Comprehensive Workers' Compensation Legal Services
Our attorneys represent injured workers throughout all stages of the workers' compensation process, from initial claims through appeals and litigation. We understand Pennsylvania workers' compensation law and fight to ensure you receive all the benefits you're entitled to under the law.
What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees injured in work-related accidents or who develop occupational diseases. In exchange for these guaranteed benefits, employees generally cannot sue their employers for workplace injuries. Benefits can include medical treatment coverage, wage loss benefits, specific loss benefits for permanent injuries, and vocational rehabilitation services.
Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle
Accident-Related Injuries
- Slip and fall accidents at work
- Equipment and machinery accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Falls from heights or scaffolding
- Vehicle accidents during work duties
- Being struck by falling objects
- Electrocution and burns
- Chemical exposure and toxic injuries
Occupational Diseases and Repetitive Stress
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Hearing loss from workplace noise
- Respiratory conditions from toxic exposure
- Occupational asthma
- Back and neck injuries from repetitive lifting
- Mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases
Workers' Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania
Medical Benefits
Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, medical equipment, and ongoing treatment.
Wage Loss Benefits
If you cannot work due to your injury, you're entitled to wage loss benefits. The amount depends on your average weekly wage and the severity of your disability (total or partial, temporary or permanent).
Specific Loss Benefits
Additional compensation for permanent loss or loss of use of specific body parts, such as limbs, eyes, hearing, or other enumerated losses under Pennsylvania law.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you cannot return to your former job, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation services to help you train for new employment.
Death Benefits
If a worker dies from a work-related injury or disease, surviving dependents may be entitled to death benefits and burial expenses. Learn more about our wrongful death legal services.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied
Insurance carriers deny many legitimate workers' compensation claims. Common reasons include:
- Claiming the injury didn't occur at work
- Asserting the injury wasn't reported timely
- Arguing the injury was caused by a pre-existing condition
- Claiming the injury was self-inflicted or caused by intoxication
- Disputing the severity or extent of the injury
- Alleging the worker can return to work
- Procedural or paperwork deficiencies
If your claim has been denied, don't give up. Our attorneys can help you appeal the denial and fight for your benefits.
Third-Party Claims
While workers' compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, you may also have a personal injury claim against third parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. This could include equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, property owners, or other non-employer parties. Third-party claims allow you to recover additional damages not available through workers' comp, including pain and suffering. Our workplace injury attorneys can evaluate whether you have a third-party claim.
Why Choose GLS Injury Law?
We Only Represent Injured Workers - Never Insurance Companies
Our loyalty is exclusively to injured workers. We never represent employers or insurance carriers, so there's never a conflict of interest.
Proven Success Record
We have successfully recovered millions in workers' compensation benefits for injured workers throughout Pennsylvania, including many initially denied claims.
No Fee Unless You Win
Workers' compensation attorney fees are regulated by Pennsylvania law and are only paid if you receive benefits. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses.
We Handle All Aspects of Your Claim
From filing the initial claim to representing you at hearings and appeals, we handle every detail so you can focus on recovery.
The Workers' Compensation Process in Pennsylvania
Step 1: Report the Injury
Report your injury to your employer immediately, ideally in writing. Pennsylvania law requires reporting within 120 days, but the sooner you report, the better.
Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment
Get medical attention right away. Your employer may direct you to a company doctor initially, but you have the right to choose your own doctor after 90 days.
Step 3: File a Claim
If your employer or their insurance carrier denies your claim or fails to provide benefits, you must file a Claim Petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
Step 4: Litigation and Hearings
Most disputed claims require a hearing before a Workers' Compensation Judge. This is where having an experienced attorney is critical.
Step 5: Decision and Appeals
After the hearing, the judge will issue a decision. Either party can appeal unfavorable decisions through the workers' compensation appeals process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for my workers' compensation claim?
While not required, having an attorney significantly increases your chances of receiving full benefits, especially if your claim is denied or disputed. Attorney fees are regulated and only paid if you win.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim?
You must report your injury to your employer within 120 days. You have three years to file a claim petition if benefits are denied, but the sooner you act, the better.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim?
Pennsylvania law prohibits retaliation against workers for filing legitimate workers' comp claims. If you're fired or discriminated against for filing a claim, you may have additional legal remedies.
What if my employer doesn't have workers' compensation insurance?
Most Pennsylvania employers are required to carry workers' comp insurance. If your employer doesn't have coverage, you may be able to file a claim with the Pennsylvania Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund or pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Initially, your employer can direct you to a company doctor for the first 90 days. After 90 days, you have the right to treat with a doctor of your choosing.
Contact Our Lancaster Workers' Compensation Lawyers
If you've been injured at work or your workers' compensation claim has been denied, contact GLS Injury Law today. We provide free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you.
Call (717) 394-3004 now or contact us online. Available 24/7.