Pennsylvania Work Injury Attorneys

Fighting for Injured Workers Across Pennsylvania with Offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York

A work injury can threaten your livelihood, financial stability, and future. Many workplace injuries don’t result from a single accident but rather from years of repetitive stress, overexertion, or orthopedic strain. In fact, repetitive stress injuries and orthopedic injuries can contribute to lost productivity in the U.S.  

In Pennsylvania, employers are legally required to provide workers’ compensation benefits for injured employees regardless of fault. However, claims can be denied, delayed, or undervalued, leaving workers struggling to get the benefits they deserve. If a third party (such as a contractor) contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation.

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we fight for injured employees who have lost wages, earning ability, and financial security. Since 1922, we’ve helped hundreds of workers secure the medical care and financial support they need. When you work with us, you’ll have a legal team that includes J. Jeffrey Watson, a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Law Section. With experience in both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, we’re ready to fight for you.

For a free consultation on your claim, call (888) 498-3023or contact us with our fast and secure online form. Our Pennsylvania work injury lawyers are more than happy to answer your questions.

Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Laws & Your Rights

Resolving a Pennsylvania Claim by Agreement

A workers’ compensation settlement may resolve a claim through a lump-sum payment. In Pennsylvania, the terms may be formalized through a Compromise and Release Agreement filed on form LIBC-755.

The agreement isn’t valid or binding unless a Workers’ Compensation Judge approves it after determining that the employee understands its full legal significance. We help clients pursue lump-sum resolutions when appropriate for their claims.

The Most Dangerous Jobs in the United States

Certain industries, particularly construction, manufacturing, and industrial work, face elevated risks in the U.S. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified four causes of fatal construction-related accidents, known as “The Fatal Four.”

They include:

• Falls from heights
• Electrocution
• Struck by falling objects
• Caught-in/between accidents

These hazards can cause fatal injuries. However, not all workplace injuries are fatal. Many result in long-term disabilities, lost wages, and significant medical expenses.

Common Non-Fatal Work Injuries in Pennsylvania

Beyond fatalities, many work injuries result in long-term disabilities and financial hardship. 

Some of the most common non-fatal injuries include:

• Broken Bones: Often caused by slips, trips, falls, or machinery accidents
• Overexertion Injuries: Strains and sprains from repetitive lifting or pushing
• Lower Back Injuries: Poor ergonomics or heavy lifting, contributing to lost work days
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and similar conditions

Work injuries can also have serious psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Many injured workers struggle with chronic pain and financial uncertainty, making access to both medical and mental health support essential for recovery. Workers’ compensation may cover treatment, therapy, and vocational retraining, which can help provide care and benefits during recovery.

The Lifelong Injuries Caused by Workplace Falls

Falls from a height are traumatic events. Factors like age, hardness of the landing surface, and the body part that makes the initial impact can make the difference between life or death. For many of those who survive falls from heights, they’re facing a lifetime of medical costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Grieving families face the same, as well as the lifelong loss of companionship that follows grief.

Injuries resulting from falls include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injury
• Severe fractures
• Paralysis
• Orthopedic injuries

Employers must take a proactive stance against fall injuries by implementing comprehensive safety protocols. This includes regular site inspections to identify potential hazards, ensuring that safety equipment such as harnesses are used appropriately, and providing ongoing safety training to all employees. By fostering a culture of safety awareness, employers can significantly reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.

Industries in Pennsylvania at High Risk for Work Injuries

Workplace injuries can occur in any industry, but some are more susceptible to them due to the inherent hazards associated with the nature of their work.

Here are the occupations in Pennsylvania that tend to have a higher risk for injuries:

• Construction Industry: The construction industry is notorious for being high-risk due to the dangerous nature of the work. Construction workers frequently deal with heavy machinery, heights, electric installations, and hazardous materials. Common injuries include falls, struck-by-object injuries, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents, often referred to as the “Fatal Four” in the industry.
• Healthcare Industry: Healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and support staff, are at a heightened risk for injuries. These range from musculoskeletal disorders due to lifting and moving patients, to needlestick injuries, to violence from patients or their family members, and exposure to infectious diseases.
• Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing sector involves heavy machinery, repetitive motions, and handling of potentially hazardous materials, making it a high-risk environment. Injuries can include machine entanglement, overexertion, repetitive strain injuries, and chemical burns or exposure.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Oil and gas extraction involves complex and potentially dangerous processes. These workers may be exposed to the risk of explosions, fires, machinery accidents, falls, and exposure to harmful substances.
• Refinery and Chemical Plants: Working in refineries and chemical plants exposes workers to a unique set of hazards, such as chemical leaks, explosions, fires, and equipment-related injuries. Workers in these environments may also face long-term risks from asbestos exposure.
• Warehouse Industry: Warehouses involve a lot of manual handling of goods, operating heavy machinery, and potentially working at heights. Common accidents include forklift accidents, lifting injuries, slips, trips, and falls.
• Agriculture: Farm workers often operate heavy machinery, deal with large animals, and perform strenuous physical labor, leading to a variety of potential injuries.

Despite the inherent risks associated with these industries, employers are obligated to ensure the safety of their employees by providing proper training, personal protective equipment, and adhering to all safety regulations. Comprehensive emergency response plans should also be in place to address workplace incidents promptly and effectively. Regular safety audits and feedback systems can help identify areas needing improvement, thereby minimizing risks and improving overall work safety.

Pennsylvania Truck Driver Injuries: Risks & Representation

Truckers sometimes get a bad reputation for driving carelessly or aggressively, but most truck drivers are highly trained and cautious. They are at risk of being injured on the job like any worker, and at times they are pushed beyond their limits, sometimes in violation of trucking regulations, to drive long hours, take shorter breaks, or drive vehicles that haven’t been properly loaded, inspected, or maintained. 

Our work injury lawyers represent injured truck drivers throughout Pennsylvania. We help truckers injured in truck accidents and in incidents involving loading, unloading, maintenance, and other warehouse accidents.

How to Handle a Work Injury: Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing a work injury can be an overwhelming process, but following the correct steps is crucial for safeguarding your rights and health. 

1. The first step is to seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures your health but also provides documented evidence of the injury, which is essential for any potential claims. If your employer has a properly posted list of designated providers, you may need to select a provider from that list during the first 90 days after your initial visit.
2. After receiving medical care, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. While you have up to 120 days to report legally, reporting within 21 days preserves eligibility for benefits from the date of injury.
3. Document all aspects of the incident, including time, location, involved equipment, and any witnesses, as these details could be valuable when discussing your injury with a legal representative. 
4. Before accepting a light-duty or modified-work offer, consider how the assigned duties and wages may affect your return-to-work decisions and benefit questions. 
5. The final step involves consulting with a work injury attorney who can guide you through the workers’ compensation process.

OSHA Requirements for Reporting Serious Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to report certain serious work-related incidents. Reportable incidents include workplace fatalities, in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, and the loss of an eye.

These requirements govern an employer’s duty to notify OSHA about qualifying incidents. They are separate from an injured worker’s obligation to notify the employer and pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Minor injuries that require only first aid generally don’t trigger the same employer reporting requirements.

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Employees and employers can’t control everything that occurs while on the job; however, both employees and employers can take steps to reduce the risk of workplace accidents. 

Read below for 5 actionable ways to reduce the risk of being injured on the job.

#1: Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Employers should provide each employee with the protective equipment (PPE) required pursuant to the type of industry and job. More importantly, employers should train employees in the proper use of PPE, and employees should wear these items whenever they’re at the work site. 

Examples of personal protective equipment that reduce the risk of injury include:

• Eye protection
• Hard hats
• Ear protection
• Steel-toed boots
• Gloves
• Harnesses

#2: Enforce Vehicle Safety Checklists & Maintenance

If employees use company vehicles, the employer should ensure that all vehicles are maintained in top working order. Employees should check the vehicle’s safety before driving and obey all traffic laws while driving. Employers should develop and implement a safe driving policy for all company-owned vehicles. Workers injured in work vehicle accidents may have additional legal options beyond workers’ compensation. 

#3: Wear Layers Appropriate for Extreme Conditions

Some jobs may require employees to work in extreme conditions (i.e. hot or cold weather, snow, ice, rain, etc.). High and low temperatures can result in serious workplace illnesses and injuries. To prevent injury, employees should wear the proper number of layers of clothing for the weather and stay hydrated when working outdoors. Employers should install heating devices or provide cooling stations when necessary. Employers should also reduce the number of work hours during extreme weather conditions.

#4: Immediately Report Safety Issues

Employees should report safety issues to the employer immediately. Don’t assume that an employer is aware of a dangerous or hazardous situation. Employers, create a culture of accountability. Let your people know that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep each other safe and informed of potential hazards.

#5: Immediately Fix Safety Issues

Employers must fix or resolve any dangerous or hazardous situations on the job site. As soon as an employee reports safety issues, the employer must resolve the situation immediately. When a third party causes or controls a dangerous condition, an injured worker may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Work Injuries in Pennsylvania

Can You Sue Your Employer for Work Injuries in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, workers generally can’t sue their employer for work injuries due to the state’s no-fault workers’ compensation system. However, lawsuits may be possible if the employer failed to carry workers’ compensation insurance or if a third party (such as a contractor) contributed to the injury. For example, if a piece of defective equipment leads to an injury, the manufacturer could possibly be held accountable. It’s crucial for injured workers to consult with legal professionals to explore all potential avenues for compensation, ensuring that they fully understand their rights and the scope of legal protections available.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Work Injury?

Immediately after a work injury, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention, even for minor injuries. It’s crucial to document the incident accurately by noting details such as time, location, and any involved equipment or witnesses. Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible to initiate any necessary work-related injury reports. This notification helps preserve your rights to claims under workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania. Consulting with a work injury law firm can provide guidance on the proper steps in the claims process and ensure you’re fully informed of your rights.

Can I Choose My Doctor Under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation?

In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation laws allow employers to designate a list of approved healthcare providers for treating workplace injuries. If your employer has provided a compliant list, you must select one of these providers for the initial treatment and follow-up during the first 90 days from the first visit. After this period, you’re free to choose a healthcare provider of your choice. Ensure compliance with these requirements to avoid jeopardizing your workers’ compensation claim. If you’re uncertain about your rights or the process, consulting a work injury attorney can offer valuable insights tailored to your situation.

What Benefits Can I Receive Under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation?

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits include coverage for:

• Medical expenses
• Wage-loss benefits, generally calculated at two-thirds of an injured worker’s average weekly wage, subject to the statutory minimum and maximum for the year of injury
• Specific loss benefits for permanent injuries
• Death benefits for dependents of workers who suffer fatal job-related injuries

Pennsylvania generally has a seven-day waiting period before payments for lost earnings begin. If the disability lasts 14 days or more, payment may include those first seven days. Medical expenses cover necessary treatments for work-related injuries, while payments for lost earnings compensate for a portion of your income during recovery. Specific loss benefits apply to injuries resulting in permanent loss or disfigurement, such as losing a limb. Understanding the full scope of these benefits is essential, and seeking professional legal guidance can help ensure you receive appropriate compensation.

Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?

It is unlawful for an employer to fire you because you filed for workers' compensation. If you believe your employment was adversely affected after filing a claim, gather documentation related to your performance, termination, demotion, or changes in duties. The facts surrounding the employer’s decision matter, so consulting an attorney can help you understand which legal protections and options may apply to your situation.

Hurt on the Job? Call Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC Now.

If you’ve experienced any injury due to your job duties, you owe it to yourself to seek compensation. Our firm has represented injured Pennsylvanians since 1922, with thorough investigation and dedication to their long-term well-being. We have offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York. It’s free to call us to find out if you have a claim. Let us answer your questions and give you the clarity you deserve. 

Our Pennsylvania work injury attorneys pay for all the expenses of every claim, and we only get paid when our clients obtain a settlement or verdict. We look forward to hearing from you.