Lancaster Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Injured at Work in Lancaster? Which Attorney You Hire Makes a Difference.

If you have been injured at work, you may be able to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp is a federal program, but it is regulated by state laws as well, creating a complex process that can be difficult to navigate on your own. We understand that you have a lot of questions, and we are here to help. Because each claim is different, we offer a free consultation to help you get started right away.

You would be best served by talking with a local workers’ compensation attorney in Lancaster. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, our very own Attorney J. Jeffrey Watson is certified as a specialist in workers' compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Workers' Compensation Law Section. We have offices throughout Pennsylvania, including one right here in Lancaster, PA to serve you. 

If you are injured and cannot come to our office, we can visit you at home or in the hospital! To learn how our Lancaster work injury lawyers can help you, call (717) 775-7579.

What to Do After a Work Injury in Lancaster, PA

The things you do in the hours, days, and weeks after a workplace accident or injury will impact your ability to secure workers' compensation benefits. Although one would hope such benefits would be automatically granted after an occupational injury, you must take specific steps to file a claim.

Each situation is different, but here is an overview of what to do after a Lancaster work injury:

• Report your injury to your employer. In Pennsylvania, you have 21 days to report a work-related injury to your employer. If you report your injury between 21 and 120 days, your benefits will be reduced. If you do not report your work injury within 120 days, you may be ineligible for workers' comp.
• Seek medical attention. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident, as this starts the record of your treatment and will help support your workers' compensation claim. Your employer should have a “panel list” of workers' comp medical providers you can choose from.
• Document the Incident: Keep detailed records of the accident, including the time, date, location, and any witnesses. This information will be crucial for your workers' compensation claim and any potential legal actions. Maintain copies of all medical records, bills, and correspondence as well.
• Follow your treatment plan. Continue your treatment as long as necessary, following your doctor's instructions. If you are dissatisfied with the medical provider who is treating you or need to see a specialist not on the panel list, you may be able to pick another provider or seek treatment elsewhere. 
• Talk to a Lancaster workers' compensation attorney. Seeking workers' comp benefits should be straightforward, but all too often, claims are delayed, denied, or underpaid. Involving an attorney is the only way to ensure the full protection of your rights and interests through the claims process.

The Experienced Workers' Compensation Counsel You Need

A job-related accident that results in injury or disability can be devastating on many levels—physically, psychologically, and financially. Workers who are robbed of their mobility face a sudden and significant adjustment, which compounds the stress of their injury and loss of wages. The complexities of a workers’ compensation claim are often too overwhelming in this situation. You can pass that responsibility on to Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC’s team of dedicated Lancaster workers' compensation lawyers with confidence since we have been helping injured workers receive compensation since 1922.

Our work injury attorneys in Lancaster can help by:

• Filing your workers' compensation claim on time, with the right documentation.
• Handling all communication and paperwork related to your claim.
• Gathering and presenting evidence of your work-related injury.
• If your claim is denied, filing a workers' compensation appeal on your behalf.
• Ensuring a proper medical evaluation from a trusted healthcare provider.
• Preparing you for and representing you in workers' comp hearings as needed.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer. 

We understand the difficult situation you're in, and we are prepared to guide you through the workers' compensation process with the final goal of securing the benefits you deserve!

OSHA Violations & Workplace Injuries

For more than 50 years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been protecting American workers, operating on the basic idea that an industrialized and productive economy must protect the lives of its workers to be truly successful. So far, OSHA has significantly reduced occupational fatalities (down from 38 worker deaths per day in 1970 to 15 per day in 2022) and occupational injury and illness rates (down from 10.9 per 100 workers in 1970 to 2.7 per 100 workers in 2022).

However, OSHA cannot prevent all injuries. With millions of worksites in the nation, it does not have the staff or resources to ensure that every employer is following the rules. Certain employers will always cut corners, and some will get away with it until an employee pays with their health or their life.

Some of the most common OSHA violations include:

Types of Work Injury Cases We Handle in Lancaster & Beyond

Any worker in any industry may experience an occupational illness or injury. While some fields are known as higher risk than others, even an employee in an office who works on a computer could experience carpal tunnel syndrome from typing all day. From construction workers injured in falls from heights to workers in warehouses or factories harmed by heavy machinery or equipment, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC helps injured employees in all industries seek workers' compensation and other benefits.

Our Lancaster workers' compensation lawyers can help with cases involving:

Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from injuries like the ones listed above. When an employer fails to protect workers, they must be held accountable for their actions. If misbehavior goes unnoticed by OSHA, the civil system is a source of justice for victims of work injuries. By filing a claim, an individual can receive compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and any other hardship caused. However, this is only possible with the help of a Lancaster work accident attorney.

You Deserve Benefits for Your On-the-Job Injury

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws were written to help people just like you.

The reasoning behind the workers' compensation system is to provide financial support and medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their jobs. Workers' compensation is provided on a no-fault basis, which essentially means that an injured worker does not have to prove that someone else was at fault in order to secure their benefits. This shields the employer from liability and provides a structured way for employees to get the treatment and financial support they need.

However, this system is not without its flaws. We help workers dealing with issues related to:

• Denied workers' compensation claims
• Delays in receiving benefits
• Termination of workers' comp benefits
• Independent medical examinations (IMEs)
• Long-term or permanent disabilities 

When details are overlooked in a claim for workers’ compensation, the complications that result cause lengthy delays, which is incredibly frustrating as you’re watching your medical expenses grow. There are also tactics employers may use to further delay the process, such as asking that you be examined by an independent medical professional or seek vocational counseling. Sometimes injured workers find they are being observed under suspicion of fraud or that legitimate claims are questioned as “disabling.”

Our Lancaster work injury attorneys have faced these scenarios before, and we understand that waiting for benefits can be excruciating. We are more than prepared to do everything we can to shorten your compensation claims process and seek the full benefits to which you are entitled.

Call Our Workers' Compensation Attorneys in Lancaster Today!

When workers are overwhelmed by their bills, forms, and medical care, our Lancaster workers' compensation lawyers are the ones they call for help and guidance. Let us take this case off your shoulders. While you focus on recovering and getting back on your feet, we'll be negotiating head-to-head with your company's insurance provider to get you the benefits you deserve. Our knowledge of the workers' comp system and how your injuries will affect you long-term make us the ideal ally for cases like yours. And if our work doesn't pay off for you? It's on us. You won't owe us a dime. 

Call us at (717) 775-7579 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.

Workers' Comp FAQ

How Should I Document My Damages?

After you have seen a doctor for the treatment of your injuries, the medical documentation you receive forms the basis of your workers' compensation claim. It can also help support a third-party personal injury lawsuit if someone other than your employer or a co-worker was responsible for your injuries.

After an on-the-job injury, try to take photos of the following:

• Your injuries
• The spot where the accident occurred
• Any machinery that was involved

Additionally, keep copies of your correspondence with your employer and insurance company and any and all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. The more complete the record you can assemble, the more successful your claim is likely to be. When you bring this material to a qualified Lancaster attorney, you can find out exactly where you stand and what options are open to you.

What If I Was Permanently Injured or Disabled by a Work Injury?

For cases where a work-related injury results in permanent impairment, and a person can no longer work, you may be eligible to file a disability claim through Social Security. There are guidelines as to what qualifies as a permanent disability, and even a list of impairments kept by the Social Security Administration. Social Security disability claims can be complex, and we advise you to consult with an attorney at our firm before you make a mistake that gets your claim denied. As with workers’ compensation, if your disability claim is denied, don’t give up. We can help you file an appeal to seek the benefits you deserve.

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