Were you injured on the job in Scranton, PA? Do you have questions about your workers’ compensation benefits? Our team at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can help you fight to maximize your compensation award when you call us at (570) 209-7062.
An experienced Scranton workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fight for money to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more. If you have questions about your right to compensation after a workplace injury, reach out to our law offices in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to schedule a free consultation today.
Why Should I Call McDonald & MacGregor, LLC to Help Me Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Scranton?
When you hire McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, you’re hiring an injury law firm that’s respected across the state of Pennsylvania. Our team brings over 93 years of injury law experience to the table. Over the years, our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients.
Our team of personal injury attorneys has been recognized:
- Among the Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report
- As Super Lawyers
- With a perfect-10 Avvo “Superb” rating
Most importantly, we’ve been recognized by our clients. We always develop a personally-tailored strategy for each injured client who hires us. We don’t believe that cookie-cutter approaches work–and our dedication has already helped us recover millions.
Hiring our experienced Scranton workers’ compensation attorneys lets you rest assured that you have an experienced advocate fighting for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we’ll put our skills to work for you.
How Common Are Workplace Accidents in Pennsylvania?
Roughly 167,000 workplace injuries and illnesses were reported to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation in 2023. Another 174,000 work-related injuries and illnesses were reported in 2022.
Unfortunately, 169 fatal workplace injuries were reported statewide in 2023, and another 183 Pennsylvania workers died on the job in 2022.
Injuries and Illnesses Can Happen in All Different Types of Work Environments
You don’t have to work on a dangerous construction site to gain the right to workers’ compensation benefits.
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we handle all types of workplace injury claims, including:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Accidents involving falling objects
- Construction site accidents
- Manufacturing accidents
- Electrocution and electric shock
- Crane and forklift accidents
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Healthcare industry accidents
- Hospitality industry accidents
- Agricultural and landscaping accidents
- Accidents in office buildings
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Heavy lifting injuries
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Falls from heights
If you were injured on the job, count on us to fight for the fair benefits you deserve. We’re always here to take your call, so reach out for a free case review today.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?
Workers’ compensation provides financial help for people who are injured on the job. It’s designed to help you remain financially stable if you were injured due to something work-related.
Workers’ compensation is mandatory in Pennsylvania. If your employer has even one employee, they’re required to carry workers’ comp insurance. That’s true regardless of whether the employee is full-time or part-time.
What Do I Have To Prove To Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania?
Workers’ compensation doesn’t require proof of fault. You don’t have to prove that someone was responsible for causing your injuries or illness to receive benefits.
You’re generally eligible for workers’ comp benefits if the following were true:
- You were employed by a Pennsylvania employer and were not an independent contractor
- You were injured or became ill because of something work-related
- You were not using alcohol or drugs
- You didn’t intentionally harm yourself
You’re covered by workers’ compensation as of the first day you’re hired.
How Do Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Laws Impact My Rights Under State Personal Injury Laws?
You lose the right to sue your employer for damages entirely in most cases. Whether your employer was responsible or not, their workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits.
Now, if you can prove that someone other than your employer was responsible, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Third parties aren’t shielded from lawsuits under workers’ compensation laws.
For example, if a negligent driver caused a crash while you were working, you can pursue compensation like any other car accident victim. If a property owner failed to maintain your office building in a safe condition, you may have the right to sue for damages.
What Is My Scranton Workers’ Compensation Case Worth?
The value of a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim depends on:
- Your average wages prior to disability
- How the injury impacts your earnings and whether you can continue to work in a limited capacity
- Whether the injury is temporary or permanent
- The disability’s long-term impact on your earning capacity
While your disability benefits cover ⅔ of your average wages (assuming a total disability), your check is also limited by state law. In 2023, the maximum is $1,347 per week regardless of your prior earnings history.
What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available To Work Accident Victims in Scranton?
Workers’ compensation provides economic support to disabled employees in Pennsylvania. Key types of benefits include:
Medical Benefits
Workers’ compensation should cover the costs of your medical treatment. Any reasonably necessary medical expense should be covered, including:
- ER visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Doctor’s visits
- Prescription medications
- Rehab and PT
- Chiropractic care
Your employer may have posted a list of approved doctors in your workplace. The list must contain at least six options. While your employer can’t tell you which option to choose, you are required to visit one of the approved doctors.
There are situations where you may be able to see your own doctor or request a second opinion. Because the rules are complicated, it’s always a good idea to get a lawyer’s advice to ensure your medical bills are covered.
Disability Benefits
Disability benefits kick in to replace a portion of your lost wages if you’ve been disabled for at least seven days. If your disability lasts at least 14 days, you’ll receive retroactive payment for the first seven days.
Total disability benefits last for as long as you remain unable to work. If you’ve sustained a severe injury that permanently prevents you from working, they can theoretically last indefinitely.
That said, after a period of 104 weeks on disability, your employer and their insurance company will likely require a medical exam. If your impairment rating is less than 35%, your status will change to partial disability. Partial disability benefits are available for up to 500 weeks if you can, or do, return to a lower-paying job that complies with your doctor’s work restrictions.
Death Benefits
Death benefits provide survivors of fatal work injuries and illnesses with financial compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the survivor’s relationship to the decedent.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Our team at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, works entirely on contingency. With a contingency fee arrangement, you agree to pay a portion of your settlement once your case is resolved. There are no fees unless–and until–we recover compensation in your case.
Can Pennsylvania Comparative Fault Laws Impact the Value of My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In personal injury cases, a victim’s compensation is reduced under state comparative negligence laws. That’s not the case for workers’ compensation; you can receive your full benefits even if you were partly responsible for a workplace accident.
If you are able to bring a personal injury case against a third party, comparative fault laws will apply. If you are less than 51% responsible, your compensation will be reduced proportionately, and if you are 51% or more responsible, you won’t be able to recover at all.
Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Scranton Handle All Types of Work Injury Claims
Any type of work-related injury or illness can give you the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we represent clients who have suffered:
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Concussions
- Nerve damage
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Occupational diseases
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
Our wrongful death lawyers also handle fatal workplace injury cases. If you were injured or lost a loved one on the job, call our Scranton workers’ compensation attorneys to explore your legal options today.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Claim for Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania?
It’s important to notify your employer as quickly as possible. Once you provide notice, they have 21 days to either:
- Accept your claim, or
- Pay temporary benefits for up to 90 days while they evaluate your case.
Technically, you have 120 days to provide notice before you jeopardize your right to benefits. The longer you wait, however, the more difficult your case may become.
If your employer denies your claim, you have three years to file a formal petition for review of your claim.
Contact a Respected Scranton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
Workers’ compensation laws in Scranton, Pennsylvania, can be complicated. If you’re struggling with a workplace injury or illness, call our Scranton workers’ compensation lawyers today. At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, your first consultation is always free.
