Lancaster, PA Workers' Compensation Attorneys
When you're injured at work, Pennsylvania's workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits for medical treatment and lost wages. However, navigating the workers' comp system can be complex and frustrating. Insurance companies often deny valid claims or offer inadequate benefits, leaving injured workers without the support they need.
At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., our workers' compensation lawyers fight to protect the rights of injured workers throughout Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas. We help you navigate the claims process, appeal denied claims, and ensure you receive all the benefits you're entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Why You Need a Workers' Comp Lawyer
- Insurance companies have teams of lawyers
- Claims are often initially denied
- Complex paperwork and strict deadlines
- Employers may pressure you not to file
- You may be entitled to more than offered
- Legal representation increases success rates
What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In Pennsylvania, most employers are required to carry workers' comp insurance. The system provides:
- Medical treatment for work-related injuries
- Wage loss benefits during recovery
- Disability benefits for permanent impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- Death benefits for surviving family members
Types of Work Injuries We Handle
Our workers' compensation attorneys represent injured workers in all industries and job types:
- Construction Accidents: Falls, equipment injuries, electrocution
- Manufacturing Injuries: Machine accidents, repetitive stress injuries
- Warehouse Accidents: Forklift accidents, falling objects
- Transportation Injuries: Truck driver and delivery accidents
- Healthcare Injuries: Back injuries, needlestick injuries
- Retail Injuries: Slip and falls, lifting injuries
- Office Injuries: Repetitive stress, ergonomic injuries
- Restaurant Injuries: Burns, slip and falls, cuts
- Agricultural Injuries: Farm equipment accidents
- Occupational Diseases: Exposure to toxins or hazards
Common Workplace Injuries
Work-related injuries range from minor to catastrophic:
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burns and chemical exposure
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated discs
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Amputations
- Hearing loss
- Respiratory diseases
- Occupational cancers
Workers' Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania workers' comp provides several types of benefits:
Medical Benefits
Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including doctor visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and medical equipment.
Wage Loss Benefits
Compensation for lost wages while you're unable to work, typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state maximum amounts.
Specific Loss Benefits
Additional compensation for permanent loss of use of body parts, such as hands, feet, eyes, or hearing.
Disability Benefits
- Temporary Total Disability: You cannot work during recovery
- Temporary Partial Disability: You can work limited hours or duties
- Permanent Total Disability: You cannot return to any work
- Permanent Partial Disability: You have lasting impairment but can work
Vocational Rehabilitation
Services to help you return to work or learn new skills if you cannot return to your previous job.
Death Benefits
Support for surviving family members if a workplace injury or illness results in death.
The Workers' Compensation Claims Process
Understanding the process helps ensure your claim is handled properly:
1. Report the Injury
Immediately notify your employer of your injury, preferably in writing. Pennsylvania requires reporting within 21 days for injuries and 120 days for occupational diseases.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
Get medical care right away. Your employer may direct you to specific medical providers initially.
3. Employer Files Claim
Your employer should report the injury to their insurance carrier, who investigates the claim.
4. Insurance Decision
The insurance company accepts or denies your claim. If accepted, you begin receiving benefits.
5. Appeal if Denied
If denied, you can file a petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
6. Hearings and Resolution
Cases may involve mediation, hearings before a workers' comp judge, and potentially appeals.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied
Insurance companies deny many legitimate claims. Common reasons include:
- Claiming the injury didn't occur at work
- Alleging the injury was pre-existing
- Stating the injury was self-inflicted
- Claiming you were intoxicated
- Asserting you violated safety rules
- Saying you missed deadlines
- Disputing the medical evidence
- Claiming you can return to work
Don't give up if your claim is denied. Our workers' compensation attorneys can appeal and fight for your rights.
Can I Sue My Employer?
Generally, workers' comp is your exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may be able to pursue additional claims in certain situations:
- Third-Party Claims: If someone other than your employer caused your injury (equipment manufacturer, contractor, property owner)
- Intentional Harm: If your employer intentionally caused your injury
- Lack of Insurance: If your employer doesn't carry required workers' comp insurance
Our attorneys evaluate whether you have additional legal claims beyond workers' compensation.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
Protect your rights by taking these important steps:
- Seek immediate medical care - your health is the priority
- Report the injury to your employer - do this in writing if possible
- Document everything - take photos of the scene and your injuries
- Get witness information - names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident
- Keep all records - medical reports, bills, and correspondence
- Follow medical advice - attend all appointments
- Don't give recorded statements without an attorney
- Don't sign anything without legal review
- Contact a workers' comp lawyer - before accepting any settlement
- Know your rights - you have the right to legal representation
How Our Workers' Compensation Lawyers Help
When you hire our firm, we provide comprehensive legal services:
- File your workers' comp claim properly and timely
- Gather medical evidence and documentation
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Appeal denied claims
- Represent you at hearings and appeals
- Negotiate fair settlements
- Pursue third-party claims when applicable
- Ensure you receive maximum benefits
- Protect you from retaliation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get fired for filing a workers' comp claim?
Pennsylvania law prohibits retaliation against employees who file workers' compensation claims. If you're fired or discriminated against, you may have additional legal claims.
How long do I receive benefits?
The duration depends on your injury severity and disability type. Some benefits continue until you can return to work, while others may be permanent.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Initially, your employer can direct your medical treatment. After 90 days, you generally have the right to choose your own doctor from an approved list.
What if my employer doesn't have workers' comp insurance?
You can file a claim with Pennsylvania's Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund and may also be able to sue your employer directly.
Contact Our Workers' Compensation Lawyers Today
Don't navigate the complex workers' compensation system alone. The insurance company has lawyers protecting their interests - you need someone protecting yours.
Contact Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C. today for your free consultation. Call 717-394-3004 or email info@georgelislaw.com. We're available 24/7, and there's no fee unless we win your case.