Were you hurt on the job in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania? You may have legal options, including filing a workers’ compensation claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit. The experienced team at McDonald & MacGregor, LLC can help you understand your rights and pursue every available form of financial relief.
Our personal injury law firm has 93 years of combined experience fighting for injured workers across Pennsylvania. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients to date, and now we’re ready to put our experience to work for you. Call our Wilkes-Barre workers’ compensation attorneys at (570) 209-7062 today to schedule a free consultation.
How Can McDonald & MacGregor, LLC Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Wilkes-Barre?
Workplace accidents can leave you with medical bills, lost income, and lasting pain and suffering. Navigating Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system alone can be confusing, especially if your employer or their insurance company is making things difficult. McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers throughout Wiles-Barre, PA, and beyond.
Our Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyers will guide you through the process from start to finish by:
- Investigating how your workplace accident occurred
- Determining your full legal options under state law
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties
- Calculating the true value of your claim
- Gathering medical and workplace evidence
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurer
- Filing an appeal or lawsuit if necessary
Our attorneys are known for being aggressive advocates both in and out of court. Learn more about your legal rights and options by contacting us today for a free consultation with a Wilkes-Barre workers’ compensation attorney.
Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania
Most employers in Pennsylvania are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This system provides benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses on the job, regardless of who caused the accident.
You may be entitled to the following types of workers’ compensation benefits:
- Medical benefits: Coverage for necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, and prescriptions
- Temporary total disability: For time missed while you recover
- Partial disability: If you can return to work but earn less because of your injury
- Specific loss benefits: For permanent loss of a body part, vision, or hearing
- Death benefits: For surviving family members if a worker passes away from job-related causes
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, but insurance carriers still sometimes try and deny or minimize valid claims. Our lawyers can step in to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the benefits you’re owed.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
In some workplace accidents, you might also have a personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation case. These “third-party” claims can provide damages not covered under workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering.
You generally cannot sue your employer (except in rare circumstances), but you may be able to hold another party responsible if their negligence contributed to your injury.
Examples include:
- Being injured in a car accident while driving for work
- Getting hurt by defective machinery or equipment
- Suffering an injury caused by a negligent contractor or property owner
If a third party played a role in your accident, our Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyers will pursue every available claim to help you recover full compensation.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Wilkes-Barre Workplace Accident?
In most cases, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits even if the accident was partly your fault. The system is designed to protect workers regardless of who caused the injury, as long as it wasn’t intentional or due to intoxication.
If you also have a third-party personal injury claim, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence law that may apply. You can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, but your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Our attorneys will work to challenge unfair blame and protect your right to compensation under the law.
How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?
You must report your work-related injury to your employer within a maximum of 120 days to qualify for benefits. However, it’s best to report it as soon as possible (within 21 days if you can) to avoid delays or disputes.
If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, Pennsylvania law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to do so. Missing these deadlines could cost you your right to compensation, so don’t wait to get legal help.
Contact Our Wilkes-Barre Workers’ Compensation Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured on the job in Wilkes-Barre, PA, you deserve an experienced legal team to help you secure all the benefits you’re entitled to. At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we’ve spent decades representing hardworking Pennsylvanians and holding negligent parties liable.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Wilkes-Barre workers’ compensation lawyer and learn more about how we can help you move forward.
