensation FAQ page.
Frequently Asked Questions
My claim was denied. Is that the end?
No — denial is the beginning of the litigation process, not the verdict. Many denied claims succeed on petition before a workers’ comp judge. There are deadlines to appeal, so move quickly.
Can I see my own doctor?
Pennsylvania’s rules on employer-designated providers apply for an initial period when the employer posts a proper provider list, after which you choose your own. The details are technical and frequently misapplied against workers — bring us the paperwork.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim?
Retaliating against a worker for exercising comp rights is unlawful. Employment can still end for legitimate reasons, which is what makes these situations fact-sensitive — document everything and get advice early.
What’s the difference between workers’ comp and a lawsuit?
Comp is no-fault but limited (no pain and suffering, partial wages). A lawsuit against a negligent third party requires proving fault but can recover full damages. Many serious work injuries support both at once — that’s the analysis we run in every case.
What does it cost to hire your firm?
Injury cases are handled on a contingency fee: you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. The percentage and how case costs (filing fees, records, experts) are handled are spelled out in a written fee agreement before you sign anything, and the initial consultation is free.
Hurt on the job? Call (215) 464-4600 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We handle injury cases on a contingency fee: no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you, with case costs explained in the written fee agreement before you sign.