Workplace injuries are a leading cause of disabilities in the United States. Not only do they leave claimants suffering from severe – and often fatal – trauma, but they can also often leave families without a primary income. If you were injured in an on-the-job accident, you need the experienced Enola workers’ comp attorneys at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP.
Overview of Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Laws
Workers’ compensation laws require most Pennsylvania employers to carry workers’ comp insurance to cover employees for job-related injuries and illnesses. In exchange for providing this coverage, injured employees are not generally permitted to sue their employers or co-workers for personal injury damages. Workers’ compensation might be your only remedy after a workplace accident, but this doesn’t mean insurers will easily settle your claims. You still need an experienced workers’ comp lawyer to advocate for the settlement and benefits you need after a serious workplace injury in Enola.
Leading Causes of Enola, PA Work-Related Injuries and Deaths
Workers’ comp covers both catastrophic and cumulative job-related injuries. Catastrophic injuries are sudden onset injuries, such as fractures or concussions, sustained in work-related accidents. Cumulative conditions are those that develop over time as a result of your job duties and commonly include lower back pain or certain cancers.
According to the National Safety Council, the leading causes of workplace injuries and illnesses include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Chemical and toxic exposure
- Struck-by incidents (falling debris)
- Violence
- Fires
- Repetitive motion/overexertion
It is not necessary to prove liability in workers’ compensation cases, unlike in traditional personal injury lawsuits. Instead, injured workers are generally entitled to no-fault benefits after workplace accidents, even if they caused or contributed to the injury. Our workers’ comp lawyers can help you understand your rights under Pennsylvania law without charging you any consultation fees or upfront legal costs.
Damages Available to Injured Workers in Pennsylvania
Workers’ compensation benefits generally fall into the following three categories:
Lost Wages
Injured workers in the Commonwealth are generally entitled to two-thirds of their average pre-tax wages so long as they’re disabled. These benefits may cover the difference between part-time and full-time employment or all your wages in the event of total disability.
Medical Benefits
Workers’ comp claims include medical benefits, but you must begin treating with an in-network doctor. Not every doctor accepts workers’ comp, but our lawyers may be able to help you begin treatment with your preferred specialist if you have a long-term disability claim.
Pain and Suffering (Non-Economic Losses)
Claimants suffering from serious injuries might be entitled to damages for their physical pain, emotional suffering, and lost enjoyment of life. These are also called specific loss benefits.
In fatal injury cases, family members might also be entitled to death benefits. Let our compassionate workers’ advocates help maximize your claims.
Connect with the Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Enola, PA
In serious injury cases, workers’ comp insurers might offer to settle your claims for a lump sum. This causes most benefits to cease. Do not accept a workers’ compensation settlement without speaking with the experienced Enola works’ comp lawyers at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP. Call 717-229-6580 or connect with our legal professionals online to schedule a free and confidential workplace injury consultation.