When a Normal Workday Turns Into a Life-Changer
You clocked in expecting a regular shift—maybe at a warehouse in Allentown, an office in Bethlehem, or a construction site near Freemansburg—and instead, you found yourself in the back of an ambulance, or worse, at home unable to work for weeks or months. Workplace injuries happen every day in the Lehigh Valley, and when they do, they can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure of what steps to take. The good news is, Pennsylvania law provides several legal options to protect injured workers. The key is knowing what those options are—and when to take action.
Start with workers’ compensation
Most injured workers in Pennsylvania begin with a workers’ compensation claim. This no-fault system is designed to provide medical treatment and partial wage replacement for injuries that happen on the job. You don’t need to prove your employer did anything wrong—you just need to show that your injury or illness is work-related. You’ll typically receive about two-thirds of your regular wages and coverage for reasonable medical care. However, these benefits often don’t cover everything, and the process can become complicated fast—especially if your claim is denied or your employer tries to push you back to work before you’re ready.
But That’s Not Your Only Option
What a lot of people don’t realize is that workers’ comp isn’t always the end of the road. In some cases, you may also have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim. This happens when someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury. For example, if a defective piece of machinery malfunctioned and injured you, the manufacturer of that machine might be held responsible. If you were driving for work and got hit by a distracted driver on Route 22, you could potentially sue that driver in addition to receiving workers’ comp. These third-party claims can provide additional compensation, including pain and suffering, which workers’ comp does not cover.
Common Workplace Injuries in Lehigh Valley
We’ve seen clients from all over the region—Bethlehem, Allentown, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, Freemansburg—who’ve suffered everything from back injuries and falls to burns, crush injuries, or long-term repetitive stress conditions. Whether it’s slipping on a wet floor at a retail store, being injured by a forklift in a warehouse, or developing carpal tunnel in an office job, the legal rights don’t change: if you were hurt at work, you’re entitled to protection under Pennsylvania law.
What If My Employer Retaliates?
Let’s be real—some workers stay quiet after an injury because they’re afraid of losing their job or being treated differently. But it’s illegal in Pennsylvania for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a legitimate workers’ comp claim or pursuing legal action. If you’re fired, demoted, or harassed after reporting an injury, you may have grounds for a retaliation claim. We take these situations seriously at Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, and we’re here to stand between you and any intimidation tactics.
How to Protect Your Rights from Day One
If you’re injured at work, there are a few things you should do immediately. Report the injury to your supervisor in writing. Get medical attention and make sure your records clearly state that the injury is work-related. Keep a log of everything—appointments, missed workdays, communications with your employer. If your employer has a list of approved doctors, you’ll need to stick with those providers for the first 90 days. And most importantly—don’t assume the insurance company has your best interest at heart. They don’t.
Why Legal Support Makes a Difference
Navigating the world of workplace injury claims isn’t easy—especially when you’re in pain and trying to keep your life together. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we help clients across the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley understand their rights, avoid common mistakes, and explore every possible legal option. Whether you need help filing a workers’ comp claim, appealing a denial, or exploring a third-party lawsuit, we’re here to make sure you’re not facing this alone.
Talk to Someone Who Understands
If you’ve been injured on the job and aren’t sure what to do next, visit www.snoverlaw.com to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve workers in Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and beyond. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we believe that if you’re doing your part to keep our communities running, you deserve to be protected when something goes wrong. We’re here to help you move forward with strength, support, and solid legal guidance.