Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

A serious injury at work can happen in a split second, but its impact can last a lifetime. Whether you were hurt during a shift at Reading Hospital, in a vehicle while working for Penske, or on a job site anywhere in Berks County, the path forward can seem uncertain. Suddenly, you’re facing not just physical pain but also the stress of medical appointments, confusing paperwork, and the worry of how you’ll support your family.

The workers’ compensation system exists to provide the help you need, but getting your rightful benefits isn’t always simple. A Reading workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through this complex process with compassion and determination. Let the team at Leonard Hill — Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers handle the fight for you.

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Key Takeaways About Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act provides benefits for employees who are injured or develop an illness as a direct result of their job duties.
These benefits can cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the work injury, as well as a portion of lost wages.
Injured workers must report their injury to their employer within a specific timeframe to protect their eligibility for benefits.
The workers’ compensation system is “no-fault,” meaning benefits are available regardless of who caused the accident.
In some cases, an injured worker may also be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit against a negligent third party, such as a different company’s employee or a product manufacturer.

Why Choose Us for Your Reading, Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Claim

When you’re dealing with a work injury, you need a legal team that understands what you’re going through and has the experience to guide you through the process. At Leonard Hill — Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers, we bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience to every case we handle. We are committed to helping injured workers in Reading and throughout Pennsylvania secure the resources they need for their recovery.

Our approach is built on a foundation of honest and straightforward communication. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions in plain English, and make sure you are informed at every stage.

We know that the legal system can seem intimidating, which is why we provide personalized attention to you and your case. Our goal is to handle the legal details so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family. We are dedicated to holding the right parties accountable and fighting for the maximum compensation available to you under the law.

We believe in building a relationship of trust with every client by offering:

Dedicated Advocacy: We are passionate about standing up for the rights of injured workers and ensuring their voices are heard.
Comprehensive Case Management: From filing paperwork to communicating with insurance companies, we manage all aspects of your claim.
A Focus on Results: Our team works tirelessly to achieve an effective outcome that addresses your financial needs.

With our firm by your side, you can feel confident that a compassionate and determined team is working to protect your interests.

Common Workplace Injuries and Their Impact on Reading Workers

Workplace accidents can happen in any industry and lead to a wide range of injuries. Whether you work in a physically demanding job or in an office setting, the risk of injury is always present. In and around Reading, we see hardworking individuals suffer injuries that significantly disrupt their lives and ability to earn a living.

Some of the most common types of workplace injuries include:

Slips, Trips, and Falls: These are among the leading causes of work injuries and can result in broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries: Lifting heavy objects, repetitive movements, and poor ergonomics can cause muscle strains, back injuries, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Struck-By or Caught-In-Between Accidents: Workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing are often at risk of being hit by moving objects, falling debris, or getting caught in heavy machinery.
Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive as part of their job, from delivery drivers to salespeople, can be injured in car, truck, or motorcycle crashes.
Exposure to Harmful Substances: Inhaling toxic fumes or direct contact with chemical substances can lead to respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and other serious long-term illnesses.

The impact of these injuries goes far beyond the initial pain. A serious injury can lead to long-term disability, chronic pain, and an inability to return to your previous job. The financial strain of lost income, combined with the emotional stress of recovery, can affect your entire family.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured on the job. In Pennsylvania, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This system is governed by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers.

The core idea behind workers’ comp is that it’s a “no-fault” system. This means that you don’t have to prove that your employer was negligent or did something wrong to cause your injury. As long as the injury happened while you were performing your job duties, you are generally eligible for benefits.

This no-fault system represents a trade-off. In exchange for receiving these benefits without having to file a lawsuit against your employer, you generally give up the right to sue your employer for damages like pain and suffering. The system is designed to provide a faster, more direct way for injured workers to get the financial support they need.

However, insurance companies may still try to deny or limit your benefits, which is why having an experienced Reading workers’ compensation attorney can be so important.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Workers in Reading

If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may be entitled to several types of benefits designed to help you with the financial challenges of a work-related injury. Understanding what you may be eligible for is a key step in the process.

The primary benefits available to injured workers in Pennsylvania include:

Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation should cover all medical expenses that are reasonable and necessary to treat your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any required medical equipment.
Wage Loss Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working or forces you to take a lower-paying job, you may receive benefits to replace a portion of your lost income. These are typically calculated as a percentage of your average weekly wage before the injury. Depending on the severity and duration of your disability, these can be classified as total or partial disability benefits.
Specific Loss Benefits: If you suffer a permanent loss of use of a body part, such as an eye, arm, or leg, or suffer serious and permanent disfigurement to your head, face, or neck, you may be eligible for a one-time payment. This is paid regardless of whether you miss time from work.
Death Benefits: In the tragic event that a worker dies from a work-related injury or illness, their surviving dependents (such as a spouse or children) may be eligible to receive death benefits. These benefits help cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing financial support.

These benefits are a lifeline for many families, providing stability during a period of great uncertainty and allowing an injured worker to focus on their recovery.

What to Do if You Are Injured on the Job

The steps you take after a workplace injury are critical for both your health and your ability to claim workers’ compensation benefits. After receiving immediate medical attention, there are important actions you should take once you are home and able to do so.

Here is a general guide to help you protect your rights:

Notify Your Employer: You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Under Pennsylvania law, you have up to 120 days from the date of the injury to give notice, but it is always best to do it immediately. Failing to report within this timeframe could cause you to lose your right to benefits. Provide the notice in writing so you have a record.
Seek Medical Treatment: If you didn’t require emergency care, get a medical evaluation for your injury. For the first 90 days after your injury, your employer may require you to see a doctor from a pre-approved list. After 90 days, you generally have the right to see a doctor of your choosing. Be sure to tell the doctor that your injury is work-related.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: It is crucial to follow all treatment plans, attend all follow-up appointments, and take any prescribed medication. This not only aids in your recovery but also demonstrates that you are taking your injury and treatment seriously.
Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a file with all documents related to your injury. This should include medical records, bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and any correspondence from your employer or their insurance company. It’s also helpful to keep a journal detailing your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury impacts your daily life.
Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: The workers’ compensation system can be complex. An attorney can help you understand your rights, ensure all deadlines are met, and handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.

Taking these steps can help create a strong foundation for your claim and prevent common issues that lead to delays or denials.

Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit After a Work Injury

While the workers’ compensation system generally prevents you from suing your employer, you may have another legal option if someone other than your employer or a co-worker was responsible for your injury. This is known as a third-party claim. A third party is a separate person or company whose negligence caused your accident.

For example, imagine you are a delivery driver and are hit by a distracted driver while making a delivery in Reading. You would have a workers’ compensation claim through your employer to cover medical bills and lost wages. However, you could also file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Here are a few scenarios where a third-party claim might be possible:

Defective Equipment: If your injury was caused by a faulty piece of machinery or a defective tool, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Negligent Property Owners: If you were injured on a property not owned by your employer (for example, at a client’s location) due to an unsafe condition, you might have a premises liability claim against the property owner.
Accidents Caused by Other Companies: If you were injured on a construction site due to the negligence of a worker from a different subcontracting company, that company could be held liable.

A successful third-party lawsuit can allow you to recover compensation for damages not available through workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the full amount of your lost wages. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer in Reading can evaluate your case to determine if a third-party claim is a viable option for you.

Reading Workers’ Compensation FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions we hear from injured workers in Reading.

What should I do if my employer’s insurance company denies my workers’ compensation claim?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This involves filing a petition with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. The process can be complicated and often requires gathering additional evidence, medical records, and witness testimony to prove your case before a judge. An attorney can represent you throughout the appeals process.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania?

No, it is illegal for an employer in Pennsylvania to fire you or retaliate against you in any way simply for filing a workers’ compensation claim in good faith. If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated after being injured on the job, you may have grounds for a separate lawsuit against your employer.

Do I have to be a full-time employee to get workers’ compensation?

No, both full-time and part-time employees are typically covered by workers’ compensation insurance from their first day on the job. The key factor is your status as an employee, not the number of hours you work. However, independent contractors are generally not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Contact Our Trusted Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today

Dealing with a workplace injury is a challenge. Between doctor’s appointments, recovery, and financial worries, the pressure can feel immense. The legal team at Leonard Hill — Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers is here to lift that burden from your shoulders. We are committed to advocating for injured workers in Reading, providing the guidance and support you need to pursue the benefits you rightfully deserve.

We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize or deny claims, and we are prepared to fight back on your behalf. Let us handle the legal details so you can dedicate your energy to healing and rebuilding your life.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. The sooner you speak with us, the sooner we can start working to protect your rights and your future. Contact us today at (215) 567-7600 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.