Pennsylvania workers’ comp law requires you to report a workplace injury to your employer within 120 days. The sooner you report, the stronger your claim. Get the report in writing if possible. Verbal reports can be disputed later.
Under Pennsylvania law, your employer may have the right to direct you to a panel physician for the first 90 days. However, you always have the right to treatment. Don’t let a denial of care go unchallenged — call PAIN 100 first.
Photograph the accident site, any defective equipment, and your injuries. Write down exactly what happened while your memory is fresh. Gather witness names. This documentation is critical if your employer disputes the circumstances.
Employers and insurers often ask injured workers to sign statements, medical releases, or settlement offers quickly. Never sign anything before speaking with a workers’ comp attorney. One wrong signature can waive rights you didn’t know you had.
Workers’ comp is only one avenue. If a third party — a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver — contributed to your injury, you may have additional claims worth far more. PAIN 100 connects you with attorneys who know both routes.
Falls from scaffolding, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Pennsylvania construction workers face the highest on-the-job fatality rates.
Wet floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, and cluttered walkways. Workplace falls are the leading cause of workers’ comp claims in Pennsylvania.
Defective machinery, inadequate machine guarding, and improper lockout/tagout procedures. May involve a third-party product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Carpal tunnel, tendinitis, back injuries from heavy lifting — occupational injuries that develop over time are fully compensable under Pennsylvania workers’ comp law.
Electrical shocks, arc flash injuries, chemical burns, and thermal burns. These injuries often require specialized medical care and long-term treatment plans.
Asbestos exposure, chemical poisoning, black lung, and other occupational diseases. These claims require specialized attorneys familiar with long-tail Pennsylvania exposure cases.
Pennsylvania is a no-fault workers’ comp state. If you were injured on the job, you are entitled to benefits even if you were partly responsible for the accident. Your employer cannot deny your claim solely because of your actions.
All reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work injury must be paid by workers’ comp. This includes emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing treatment — at no cost to you.
If your injury prevents you from working, you are entitled to wage loss benefits equal to approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage. Benefits continue for the duration of your disability.
Workers’ comp doesn’t limit you if a third party caused or contributed to your injury. Contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners — you may be entitled to full damages beyond workers’ comp through a separate personal injury lawsuit.
Pennsylvania law prohibits employers from firing, demoting, or retaliating against you for filing a workers’ comp claim. If this happens, you have legal remedies — contact a PAIN 100 attorney immediately.
PAIN 100-connected workers’ comp attorneys work on contingency — their fees are regulated by Pennsylvania law and only paid from your settlement. There is never any cost to you upfront.
Pennsylvania law prohibits employer retaliation for filing a workers’ comp claim. If you are fired, demoted, have your hours reduced, or face harassment after filing, you may have a wrongful termination claim in addition to your workers’ comp case. A PAIN 100 attorney can advise you on both tracks simultaneously.
Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and in writing. Seek medical treatment — even if you feel okay, some injuries like spinal damage have delayed symptoms. Document the accident scene with photos if possible. Do not sign any documents your employer provides without speaking to a workers’ comp attorney first. Then call PAIN 100 — we’ll connect you with both a doctor and an attorney right away.
Yes. Pennsylvania workers’ comp covers aggravation of pre-existing conditions. If your job caused or worsened a pre-existing injury — even one from years ago — you are still entitled to benefits. Employers and insurers commonly deny these claims hoping workers won’t appeal. A workers’ comp attorney can fight this denial effectively.
Pennsylvania workers’ comp provides: full medical coverage for all injury-related treatment, wage loss benefits at approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage, specific loss benefits for permanent injuries to body parts, and death benefits for surviving dependents. Benefits have no time limit as long as your disability continues. Your attorney can also explore third-party claims for additional full compensation.
Workers’ comp provides fixed benefits regardless of fault. A third-party claim allows you to sue a non-employer party — a contractor, equipment manufacturer, vehicle driver, or property owner — whose negligence contributed to your injury. Third-party claims can recover pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages that workers’ comp doesn’t cover. The two claims can be pursued simultaneously.
You must report your injury to your employer within 120 days of the accident. The statute of limitations to file a formal workers’ comp petition is 3 years from the date of injury or last benefit payment. For occupational diseases, different rules apply. Don’t wait — early reporting and legal guidance significantly improve your outcome.
