Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Work Injury Attorneys in Harrisburg: A Proven Record of Success

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws are intended to provide workers with benefits for medical bills and lost wages when they're injured at work. Applying for workers' comp benefits can become a job on its own, between gathering documents, calculating the cost of treatment, visiting doctors, and filling out form after form. Why would you risk your payments by trying to take on this task yourself when you should be recovering? Put our experience to work for you and avoid the pitfalls that can harm your claim.

Our Harrisburg workers' compensation attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC have been fighting for injured workers since 1922. We've helped our clients get tens of millions of dollars in benefits, helping them afford quality medical care, provide for their families, and get back on their feet. Our experience with the Pennsylvania workers' comp system helps us get as many benefits as possible for you.

We have represented thousands of injured workers. We have an experienced team of lawyers in-house to handle every aspect of your workers' comp claim. Contact us today!

Choose a Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law

When you are injured on the job, the consequences can be physically debilitating, but that is not the only reason you should find a Harrisburg, PA workers' compensation attorney to handle your case. The mental and financial stresses of an injury are considerable, and you may have to adjust to a new lack of mobility. 

You need the help of an experienced team of Harrisburg work injury lawyers to help you navigate the intricate details of your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, our very own J. Jeffrey Watson is certified as a specialist in the practice of workers' compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Workers' Compensation Law Section. 

To be a certified workers' compensation law specialist, an attorney must meet stringent qualifications:

• They must be admitted to practice in Pennsylvania.
• They must have been actively practicing law for at least five years.
• They must devote at least half of their time to workers' compensation matters.
• They must pass a special examination that includes essay and multiple-choice questions.
• They must participate in Continuing Legal Education in workers' compensation law.

Certified specialists are at the height of their field, utilizing the latest strategies and trends. This means your workers' compensation case will be managed by a skilled professional who can resolve your issues quickly, effectively, and permanently.

Common Harrisburg Work Injuries

Over 50 years ago, the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) was founded to protect the lives of workers across the nation. Since its creation, it has created regulations and guidelines to carry out this mission. However, OSHA does not have the resources or manpower to ensure every employer is faithfully complying with OSHA standards as they are required. Employers must provide reasonably safe workplaces for their employees, no matter the industry or occupation. 

Employer negligence can lead to serious work injuries and accidents such as:

When incidents like these happen, it is almost always from unsafe work conditions, inadequate training, a lack of proper safety gear, or other forms of employer negligence. Some work injuries are also caused by third parties, such as manufacturers of defective products or property owners. If you have been injured at work, you don’t have to face the burden of seeking benefits on your own. Our work injury attorneys in Harrisburg are standing by to see how we can help with your workers' compensation claim.

Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Harrisburg, PA

Filing a workers' compensation claim in Harrisburg, PA involves several critical steps and adhering to strict deadlines to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Understanding the timeline and the general claims process can help you navigate this system more effectively.

Deadline for Filing a Claim

You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. To receive the full amount of workers' compensation benefits in Pennsylvania, you must report the injury within 21 days of its occurrence. If you report it between 21 and 120 days, you may still receive benefits, but they will only cover lost wages and medical expenses from the date of your report, not the date of the incident. Reporting the injury after 120 days may result in losing your right to compensation, unless your employer was already aware of the injury. 

After reporting your injury, you have up to three years from the date of the injury to file a claim petition for workers' compensation benefits. Failure to file within this three-year period will bar your claim.

The Workers' Comp Claim Process

• Report the Injury: Inform your employer as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Providing written notice is advisable to ensure there is a record of your report.
• Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider for a thorough examination and treatment. Ensure that all your injuries are documented, as this will be crucial for your claim.
• File a Claim Petition: If your employer does not voluntarily pay workers' compensation benefits, you must file a claim petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation. This petition should include details about your injury and its impact on your ability to work.
• Investigation and Hearing: Once the petition is filed, an investigation will be conducted, and a hearing may be scheduled. During this hearing, you will need to present evidence supporting your claim for workers' compensation, including medical records and witness testimonies.
• Receive Benefits: If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving workers' compensation benefits, which can include medical coverage, wage loss compensation, and disability benefits.

Navigating the workers' compensation system can be complex and overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with an injury. An experienced workers' compensation attorney in Harrisburg can provide invaluable assistance every step of the way, protecting your interests and rights.

Documenting Your Work Accident Damages

It is imperative after an injury on the job to seek medical attention immediately—not only to prevent your condition from becoming worse but also to allow a qualified doctor to document your injuries. For a workers' compensation claim to be successful, medical records are vital, as are copies of all other associated documents such as correspondence, pay stubs, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.

If possible, photograph your injuries, the scene where the accident occurred, the condition of any machinery or equipment involved in the incident, and any other factors that seem relevant. Also, keep a complete record of your interaction with any insurers who have or who may pay out benefits for your injuries. And remember: Time lost is evidence lost! The sooner you call our firm, the better.

Receiving Medical Treatment After a Work Injury

One of the most important things that you can do following a work-related injury is to make sure you get good medical care. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, eligible individuals are entitled to receive benefits that cover related and reasonable surgical and medical services. These services can include medication, supplies, hospital treatments, appliances, prostheses, and more. It is vital that you choose the correct healthcare provider to treat your injury. Although you are free to choose your doctor, there are situations where you will need to see a provider selected by your employer for initial treatment.

On-the-Job Car Accidents & Workers' Comp

Per the 2023 Annual Report on Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation & Workplace Safety, highway motor accidents accounted for 5,370 work-related injuries that year. They occurred across all major industries, from manufacturing to leisure and hospitality, but these incidents were particularly prevalent in trade and transportation, which accounted for 1,445 work-related highway motor accident injuries, and education and health services, which accounted for 1,054 work-related highway motor accident injuries.

Few situations cause more distress or catastrophic injuries as auto accidents. This is especially true if you are involved in a crash while on the job. Regardless of whether you are a professional commercial driver, such as a truck driver, or if you were driving in another capacity, you have benefits you are owed if you were injured in a workplace accident. We can help evaluate your case and determine your legal options.

Workers’ Compensation & Wrongful Death

If you lost someone you love in a work-related incident, you need to understand workers’ compensation laws. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides death benefits to eligible family members.

The following people may be eligible for workers' comp death benefits:

• Widow
• Widower
• Children

In some instances, another family member such as a sibling or parent may be eligible to receive these benefits. The spouse will be eligible to receive benefits for the rest of their life or until they remarry. Should they remarry, they will be eligible to receive the rest of the compensation in a lump sum. Children are eligible to receive benefits until they turn 18 years of age unless they have a disability, and benefits can extend to the age of 23 for individuals enrolled as full-time students. 

Because the laws surrounding death benefits are involved, it is crucial that you do not hesitate to get the legal help that you need if you are dealing with this tragedy. Our Harrisburg work injury lawyers can help with workers' compensation claims and wrongful death lawsuits for on-the-job fatalities.

Denied Workers' Comp? Other Issues? We Can Help.

When you suffer a work-related injury, you expect workers' compensation to cover your medical bills and lost wages. Unfortunately, many workers' compensation claims are initially denied. Understanding the reasons for these denials can help you take the necessary steps to appeal and secure the benefits you deserve.

Workers' compensation claims may be denied for various reasons, such as:

• Failure to report an injury to your employer within the required timeframe.
• Inadequate medical evidence linking the injury to your work.
• An argument by your employer that your injury was not work related.
• Failing to follow prescribed medical treatment or not attending scheduled medical evaluations.
• An argument that your injury is attributed to a pre-existing condition rather than a work incident.

Don't let a denied claim add to your stress. Let our workers' compensation lawyers in Harrisburg help you seek the benefits you need to recover and move forward with your life.

Dealing with Special Circumstances

Some workers' compensation claims involve certain extenuating circumstances that can make it even more difficult to secure the benefits that you need. Fortunately, our team at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has the experience and know-how to effectively approach these issues, which may include:

Independent Medical Examination (IME):   
You may have been asked to submit to an independent medical examination or to attend vocational counseling. IMEs are often requested by employers or insurance companies to get a second opinion on your injury, which can be stressful and may feel biased against your claim.

Surveillance Concerns:   
You may believe the government is watching you under suspicion of fraudulently seeking benefits. This can add an extra layer of anxiety and mistrust, making the claims process even more daunting.

Specific Loss Claims:   
Your claim may involve unusual pain and suffering for scarring or Specific Loss (amputation). These types of workers' compensation claims can be more complex and require detailed medical and legal documentation to prove the extent of your injury and its impact on your life.

In short, you are not only stressed by your physical condition but also confused by the claims process and struggling to make ends meet. Our Harrisburg work injury attorneys know you cannot wait for benefits and that you need to get on with your life. We concentrate on resolving claims in the shortest time possible.

Contact Our Harrisburg Workers' Compensation Law Firm

In Pennsylvania, employees have a right to receive workers’ compensation benefits when they have suffered work-related injuries or disabilities. The benefits are designed to help cover both medical and living expenses for the period when you cannot work. You are entitled to these benefits, and our firm can see that you receive them. Filing a compensation claim is an involved process. If you overlook details, you may be denied benefits or receive less than appropriate compensation for your injuries. This possibility is why it is imperative to be represented by qualified Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorneys.

We believe victims are entitled to just compensation for their injuries and offer free legal consultations with a no- fee guarantee. Our Harrisburg, PA workers’ comp lawyers are here to relieve the pressure of filing your claim to help you get what is rightfully yours. We understand how insurance companies operate and the strategies they use to put you in a corner. We know how to fight for what you need most.

Contact a Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorney at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC for a free consultation and to learn how we can help you: (717) 775-7514.

Recommended Reading

• Workers' Compensation Changes Through Time
• Do I Get Workers’ Comp Insurance If I’m Self-Employed?
• Should I Compromise & Release My Workers’ Comp Benefit?
• 4 Mistakes that Can Hurt Your Workers' Comp Case
• 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Workers' Comp Claim