Understanding the Basics
Workman’s compensation—also commonly known today as workers’ compensation—is a safety net designed to help employees who get hurt or become ill because of their job. Whether you’re injured on a construction site in Allentown, suffer a repetitive strain injury in a Bethlehem warehouse, or experience a slip-and-fall at a retail store in Fountain Hill, the law in Pennsylvania says you have the right to medical care and lost wage benefits. But navigating this system isn’t always as simple as it sounds. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve walked countless Lehigh Valley workers through the claims process and helped them secure the benefits they’re owed.
What Workman’s Compensation Covers
If you’re injured on the job, workman’s compensation typically covers your medical treatment, a portion of your lost wages, and in some cases, disability benefits or specific loss compensation. Medical benefits include doctor visits, hospital bills, prescriptions, surgeries, and physical therapy. Lost wage payments usually come in at around two-thirds of your average weekly wage, and if you can’t return to work—or can only return in a limited capacity—additional support may be available. Pennsylvania law also allows for specific loss benefits if you permanently lose use of a body part, vision, or hearing as a result of the injury.
Key Deadlines You Need to Know
Timing is everything in workman’s comp cases. In Pennsylvania, you must notify your employer within 120 days of the injury—but ideally, report it immediately. From there, your employer is supposed to file a claim with their insurance provider, who then determines whether to accept or deny it. If your claim is approved, benefits should begin shortly after. If it’s denied, or if the process is delayed, that’s when it’s a smart move to contact an attorney.
Choosing a Doctor: What the Law Says
During the first 90 days of treatment, if your employer has posted a list of approved physicians (and followed proper notice procedures), you must choose a provider from that list. After 90 days, you’re free to switch to any qualified medical professional. This is important, especially if you feel like the “company doctor” isn’t giving your condition the attention it deserves. Always keep detailed notes of your visits, diagnoses, and limitations—these records could be crucial if your claim faces resistance.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
Workman’s compensation claims get denied for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it’s a paperwork issue. Sometimes it’s because the employer argues the injury wasn’t work-related. And sometimes, it’s just a delay tactic. If you receive a denial, don’t panic—but don’t wait, either. You have the right to file a claim petition and request a hearing before a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judge. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we help injured workers throughout the Lehigh Valley build strong appeals, gather medical evidence, and stand up to insurance companies that are more interested in their bottom line than your recovery.
Can You Be Fired for Filing a Claim?
No, it’s illegal for an employer to fire or retaliate against you for filing a workman’s comp claim. That said, retaliation isn’t always obvious. You might notice your hours getting cut, your position being changed, or your requests for accommodations being denied. If you suspect you’re being punished for asserting your rights, it’s important to get legal advice immediately. Retaliation cases are serious—and winnable—but only if you take action quickly.
Third-Party Liability: When More Than One Party Is at Fault
While you can’t typically sue your employer for a workplace injury, you may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim if someone outside your company was involved. Think defective equipment, negligent contractors, or unsafe property conditions caused by a separate party. These claims can provide additional compensation, including for pain and suffering—something not covered under traditional workman’s comp.
Why Local Legal Help Matters
Workman’s comp laws can be confusing—and when you’re trying to recover from an injury, the last thing you need is red tape and legal jargon. That’s why it helps to have someone right here in the Lehigh Valley who knows the local courts, employers, insurance adjusters, and healthcare providers. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve helped workers from Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and all across the Eastern Lehigh Valley get the support they need with straightforward advice and strong representation.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t assume the system will just “take care of it.” Get the facts, protect your rights, and make sure you’re getting every dollar and benefit you’re entitled to. Visit www.snoverlaw.com to schedule a consultation. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we proudly serve the hardworking people of Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and we’re ready to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and support you can count on.
