Getting hurt at work can turn your life upside down. You may be worried about medical bills, missed paychecks, or how your family will manage while you recover. The workers’ compensation process can be confusing, and insurance companies often complicate matters by disputing claims or delaying benefits. It can be stressful to know where to start or how to protect your rights. You deserve support that helps you focus on healing instead of paperwork and deadlines.
Pribanic & Pribanic handles all types of workers’ compensation cases across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. A dedicated Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm will guide you through every step and stand up for the benefits you need.
Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Guide
- Key Takeaways: Workers’ Compensation Claims in Pennsylvania
- Why Hire Our Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
- Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania
- Where Do Workplace Injuries Occur in Pittsburgh?
- Understanding Workers’ Compensation Cases
- Battling the Insurance Company
- What to Do After a Workplace Injury
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: Frequently Asked Questions
- Call Our Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Key Takeaways: Workers’ Compensation Claims in Pennsylvania
- You have the right to medical treatment and wage loss benefits after a work injury. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system covers most employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault.
- Insurance companies often deny or delay valid claims to save money. They may claim your injury isn’t work-related or that you don’t need the treatment your doctor recommends.
- Time limits apply to filing workers’ compensation claims in Pennsylvania. You must report your injury to your employer within 120 days, and you generally have three years to file a claim petition.
- Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system in Pennsylvania, so you can receive benefits even if you were partially responsible for your accident.
- Call our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyers to protect your rights and get guidance now.
Why Hire Our Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
Workers’ compensation cases require knowledge of Pennsylvania’s specific laws and procedures. The team at Pribanic & Pribanic brings that knowledge to every case we handle.
Decades of Experience Serving Pittsburgh Workers
Our attorneys have represented injured workers throughout the Pittsburgh area for years. We’ve handled cases involving employees from the steel industry, healthcare workers, construction crews, warehouse staff, and office employees.
This experience means we understand the unique challenges Pittsburgh workers face. Our White Oak office at 1735 Lincoln Way serves clients throughout Allegheny County and beyond, making it convenient for injured workers in East Pittsburgh, McKeesport, and surrounding communities to meet with us.
We Know the Local Courts and Procedures
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases go through the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, with hearings before workers’ compensation judges throughout the state. Our attorneys regularly appear before judges in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region.
We understand how these judges rule on common issues. This familiarity helps us build stronger cases for our clients. We also know the defense workers’ comp attorneys that insurance companies hire, which helps us anticipate their strategies.
Track Record of Results for Injured Workers
Over the years, Pribanic & Pribanic has secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients. Our case results include a $21 million product liability settlement and numerous other significant recoveries for injured individuals.
We’ve helped clients obtain medical treatment, wage loss benefits, and compensation for permanent injuries. Every case is different, but our commitment to fighting for fair compensation remains the same.
Personalized Strategies for Your Unique Situation
We don’t treat workers’ compensation cases like an assembly line. Your injuries, your job, and your family situation are unique. Our attorneys take time to understand your specific circumstances.
We develop strategies tailored to your needs. Some cases settle quickly through negotiations, while others require hearings or appeals. We guide you through whatever your case requires, keeping you informed at every stage.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits to injured workers. Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary treatment related to your work injury. It includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment. You should not have to pay out of pocket for treatment your doctor recommends.
Wage loss benefits replace a portion of your lost income while you recover. If you cannot work, you may receive total disability benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. If you can work in a limited capacity, you may qualify for partial disability benefits. These benefits continue until you reach maximum medical improvement or return to your full earning capacity.
Pennsylvania law also provides benefits for permanent injuries through specific loss provisions. If you lose the use of a body part, you may qualify for additional compensation beyond wage loss benefits. The amount depends on which body part was affected and the extent of the impairment.
Having a Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyer from Pribanic & Pribanic significantly improves your chances of receiving full benefits. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements or deny claims they should approve. Our workers’ comp attorneys review every aspect of your case to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. We negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength because they know we’re prepared to take cases to a hearing if necessary.
In most cases, Pennsylvania law gives you three years from the date of injury to file a claim petition; however, different timeframes may apply for occupational diseases. That being said, for injuries, you must notify your employer within 120 days of the incident. Missing these deadlines can cost you your right to benefits. Don’t wait to contact Pribanic & Pribanic. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your interests.
Our Pittsburgh office at 513 Court Place is in the heart of downtown, just blocks from the Allegheny County Courthouse and other government buildings. This central location makes it easy for us to handle hearings and negotiations on your behalf. Whether your case goes before a workers’ compensation judge in Pittsburgh or another venue in Western Pennsylvania, we’re prepared to advocate for you.
Where Do Workplace Injuries Occur in Pittsburgh?
Workplace injuries affect workers across Pittsburgh’s diverse economy. Manufacturing and heavy industry still carry risks, while construction projects near PPG Paints Arena, the rivers, and neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and the Strip District often involve falls, equipment accidents, and struck-by incidents.
Healthcare workers at UPMC, Allegheny Health Network, and local nursing homes face injuries from patient handling, slips, and workplace violence. Warehouse and logistics staff near Pittsburgh International Airport and industrial parks risk repetitive motion injuries, forklift accidents, and falling objects.
Retail employees in areas like the Waterfront, South Hills Village, and Ross Park Mall deal with slips, lifting injuries, and other hazards. Office workers throughout downtown and suburban office parks may develop repetitive strain injuries.
At Pribanic & Pribanic, we represent workers from all these industries. We connect your injury directly to your job, working with medical professionals who provide credible testimony. We focus on building cases that protect your rights and support your recovery.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workers’ compensation covers most employees injured while performing job duties. The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation act requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The system is designed to provide benefits quickly without requiring you to prove your employer was negligent.
Types of Workplace Accidents
Common workplace accidents that lead to workers’ compensation claims include:
Construction accidents involve falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, electrocutions, and equipment malfunctions. These accidents often cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
Slip and fall accidents happen across all industries when floors are wet, uneven surfaces aren’t marked, or debris blocks walkways. These falls can cause back injuries, broken bones, and head trauma.
Repetitive strain injuries develop over time from performing the same motions repeatedly. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back problems are common among office workers, assembly line workers, and healthcare professionals.
Vehicle accidents occur when employees drive as part of their job duties. Delivery drivers, sales representatives, and others who spend time on the road face risks from car accidents and truck collisions.
Machinery accidents happen when equipment malfunctions or workers get caught in moving parts. Manufacturing facilities and industrial sites see these accidents regularly.
Exposure injuries result from toxic chemicals, extreme temperatures, or other workplace hazards that cause illness or injury over time.
Types of Injuries
Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries, including back and neck injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, burns, amputations, hearing loss, respiratory conditions, and occupational diseases. Mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder can also qualify for benefits in certain circumstances, particularly for first responders.
Battling the Insurance Company
Insurance companies make money by paying out less in benefits than they collect in premiums. It creates an inherent conflict between their financial interests and your need for fair compensation. Understanding their tactics helps you see why having legal representation matters.
Insurance companies often deny claims by arguing that your injury isn’t work-related. They might claim you had a pre-existing condition that caused your symptoms. They may send you to their own doctors who downplay your injuries. These doctors work for the insurance company, not for you, and their reports often favor the insurer’s position.
Insurers also delay claims to frustrate injured workers into accepting less money. They request endless documentation, schedule unnecessary medical examinations, and drag out negotiations. They hope you’ll get desperate for money and accept whatever they offer.
Another common tactic involves offering quick settlements that sound good initially but don’t cover your long-term needs. Once you settle, you typically can’t go back for more money later. If your injuries turn out worse than expected or you need additional treatment years down the road, you’re stuck.
The attorneys at Pribanic & Pribanic know these tactics because we see them daily. We don’t let insurance companies take advantage of our clients. We gather strong medical evidence, work with credible medical professionals, and build cases that withstand scrutiny.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
It is essential to stay on top of treatment after initial medical care for a workplace injury. Attend every appointment, follow therapy plans, and take prescribed medications; insurance companies look for gaps to downplay your injury.
Keep records of medical bills, prescriptions, mileage, and how your injury impacts daily life. Take photos of visible injuries and note all interactions with your employer or insurer, including forms and phone calls.
Bring everything to our Pittsburgh office. At Pribanic & Pribanic, we turn your records into a strong case for appropriate benefits. We identify inconsistencies, work with vocational experts, and guide you through depositions and hearings so you’re never caught off guard. We handle the process so you can focus on healing.
Workers’ Compensation Claims: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney for my workers’ compensation claim?
You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but having one increases your chances of recovering all benefits you may qualify for. Pribanic & Pribanic handles your claim so you can focus on treatment.
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
Pennsylvania law protects employees from retaliation for filing claims, but employers can still fire them for other reasons. Contact our lawyers if you suspect retaliation.
What if my workers’ compensation claim gets denied?
A denial doesn’t end your case; you can appeal through Pennsylvania’s system. Your lawyer handles appeals and works to overturn wrongful denials.
How long will my workers’ compensation case take?
Case timelines vary: simple claims may resolve in weeks, disputed ones can take a year or more. A workers’ compensation lawyer works efficiently and keeps you informed throughout.
Can I receive workers’ compensation benefits if I suffered an injury while working from home?
Workers’ compensation may cover injuries at home if they happen during work tasks. However, injuries during personal activities are usually not covered.
Call Our Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Acting quickly is crucial if you’ve suffered an injury at work in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system has strict deadlines, and insurance companies move fast to reduce or deny claims. You deserve support while you focus on getting better.
Pribanic & Pribanic fights for injured workers, handling every part of your claim. We negotiate with insurers, gather medical evidence, prepare for hearings, and pursue appeals if needed. You don’t have to navigate this alone or face pressure from insurance adjusters.
Contact our office at (412) 672-5444. Your first consultation is free, and we only get paid if we recover benefits. Let our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers guide your claim and protect your right to benefits.