Injured at Work in Allentown? Here’s What You Need to Know About Workers’ Comp
Suffering a workplace injury can turn life upside down. Beyond the immediate pain and physical challenges, injured workers often face the sudden loss of a paycheck. Meanwhile, medical bills and household expenses keep piling up, creating financial stress during an already difficult time. Fortunately, Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help employees in Allentown and across the state.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Laws
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides medical and wage-loss benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses—regardless of who was at fault.
This structure benefits both sides: injured workers in Allentown receive benefits without having to prove negligence, and employers are protected from costly personal injury lawsuits.
Coverage begins on the first day of employment and applies to all workers, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Allentown
If you’re hurt on the job, one of the biggest advantages of workers’ compensation is that it pays for all necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, and prescription medications.
In addition to medical benefits, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation also provides wage-loss benefits when an injury prevents you from working. The type of wage-loss benefit depends on how the injury impacts your ability to earn income:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury keeps you from performing any job duties, you may receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage at the time of injury.
- Permanent Total Disability: For lasting injuries that prevent you from returning to any type of employment, benefits are calculated the same way as TTD.
- Partial Disability: If you can return to work in a limited role but earn less than before, you may receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages, for up to 500 weeks.
When Are Injured Workers in Allentown Covered?
To qualify for benefits, your injury must occur during the course of employment or as a direct result of your job duties. This applies to both sudden accidents and injuries that develop over time.
- Acute injuries: Accidents such as falls, lifting injuries, or equipment-related incidents.
- Cumulative trauma injuries: Conditions caused by repetitive motion or overuse, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, or chronic back pain.
You may also qualify if your job duties aggravate or worsen a pre-existing condition, such as a back or shoulder problem. Even if the condition existed before your employment, you may still be eligible for workers’ comp if your job made it worse.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in Allentown
- Report Your Injury Promptly: You have 120 days to notify your employer, but reporting within 21 days ensures your benefits start from the date of injury. Reporting later (but within 120 days) means benefits only start from the date reported.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Your employer may require you to see a provider from their approved list for the first 90 days.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed notes about your symptoms, medical treatments, and communications with your employer or insurance company.
How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
While Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system is meant to protect injured workers, the process can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to recover. Filing a claim, meeting strict deadlines, and dealing with insurance companies require attention to detail. Even small mistakes, like forgetting to list all your injuries, can reduce your benefits.
A workers’ compensation attorney in Allentown can help by:
- Filing your claim correctly and on time.
- Ensuring your medical records and evidence are complete.
- Making sure your wage-loss benefits are calculated accurately.
- Holding your employer and their insurance carrier accountable.
Get Help After a Workplace Injury in Allentown
If you’ve been injured at work in Allentown, you don’t have to face the system alone. Having an experienced advocate on your side can make all the difference in getting the medical care and financial support you need to move forward.