Lancaster Workers' Compensation Lawyers

Injured at Work in Lancaster? The Attorney You Hire Makes a Difference.

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide financial and medical support for injured employees, but the process can be complicated. Even minor mistakes can lead to delays or denials. 

That’s why having an experienced attorney on your side is so important.

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we are committed to guiding injured workers through every step of their claim. Attorney J. Jeffrey Watson is certified as a specialist in workers' compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Workers' Compensation Law Section, giving him the expertise to handle even the most complex cases. We offer free consultations to answer your questions and help you take the first step in recovery.

If you are injured and cannot come to our office, we can visit you at home or in the hospital! To learn how our Lancaster work injury lawyers can help you, call (717) 775-7579.

Understanding Workers' Compensation Laws in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s workers' compensation laws ensure that employees with job-related injuries or illnesses receive timely medical care and financial support. This system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. However, successfully navigating the claims process can be complex, with strict filing requirements and potential challenges.

For workers in Lancaster, understanding Pennsylvania’s specific regulations is essential. The state requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, and injured employees must follow strict reporting and filing deadlines to maintain eligibility for benefits.

Lancaster’s economy, driven by industries such as manufacturing and agriculture, presents unique workplace hazards, from machinery-related injuries to repetitive strain conditions. These risks make it even more critical for workers to understand their rights. Consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you avoid delays, overcome claim denials, and secure the full benefits you’re entitled to under the law.

Local Resources for Injured Workers in Lancaster

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Lancaster, there are several local resources available to support your recovery and help you navigate the workers’ compensation process.

Medical Care & Treatment

Receiving proper medical care is critical for your recovery and the success of your workers’ compensation claim. Lancaster General Hospital and Penn Medicine offer specialized treatment for occupational injuries, ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses that support your claim. If your employer requires you to see a provider from a designated panel, it’s essential to follow those guidelines for the first 90 days after your injury. After that, you can choose your own doctor for continued treatment.

Workforce & Rehabilitation Support

Beyond medical care, workplace injuries can leave you unable to return to your previous job or in need of temporary financial assistance. The Lancaster County Workforce Development Board provides programs for injured workers, including job retraining and upskilling opportunities for those who need to transition into new roles. These services can help ensure long-term stability after a work injury.

What to Do After a Work Injury in Lancaster, PA

The things you do in the hours, days, and weeks after a workplace accident or injury will impact your ability to secure workers' compensation benefits. Although one would hope such benefits would be automatically granted after an occupational injury, you must take specific steps to file a claim.

Each situation is different, but here is an overview of what to do after a Lancaster work injury:

• Report your injury to your employer. In Pennsylvania, you must report a work-related injury to your employer within 21 days for benefits to be retroactive to the date of injury. You still have up to 120 days to report the injury, but waiting beyond 21 days may delay the start of benefits. After 120 days, you may lose the right to claim workers' compensation altogether.
• Seek medical attention. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident, as this starts the record of your treatment and will help support your workers' compensation claim. If your employer has a designated 'panel list' of medical providers, you must see one of them for the first 90 days following your injury. After this period, you are free to choose your own doctor.
• Document the Incident: Keep detailed records of the accident, including the time, date, location, and any witnesses. This information will be crucial for your workers' compensation claim and any potential legal actions. Maintain copies of all medical records, bills, and correspondence as well.
• Follow your treatment plan. Continue your treatment as long as necessary, following your doctor's instructions. If you are dissatisfied with the medical provider treating you or need to see a specialist not on the panel list, you may be able to pick another provider or seek treatment elsewhere. 
• Talk to a Lancaster workers' compensation attorney. Seeking workers' compensation benefits should be straightforward, but all too often, claims are delayed, denied, or underpaid. Involving a workers' compensation lawyer is the only way to ensure the complete protection of your rights.

The Experienced Workers' Compensation Counsel You Need

A job-related accident that results in injury or disability can be devastating on many levels—physically, psychologically, and financially. Workers who are robbed of their mobility face a sudden and significant adjustment, which compounds the stress of their injury and loss of wages. The complexities of a workers’ compensation claim are often too overwhelming in this situation. You can pass that responsibility on to Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC’s team of dedicated Lancaster workers' compensation lawyers with confidence since we have been helping injured workers receive compensation since 1922.

Our work injury attorneys in Lancaster can help by:

• Filing your workers' compensation claim on time, with the proper documentation.
• Handling all communication and paperwork related to your claim.
• Gathering and presenting evidence of your work-related injury.
• If your claim is denied, filing a workers' compensation appeal on your behalf.
• Ensuring a proper medical evaluation from a trusted healthcare provider.
• Preparing you for and representing you in workers' compensation hearings as needed.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer. 

We understand the difficult situation you're in, and we are prepared to guide you through the workers' compensation process with the final goal of securing the benefits you deserve!

OSHA Violations & Workplace Injuries

For more than 50 years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been protecting American workers, operating on the basic idea that an industrialized and productive economy must protect the lives of its workers to be truly successful. So far, OSHA has played a critical role in improving workplace safety, reducing occupational fatalities from approximately 38 deaths per day in 1970 to around 13 per day.

However, OSHA cannot prevent all injuries. With millions of worksites in the nation, it does not have the staff or resources to ensure that every employer is following the rules. Certain employers will always cut corners, and some will get away with it until an employee pays with their health or their life.

Some of the most common OSHA violations include:

Types of Work Injury Cases We Handle in Lancaster & Beyond

Any worker in any industry may experience an occupational illness or injury. While some fields are known as higher risk than others, even an employee in an office who works on a computer could experience carpal tunnel syndrome from typing all day. From construction workers injured in falls from heights to workers in warehouses or factories harmed by heavy machinery or equipment, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC helps injured employees in all industries seek workers' compensation and other benefits.

Our diverse experience in handling different types of cases allows us to offer comprehensive services to our clients. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, we focus on securing favorable outcomes. Our legal team is not just familiar with typical work injury cases but also with navigating the unique challenges presented by different occupations and industries. We provide vital support and practical advice that go beyond the legal jargon, making the process understandable and less overwhelming for you.

Our Lancaster workers' compensation lawyers can help with cases involving:

Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from injuries like the ones listed above. When an employer fails to protect workers, they must be held accountable for their actions. If misbehavior goes unnoticed by OSHA, the civil system is a source of justice for victims of work injuries. By filing a claim, an individual can receive compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and any other hardship caused. However, this is only possible with the help of a Lancaster work accident attorney.

You Deserve Benefits for Your On-the-Job Injury

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws were written to help people just like you.

The reasoning behind the workers' compensation system is to provide financial support and medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a result of their jobs. Workers' compensation is provided on a no-fault basis, which essentially means that an injured worker does not have to prove that someone else was at fault in order to secure their benefits. This shields the employer from liability and provides a structured way for employees to get the treatment and financial support they need.

However, this system is not without its flaws. We help workers dealing with issues related to:

• Denied workers' compensation claims
• Delays in receiving benefits
• Termination of workers' compensation benefits
• Independent medical examinations (IMEs)
• Long-term or permanent disabilities 

When details are overlooked in a claim for workers’ compensation, the complications that result cause lengthy delays, which is incredibly frustrating as you’re watching your medical expenses grow. There are also tactics employers may use to further delay the process, such as asking that you be examined by an independent medical professional or seek vocational counseling. Sometimes injured workers find they are being observed under suspicion of fraud or that legitimate claims are questioned as “disabling.”

Our Lancaster work injury attorneys have faced these scenarios before, and we understand that waiting for benefits can be excruciating. We are more than prepared to do everything we can to shorten your compensation claims process and seek the full benefits to which you are entitled.

Call Our Workers' Compensation Attorneys in Lancaster Today!

When workers are overwhelmed by their bills, forms, and medical care, our Lancaster workers' compensation lawyers are the ones they call for help and guidance. Let us take this claim off your shoulders. While you focus on recovering and getting back on your feet, we'll be negotiating head-to-head with your company's insurance provider to get you the benefits you deserve. Our knowledge of the workers' compensation system and how your injuries will affect you long-term make us the ideal ally for cases like yours. And if our work doesn't pay off for you? It's on us. You won't owe us a dime. 

Call us at (717) 775-7579 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should I Document My Damages?

After you have seen a doctor for the treatment of your injuries, the medical documentation you receive forms the basis of your workers' compensation claim. It can also help support a third-party personal injury lawsuit if someone other than your employer or a co-worker was responsible for your injuries.

After an on-the-job injury, try to take photos of the following:

• Your injuries
• The spot where the accident occurred
• Any machinery that was involved

Additionally, keep copies of your correspondence with your employer and insurance company and any and all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. The more complete the record you can assemble, the more successful your claim is likely to be. When you bring this material to a qualified Lancaster attorney, you can find out exactly where you stand and what options are open to you.

What If I Was Permanently Injured or Disabled by a Work Injury?

For cases where a work-related injury results in permanent impairment and a person can no longer work, you may be eligible to file a disability claim through Social Security. There are guidelines as to what qualifies as a permanent disability, and even a list of impairments kept by the Social Security Administration. Social Security disability claims can be complex, and we advise you to consult with an attorney at our firm before you make a mistake that gets your claim denied. As with workers’ compensation, if your disability claim is denied, don’t give up. We can help you file an appeal to seek the benefits you deserve.

How Quickly Should I File a Workers' Compensation Claim After My Injury?

In Pennsylvania, there are strict deadlines for filing a workers' compensation claim to ensure your benefits are not forfeited. You should report the injury to your employer within 21 days to maximize your benefits. If reported after the 21-day window but within 120 days, you may still have a viable claim, albeit potentially reduced in benefits. Filing promptly not only complies with legal requirements but also supports the accuracy of your claim details. This timeframe is crucial as it affects the timeliness of your medical care and compensation. Waiting too long can complicate your claim, allowing details to become muddled and evidence to diminish. A Lancaster workers' compensation attorney can ensure all deadlines are met.

What Are My Rights if My Workers' Compensation Claim is Denied?

If your workers' compensation claim is denied in Lancaster, you can appeal the decision. This involves filing a Claim Petition with the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication. Denials often arise from disputes regarding the injury's nature or its correlation to your work duties. Understanding the proper documentation and expert testimony to present is vital in these appeals. Our Lancaster-based law firm can guide you through this appeal process, ensuring all necessary evidence is provided to support your claim. 

How Does Workers' Compensation Affect My Job Status?

While you are entitled to medical and wage benefits under workers' compensation, maintaining your job status is a separate concern. Employers cannot legally fire you in retaliation for filing a claim, but Pennsylvania is an at-will employment state, meaning you can be terminated for other reasons. If you believe your termination was linked to your injury or claim, legal action may be an option.  Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, which can offer job protection during your recovery. It’s beneficial to communicate openly with your employer and understand your rights related to employment and workers' compensation. 

Recommended Reading

• Workers' Compensation Changes Through Time
• Do I Get Workers’ Compensation Insurance If I’m Self-Employed?
• Should I Compromise & Release My Workers’ Comp Benefit?
• 4 Mistakes that Can Hurt Your Workers' Comp Case
• 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Workers' Comp Claim