Workers Compensation Lawyer Pennsylvania

If you’ve been injured on the job in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Porta-Clark & Ward has a team of experienced workers’ compensation lawyers who are ready to help you navigate the complex system and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation today, and let us help you get the support you need.

Understanding What Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Pennsylvania

Workplace injuries happen every day in Pennsylvania. Some result from sudden accidents, while others develop over time. When an injury occurs on the job, workers’ compensation is designed to help cover medical bills and lost wages. However, not every injury qualifies for benefits.

Understanding what types of injuries are covered can help workers determine whether they have a valid claim. It can also prevent employers or insurance companies from wrongly denying benefits.

Injuries That Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Pennsylvania law provides broad coverage for workers who suffer injuries while performing their job duties. These injuries generally fall into a few key categories.

Sudden or Traumatic Injuries

Many workers’ compensation claims involve accidents that result in immediate injuries. These can happen in nearly any workplace, from offices to construction sites. Common examples include:

• Slips, trips, and falls – Falling from a ladder, slipping on a wet floor, or tripping over an object can cause broken bones, sprains, or head injuries.
• Machine-related injuries – Workers in factories or construction jobs may suffer crushed hands, amputations, or severe lacerations when working with heavy machinery.
• Vehicle accidents – Employees who drive as part of their job, such as delivery drivers or construction workers, may be injured in crashes while on duty.
• Falling objects – Warehouse and construction workers are at risk of being struck by tools, materials, or equipment that fall from above.
• Burns and electrical injuries – Fires, chemical spills, or exposed wiring can cause serious burns or electrical shocks.

If an injury happens suddenly during work-related activities, it is usually covered by workers’ compensation.

Repetitive Stress and Overuse Injuries

Not all injuries occur in a single moment. Some develop over weeks, months, or even years due to repeated motions or strain on the body. These injuries are just as real as traumatic ones and can make it difficult or impossible to continue working.

Common repetitive stress injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Repetitive hand and wrist motions, such as typing or using tools, can cause nerve compression and pain.
• Tendonitis – Repeated lifting, reaching, or other repetitive motions can lead to inflammation in the tendons, causing pain and limited movement.
• Back and joint injuries – Constant heavy lifting or standing for long hours can result in chronic pain and joint damage.

Workers’ compensation covers these types of injuries as long as they can be linked to job-related tasks. Medical documentation is often necessary to prove the connection.

Occupational Illnesses and Diseases

Some jobs expose workers to harmful substances or environments that can lead to long-term health problems. These occupational illnesses can take years to develop, but workers’ compensation provides coverage if the condition is job-related.

Common work-related illnesses include:

• Lung diseases – Exposure to toxic fumes, dust, or chemicals can cause lung conditions such as asbestosis, silicosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Hearing loss – Prolonged exposure to loud machinery or equipment can lead to permanent hearing damage.
• Skin disorders – Contact with chemicals or allergens may result in dermatitis or other skin conditions.
• Cancer from toxic exposure – Workers in certain industries, such as manufacturing or construction, may develop cancer due to exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos or benzene.

A doctor’s diagnosis and medical records are often needed to prove that the illness is directly related to work conditions.

Mental Health and Psychological Injuries 

Workers‘ compensation traditionally covers physical injuries, but mental health conditions may also qualify under certain circumstances. Psychological injuries can be more difficult to prove, but they are valid in some cases. 

Work-Related Psychological Injuries with a Physical Injury 

Whenever you have suffered a physical injury that is accompanied by a psychological injury, you are entitled to receive medical treatment/or wage loss for the psychological injury. We often see people develop depression after they have suffered a physical injury since many times, an injured employee’s activities of daily living, ability to work, and ability to enjoy life as they once did before the injury are compromised. These individuals are entitled to compensation for the depression if we are able to establish that the depression is linked and/or caused by the physical injury. 

Work-Related Psychological Injuries Without Physical Injury 

It is not uncommon for people to develop psychological injuries as a result of something they experience or witness at work. For example, some people develop depression or anxiety if they are subject to ridicule by a boss or coworkers. Another example would be someone who develops high blood pressure or heart disease linked to dealing with stress at work. Yet another example is someone who develops post–traumatic stress syndrome after witnessing a traumatic event at work. These injuries are much more difficult to prove are work–related and compensable because the Pennsylvania Workers‘ Compensation Act requires that the employee prove that they were subjected to an “abnormal working condition” before they were entitled to benefits. An “abnormal working condition” has been defined as a condition that is extraordinarily unusual and distressing and not typically part of a job. 

Psychological Injuries from Sexual Harassment or Racial/Sexual Discrimination 

Case law has held that psychological injuries that arise due to sexual or racial harassment and discrimination are deemed to be the result of an abnormal working condition and are compensable if the injured worker can prove a causal link between the psychological condition and the harassment or discrimination. 

What Workers’ Compensation Does Not Cover

While workers’ compensation provides broad coverage, there are some situations where benefits may be denied.

• Injuries that happen outside of work – If an injury occurs while commuting or engaging in personal activities unrelated to work, it is typically not covered.
• Self-inflicted injuries – If a worker intentionally harms themselves, their claim will likely be denied.
• Injuries from horseplay or fighting – If an employee gets hurt while engaging in roughhousing or a physical altercation that is not work-related, they may not receive benefits.
• Injuries caused by intoxication – If drugs or alcohol were involved, the claim may be denied unless the worker can prove that intoxication was not the cause of the injury.
• Injuries from violating company policy – If a worker ignores safety rules or deliberately disregards company policies, their claim may be challenged.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

Workers who are injured on the job should take the right steps to protect their right to compensation. Delays or mistakes can lead to denied claims.

1. Report the injury immediately – Pennsylvania law requires workers to report injuries to their employer within 120 days of the accident, but it is best to do so as soon as possible.
2. Seek medical attention – Seeing a doctor right away provides documentation of the injury and ensures proper treatment.
3. Follow doctor’s orders – Adhering to medical advice and attending follow-up appointments can strengthen a claim.
4. Keep detailed records – Workers should document their symptoms, medical visits, and any communication with their employer or insurance company.
5. Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer – If a claim is denied or disputed, legal help can make a difference in securing benefits.

Why Some Claims Get Denied

Even when an injury is clearly work-related, some workers face pushback when filing a claim. Employers and insurance companies sometimes dispute claims to avoid paying benefits.

Common reasons claims get denied include:

• Lack of medical evidence
• Delayed reporting of the injury
• Disputes over whether the injury happened at work
• Claims that the injury was pre-existing

When this happens, injured workers have the right to appeal the denial and fight for the benefits they deserve. A workers’ compensation attorney can help gather evidence and represent the injured worker throughout the process.

Get the Benefits You Deserve with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Suffering an injury on the job can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, and missing work can create financial stress. Workers’ compensation is designed to help ease that burden, but securing benefits is not always easy. Knowing what injuries qualify and taking the right steps after an accident can help ensure a successful claim. If you are facing challenges with a workers’ compensation claim, legal guidance can help you navigate the process and protect your rights. Porta-Clark & Ward will ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation today.