Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Have You Been Injured on the Job? One Call…Does It All®!

Workers' compensation law can be complex. Our experienced Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorneys help you navigate the process and protect your rights at every step. Our Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyers work on behalf of employees who have suffered work-related injuries and medical conditions.

We recognize that every work injury comes with different challenges. Our lawyers meet you where you are—at home, in the hospital, or at one of our local offices. We make sure clients know what benefits and resources are available throughout Pennsylvania, including job retraining programs and community medical networks. This local awareness helps streamline both the claim process and recovery steps.

Work injuries often change everything, so our workers’ comp attorneys in Pennsylvania refer clients to resources for medical care, rehabilitation, and other critical needs. Through our network of medical professionals and vocational therapists, we aim to help you on your complete road to recovery while we prepare your case.

Our law firm has offices located in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York to help serve the needs of workers across Pennsylvania. Since 1922, we've built our place as one of the largest and most respected law firms in the area.

Are You Eligible for Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation?

Most Pennsylvania-based employees qualify for some form of workers' compensation, which pays benefits when an employee is injured on the job. These benefits include medical and wage loss benefits.

Certain employees DO NOT qualify for state workers' compensation, such as:

• Federal workers
• Longshoremen
• Railroad workers
• Sole proprietors
• Domestic-based workers
• Volunteers
• Agriculture laborers
• Casual laborers

If you fall into one of these categories, you may be covered under the Federal Employee Compensation Act. Domestic workers also have the option to purchase a private form of workers' compensation at their own expense. Keep in mind that the state places limits on the amount a person can receive from workers' comp benefits. For more, visit our blog about Pennsylvania workers' compensation maximums.

Eligibility for workers' comp in Pennsylvania depends on several factors, including whether your job is full-time or part-time, details of recent employment changes, and how the injury occurred. Sometimes, employers wrongly categorize injuries as not covered, even when employees qualify for benefits. Talking with knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyers helps ensure your rights under the law.

Local workplaces and industries can impact who is eligible, especially in manufacturing or logistics in Central Pennsylvania. Regional safety rules or company policies sometimes complicate eligibility. Our team keeps current with Pennsylvania laws and workplace practices, so we can help you evaluate your situation with greater speed and accuracy.

Click here to learn more about the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act.

Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law Explained

Under Pennsylvania workers' compensation law, injured workers can receive benefits regardless of how their injuries happened. Workers must tell their employer right away and get a medical assessment of the injury. Pennsylvania law sets strict deadlines. If you suffer an injury, report it to your employer within 21 days. A work comp lawyer in Pennsylvania can help you move quickly.

We take on Pennsylvania workers' compensation cases involving:

• Construction accidents
• Work-related car accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Manufacturing accidents
• Healthcare worker injuries
• Workplace falls
• Overexertion injuries
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Occupational diseases
• Warehouse accidents
• Fatal work accidents
• Oil and gas accidents

Many claims present unique challenges, including disputes about the cause of the injury or disagreements with insurance carriers. Our team translates Pennsylvania law and guidelines into clear steps, giving you confidence to move forward. We help you gather reliable evidence, organize medical records, and operate within state deadlines. In key sectors like logistics and manufacturing—prevalent in Harrisburg and Hershey—meeting requirements can be critical for your case.

Workers' compensation law also covers psychological injuries caused by workplace stress or trauma. Though these cases are less visible, Pennsylvania law recognizes them. Chronic pain and mobility problems that stem from physical injuries may also qualify as compensable conditions. Our Pennsylvania workers' comp attorneys understand these issues and build strong cases for them.

No matter your situation, even if fault is unclear, speak with a workers' compensation lawyer in Pennsylvania about your options. You may be eligible for benefits regardless of fault. Our team explores every potential avenue for compensation. We're here to help, however we can.

How Long Does the Workers’ Compensation Process Take in Pennsylvania?

Each workers’ compensation case in Pennsylvania follows its own timeline, but several key factors determine how long it takes to resolve a claim. Insurance companies typically have 21 days from the initial injury report to approve or deny a claim. If your case is straightforward with clear documentation from Pennsylvania providers, you may receive benefits quickly.

However, cases that involve serious injuries, disputed information, or conflicting medical evidence usually take longer. If an employer or insurer denies your claim, you may need a hearing with a workers' compensation judge, which adds weeks or even months. 

Choosing a firm with experience handling workers' compensation claims in Pennsylvania courts can reduce errors and delays. Our staff streamline the process by organizing documents and preparing the claim thoroughly from day one. With every case, we work to ensure your file meets state deadlines and contains the right local documentation for a smoother path to benefits.

Understanding Your Rights During a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Hearing

If your case reaches a hearing, a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation judge will lead the proceedings, typically held in a county office near your community, such as Harrisburg or York. At the hearing, the judge reviews medical evidence, work records, and may hear from witnesses. You have the right to bring additional evidence or testimony in support of your claim.

Hearings give injured workers the opportunity to explain how a work injury impacts daily activities and the ability to earn a living. Pennsylvania law shields employees from retaliation for filing a claim, and judges maintain strict procedural fairness. With an experienced legal team, you know what documents to gather and how to present testimony from healthcare providers or coworkers. Careful preparation helps the judge fully understand your circumstances and leads to more informed decisions.

The Most Common Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Injuries

According to the 2023 Workers' Compensation and Workplace Safety Annual Report by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, there were 162,694 workplace injury and illness cases reported to the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Strains and sprains made up 35.6% of all cases in 2023, leading all causes of injury to the back and trunk, upper extremities, and lower extremities.

Upper extremity injuries accounted for 37.9% of all Pennsylvania workers' compensation cases in 2023, making them the most common area injured at work. Of those, finger injuries were most frequent.

Other common Pennsylvania work injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds
• Dismemberment
• Fractures
• Occupational illness

Long-term exposure in the workplace can contribute to conditions like repetitive stress injuries or respiratory diseases. Carpal tunnel syndrome and lung illnesses from chemical inhalation develop gradually but are just as legitimate in Pennsylvania as sudden incidents. Monitoring your health closely and reporting symptoms early improves your workers' compensation claim.

The leading cause of injuries reported for PA workers' compensation claims in 2023 was overexertion, including lifting, pulling, or pushing. Pennsylvania recorded 41,688 overexertion injury workers' compensation claims in 2023.

Workers' Comp for Injured Truck Drivers

Transportation incidents remain among the most frequent causes of fatal workplace injuries nationwide. Workers in agriculture, construction, shipping, and other sectors face risks on the road. This includes Pennsylvania truck drivers. If you drive a commercial vehicle in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, you have the right to seek medical care and wage support after an on-the-job injury. Workers' compensation covers all work injuries for truck drivers, from truck accidents to warehouse injuries.

Truck drivers in Pennsylvania often navigate hazardous weather on I-81 and I-76, and face busy loading docks in the Central Pennsylvania logistics corridor. These factors create challenges when filing a workers' compensation claim. Our team understands these regional demands and stays up to date on regulations and procedures for Pennsylvania’s trucking workforce. We can walk you through cases involving multiple locations, help secure records from distribution centers, and explain insurance rules for cross-state claims.

Long hours, tight schedules, and exposure to heavy lifting make injuries common among truck drivers. Our Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorneys regularly handle claims for truckers because our offices are near key distribution hubs. Fatigue-related mistakes, repetitive motion strains, and loading dock accidents are regular issues. We help truck drivers pursue all available benefits, and we can assist with personal injury or product liability claims in third-party cases.

Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Pennsylvania

Navigating the workers' compensation claim process in Pennsylvania involves following strict timelines and guidelines to get the benefits you deserve.

The first step: report your injury to your employer. To collect the full amount of workers' compensation benefits, you must notify your employer within 21 days of your injury. If you report the injury between 21 and 120 days after it happens, your claim will only cover lost wages and medical costs starting the day you report. If you fail to report within 120 days, you forfeit any workers' comp benefits unless your employer already knows of your injury.

Once you've notified your employer, you have up to three years from the date of injury to file a claim petition. This starts the formal process of claiming benefits. If you miss this window, your claim is barred and you cannot collect compensation.

For hearing loss injuries caused by long-term noise exposure, different rules apply. You have three years from your last exposure to file a claim, giving time for the long-term effects to become clear.

Throughout the process, gather key documents such as incident reports, witness accounts, and medical records from qualified Pennsylvania providers. Keeping your file neat and complete avoids unnecessary delays. Workers in high-risk industries like manufacturing in York or transportation in Harrisburg may benefit from safety staff or area clinics to gather needed paperwork for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Keep in touch with your employer and their workers' compensation insurer. Save all treatment records, notes, and other supporting materials. If any step feels overwhelming, consult a Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyer who can guide you and help improve the odds for your claim.

Why Was My PA Workers' Compensation Claim Denied?

The workers' compensation process can be stressful, and a denied claim often means missed work and unpaid bills. Denials happen when claims are filed incorrectly or there is a question about the injury’s cause.

A workers' compensation claim may be denied for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Exceeding the time limit
• No medical diagnosis
• Lack of medical evidence
• Intentional injuries
• Insufficient information
• Intoxication

If your claim is denied, you still have options. Many Pennsylvania workers have appealed successfully by adding new evidence or providing extra documentation about what happened. Act quickly, since appeals have strict deadlines. Your appeal can benefit from records or statements from Pennsylvania healthcare providers. Our team shows you how the appeals board works in Pennsylvania and prepares you for a hearing if one is scheduled.

You can appeal a workers' compensation decision. If your claim was denied or delayed, you can contact our Pennsylvania workers' compensation law firm for help. Our team reviews your situation, explains why your claim was denied, and helps you understand your options.

How Does Workers' Comp Pay for Lost Wages?

When workers cannot do their usual jobs because of an injury or illness from work, they may qualify for workers' compensation benefits. Wage-loss benefits are usually about two-thirds of your average weekly income. Payments may be reduced by unemployment, severance pay, or social security benefits. State and private insurance companies provide these benefits in Pennsylvania.

There are several key points to know about workers' comp benefits in Pennsylvania:

• Waiting Period: You receive wage-loss payments only after more than seven calendar days of disability. The first day of compensation is day eight.
• Extended Disability Compensation: If your disability lasts longer than 14 days, you also collect payments for the first seven days.
• First Payment: If you report your injury right away and your claim is approved, you can generally expect your first check within three weeks.

In Pennsylvania, work industries such as healthcare and logistics can affect what counts as lost wages. Workers in Harrisburg or Lancaster might have complicated overtime schedules, secondary jobs, or changing shift pay. Our team can help you figure out exactly what records the insurance company needs in these cases. We also check for updates to state maximums and benefit amounts so your compensation stays current.

If you lose permanent function in any part of your body, such as a finger or your hearing, you may be eligible for added compensation based on the loss's severity. Covered care includes medical treatment, rehab, and medications. Knowing this helps workers take a proactive approach with their employers to speed up recovery and safely return to work when ready.

When Do Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Benefits End?

Pennsylvania workers' compensation benefits can end under the following circumstances:

• If the worker returns to their job at the same pay rate as before the injury.
• If the employer or insurance company challenges the claim and a judge agrees to discontinue benefits.
• Benefits may stop if a compensation judge issues an order after a hearing, or if you reach the end of the scheduled benefit period for your disability.

If you or a loved one has been cut off from workers' compensation and need answers, contact Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC for a free case evaluation.

Can I Get Both Unemployment & Workers' Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania workers may sometimes receive both unemployment and workers' compensation if a work injury qualifies them for both programs. However, unemployment payments reduce the workers' compensation benefit, so in total, you receive only the highest benefit amount—not both full payments together.

The downside to receiving both benefits is that there is an expiration date attached to unemployment. Each worker is entitled to a strict lifetime allowance of unemployment benefit, and in the event that a worker starts to use it, this allowance will begin to dwindle.

Some parts of Pennsylvania, especially areas with seasonal construction or industries that close for winter, see workers collecting both types of benefits at different times. Understanding how Pennsylvania agencies check eligibility and what forms are required can help you avoid delays. We review your employment and explain the impact so you know what to expect when payments start or end.

If your workers' compensation benefit may be suspended, Pennsylvania law allows you to apply for unemployment as a backup. If you have questions about your right to both benefits, contact our team for a free consultation about your eligibility.

Do I Need a Workers' Compensation or Personal Injury Attorney?

If you suffer an injury at work, you might wonder whether you need a workers' compensation attorney in Pennsylvania or a personal injury attorney. For example, in a New Jersey case, a woman received $2.25 million after a slip and fall accident on ice in a work parking lot. The property owner was held liable in a premises liability case.

Other cases are less clear. If the woman was driving for work duties and was rear-ended by another driver, she would qualify for workers' compensation and might also pursue a personal injury claim if the other driver was at fault. Choosing between a workers' compensation lawyer or an auto accident lawyer depends on who caused the injury and whether it was job related. In cases like hers, workers' compensation would pay for medical bills and some lost wages, but personal injury cases may allow recovery for pain and suffering, too.

Pennsylvania’s industrial jobs sometimes result in accidents involving contractors or third parties on site. For example, manufacturing workers in York or warehouse staff in Carlisle may be able to pursue multiple types of claims after an incident. Our firm stays up to date on how liability rules and workers' compensation interact so no detail is left unaddressed when pursuing benefits for you.

Workers' compensation covers your medical expenses and part of your lost wages if you cannot work. In contrast, personal injury claims seek compensation for all lost wages and may include additional damages for pain and suffering. The right attorney will help you understand all available options so you can maximize your potential recovery.

Having a legal professional who understands both workers' compensation and personal injury law in Pennsylvania often means better results. These attorneys can address complex liability issues and explain topics such as subrogation rights—when an insurer pays bills before an at-fault driver’s insurance makes payment.

Choosing Your Doctor or the Company Doctor?

In Pennsylvania, employers may require injured workers to see an in-network doctor during the first 90 days of treatment, if the list is provided before an injury. This list must contain at least six approved providers. If your employer fails to properly notify you or has an incomplete panel, you may pick your own doctor immediately. After 90 days, you may choose your healthcare provider.

Larger Pennsylvania employers—like those in Lancaster or Harrisburg—regularly update provider panels to match local medical resources. If you need specialty care that your company's panel lacks, or if you move to a new area, knowing your rights and the steps to switch providers makes a difference. Our legal team guides Pennsylvania clients through these transitions to maintain timely and effective treatment under the law.

Knowing your rights matters. If you don't receive the care you expect or find your employer’s panel insufficient, a Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney can discuss your options to keep your treatment and recovery on track within state guidelines.

Navigating Changes to Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp

Pennsylvania’s workers' compensation system has changed over the years. Some reforms help workers, while others create more hurdles. Our law firm monitors these updates to ensure every client receives guidance that reflects today’s system. Staying informed gives you a better chance of making strong decisions about your claim.

Call a Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Lawyer Today: (888) 498-3023

The personal injury attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg have extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania workers' compensation and the laws protecting accident victims. Since 1922, our firm has managed complex cases and delivered comprehensive legal services when clients need them the most. We pursue compensation for expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the physical and emotional pain resulting from accidents.

Pennsylvania’s workers' compensation laws apply across the state. We serve clients from our offices in urban centers like Harrisburg and Lancaster as well as smaller communities in Schuylkill County. Our history includes significant awards for injured employees in hospitals, factories, and many other settings.

When an on-the-job injury or someone else’s reckless behavior causes you harm, you shouldn’t carry the financial burden alone. Our Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorneys have helped thousands secure benefits and lump-sum settlements. We offer practical advice, handle claims from start to finish, and let clients focus on healing.

Hurt on the job? Contact HHR at (888) 498-3023 to begin your journey!

Recommended Reading

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