Pennsylvania Work Injury Attorneys

Fighting for Injured Workers Across Pennsylvania. Offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County & York, PA.

A work injury can threaten your livelihood, financial stability, and future. Many workplace injuries don’t result from a single accident but rather from years of repetitive stress, overexertion, or orthopedic strain. In fact, repetitive stress injuries and orthopedic injuries are among the leading causes of lost productivity in the U.S. 

In Pennsylvania, employers are legally required to provide workers’ compensation benefits for injured employees—regardless of fault. However, claims can be denied, delayed, or undervalued, leaving workers struggling to get the benefits they deserve. Additionally, if a third party (such as a contractor) contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond workers' compensation.

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we fight for injured employees who have lost wages, earning ability, and financial security. Since 1922, we’ve helped hundreds of workers secure the medical care and financial support they need. When you work with us, you’ll have a legal team that includes J. Jeffrey Watson, a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Law Section. With experience in both personal injury and workers' compensation cases, we are ready to fight for you.

For a free consultation on your claim, call (888) 498-3023 or contact us with our fast online form. Our Pennsylvania work injury lawyers are more than happy to answer your questions.

Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Laws & Your Rights

The Most Dangerous Jobs in the United States

Certain industries, particularly construction, manufacturing, and industrial work, rank among the most hazardous in the U.S. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the four leading causes of fatal construction-related accidents, known as "The Fatal Four":

• Falls from Heights
• Electrocution
• Struck by Falling Objects
• Caught-in/Between Accidents

These four accidents account for hundreds of worker fatalities every year. However, not all workplace injuries are fatal—many result in long-term disabilities, lost wages, and significant medical expenses.

Common Non-Fatal Work Injuries in Pennsylvania

Beyond fatalities, many work injuries result in long-term disabilities and financial hardship. 

Some of the most common non-fatal injuries include:

• Broken Bones – Often caused by slips, trips, falls, or machinery accidents.
• Overexertion Injuries – Strains and sprains from repetitive lifting or pushing.
• Lower Back Injuries – A leading cause of lost workdays due to poor ergonomics or heavy lifting.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries – Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and similar conditions.

Work injuries can also have serious psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Many injured workers struggle with chronic pain and financial uncertainty, making access to both medical and mental health support essential for recovery. Workers’ compensation may cover treatment, therapy, and vocational retraining, ensuring injured employees receive the care and benefits they need.

The Lifelong Injuries Caused by Workplace Falls

Falls from a height are traumatic events. Factors like age, hardness of landing surface, and body part to make initial impact can make the difference between life or death. For those who survive falls from a height, they’re facing a lifetime of medical costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Grieving families face the same, as well as the lifelong loss of companionship that follows grief.

Injuries resulting from falls include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injury
• Severe fractures
• Paralysis
• Orthopedic injuries

Employers must take a proactive stance against fall injuries by implementing comprehensive safety protocols. This includes regular site inspections to identify potential hazards, ensuring that safety equipment such as harnesses are used appropriately, and providing ongoing safety training to all employees. By fostering a culture of safety awareness, employers can significantly reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.

Industries in Pennsylvania at High Risk for Work Injuries

Workplace injuries can occur in any industry, but some are more susceptible to them due to the inherent hazards associated with the nature of their work.

Here are the occupations in Pennsylvania that tend to have a higher risk for injuries:

• Construction Industry: The construction industry is notorious for being high-risk due to the dangerous nature of the work. Construction workers frequently deal with heavy machinery, heights, electric installations, and hazardous materials. Common injuries include falls, struck-by-object injuries, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents, often referred to as the "Fatal Four" in the industry.
• Healthcare Industry: Healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and support staff, are at a heightened risk for injuries. These range from musculoskeletal disorders due to lifting and moving patients, to needlestick injuries, to violence from patients or their family members, and exposure to infectious diseases.
• Manufacturing Industry: The manufacturing sector involves heavy machinery, repetitive motions, and handling of potentially hazardous materials, making it a high-risk environment. Injuries can include machine entanglement, overexertion, repetitive strain injuries, and chemical burns or exposure.
• Oil and Gas Industry: Oil and gas extraction involves complex and potentially dangerous processes. These workers may be exposed to the risk of explosions, fires, machinery accidents, falls, and exposure to harmful substances.
• Refinery and Chemical Plants: Working in refineries and chemical plants exposes workers to a unique set of hazards, such as chemical leaks, explosions, fires, and equipment-related injuries.
• Warehouse Industry: Warehouses involve a lot of manual handling of goods, operating heavy machinery, and potentially working at heights. Common accidents include forklift accidents, lifting injuries, slips, trips, and falls.
• Agriculture: Farm workers often operate heavy machinery, deal with large animals, and perform strenuous physical labor, leading to a variety of potential injuries.

Despite the inherent risks associated with these industries, employers are obligated to ensure the safety of their employees by providing proper training, personal protective equipment, and adhering to all safety regulations. Comprehensive emergency response plans should also be in place to address workplace incidents promptly and effectively. Regular safety audits and feedback systems can help identify areas needing improvement, thereby minimizing risks and improving overall work safety.

Pennsylvania Truck Driver Injuries: Risks & Representation

Truckers sometimes get a bad reputation for driving carelessly or aggressively, but most truck drivers are highly trained and cautious. They are at risk of being injured on the job like any worker, and at times they are pushed beyond their limits—and in violation of trucking regulations—to drive long hours, take shorter breaks, or drive vehicles that have not been properly loaded, inspected, or maintained. Our work injury lawyers represent injured truck drivers throughout Pennsylvania,. We help truckers injured in truck accidents and in incidents involving loading, unloading, maintenance, and other warehouse accidents.

How to Handle a Work Injury: Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing a work injury can be an overwhelming process, but following the correct steps is crucial for safeguarding your rights and health. The first step is to seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Prompt medical treatment not only ensures your health but also provides documented evidence of the injury, which is essential for any potential claims. Always choose a healthcare provider approved by your employer, as this is often a requirement under Pennsylvania workers' compensation laws.

After receiving medical care, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. While you have up to 120 days to report legally, early reporting avoids complications and ensures a smoother claims process. Document all aspects of the incident, including time, location, and any witnesses, as these details could be valuable when discussing your injury with a legal representative. The final step involves consulting with a work injury attorney who can guide you through the workers’ compensation process.

Requirements from OSHA for Reporting Serious Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) announced a ruling on November 5, 2014, implementing guidelines for employers to report serious work injuries. The new legislation went into effect January 1, 2015, and required employers to notify OSHA whenever an employee is killed on the job or a worker suffers an injury that requires hospitalization, results in an amputation, or after the loss of an eye.

The new rule comes in response to findings by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that 4,405 workers were killed on the job in 2013. Before this, employers were not required to report single instances whereby an employee was hospitalized. Only situations that involved three or more employees being admitted to the hospital were required. Now, under the newly developed rule on reporting severe injury or illness in the workplace, employers must report workplace fatalities within 8 hours and in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, or eye loss within 24 hours. Minor injuries that require only first aid do not need to be reported to OSHA,

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Employees and employers cannot control everything that occurs while on the job; however, both employees and employers can take steps to reduce the risk of workplace accidents. 

Read below for 5 actionable ways to reduce the risk of being injured on the job.

#1: Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Employers should provide each employee with the protective equipment required pursuant to the type of industry and job. More importantly, employers should train employees in the proper use of personal protective equipment, and employees should wear these items whenever they’re at the work site. 

Examples of personal protective equipment that reduce the risk of injury include:

• Eye protection
• Hard hats
• Ear protection
• Steel-toed boots
• Gloves
• Harnesses

#2: Enforce Vehicle Safety Checklists & Maintenance

If employees use company vehicles, the employer should ensure that all vehicles are maintained in top working order. Employees should check the vehicle's safety before driving and obey all traffic laws while driving. Employers should develop and implement a safe driving policy for all company-owned vehicles. 

#3: Wear Layers Appropriate for Extreme Conditions

Some jobs may require employees to work in extreme conditions (i.e. hot or cold weather, snow, ice, rain, etc.). High and low temperatures can result in serious workplace illnesses and injuries. To prevent injury, employees should wear the proper number of layers of clothing for the weather and stay hydrated when working outdoors. Employers should install heating devices or provide cooling stations when necessary. Employers should also reduce the number of work hours during extreme weather conditions.

#4: Immediately Report Safety Issues

Employees should report safety issues to the employer immediately. Do not assume that an employer is aware of a dangerous or hazardous situation. Employers—create a culture of accountability. Let your people know that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep each other safe and informed of potential hazards.

#5: Immediately Fix Safety Issues

Employers must fix or resolve any dangerous or hazardous situations on the job site. As soon as an employee reports safety issues, the employer must resolve the situation immediately. A failure to do so could result in the worker having a civil lawsuit for purposefully ignoring a dangerous situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Sue Your Employer for Work Injuries in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, workers generally cannot sue their employer for work injuries due to the state’s no-fault workers’ compensation system. However, lawsuits may be possible if the employer failed to carry workers’ compensation insurance or if a third party (such as a contractor) contributed to the injury. For example, if a piece of defective equipment leads to an injury, the manufacturer could possibly be held accountable. It's crucial for injured workers to consult with legal professionals to explore all potential avenues for compensation, ensuring that they fully understand their rights and the scope of legal protections available.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Work Injury?

Immediately after a work injury, prioritize your health by seeking medical attention, even for minor injuries. It's crucial to document the incident accurately by noting details such as time, location, and any involved equipment or witnesses. Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible to initiate any necessary work-related injury reports. This notification helps preserve your rights to claims under workers' compensation laws in Pennsylvania. Consulting with a work injury law firm can provide guidance on the proper steps in the claims process and ensure you're fully informed of your rights.

Can I Choose My Doctor Under Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation?

In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation laws allow employers to designate a list of approved healthcare providers for treating workplace injuries. If your employer has provided such a list, you must select one of these providers for the initial treatment and follow-up during the first 90 days from the first visit. After this period, you are free to choose a healthcare provider of your choice. Always ensure compliance with these requirements to avoid jeopardizing your workers' compensation claim. If you're uncertain about your rights or the process, consulting a work injury attorney can offer valuable insights tailored to your situation.

What Benefits Can I Receive Under Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation?

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits include coverage for medical expenses, wage-loss benefits (typically 66.67% of lost wages, subject to a maximum limit), specific loss benefits for permanent injuries, and death benefits for dependents of workers who suffer fatal job-related injuries. Medical expenses cover necessary treatments for work-related injuries, while wage-loss benefits compensate for a portion of your lost earnings during recovery. Specific loss benefits apply to injuries resulting in permanent loss or disfigurement, such as losing a limb. Understanding the full scope of these benefits is essential, and seeking professional legal guidance can help ensure you receive appropriate compensation.

Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim in Pennsylvania?

While Pennsylvania law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing legitimate workers' compensation claims, it's essential to understand your protections under wrongful termination laws. If you believe your employment was adversely affected due to your claim, it's advisable to gather documentation supporting your performance and consult with a legal expert in workplace injuries to explore your rights and options. Retaliatory acts can include unjust termination, demotion, or changes in duties, and understanding your entitlements helps safeguard your job and rights following workplace injuries.

Hurt on the Job? Call Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC Now.

If you’ve experienced any injury due to your job duties, you owe it to yourself to seek compensation. Our attorneys have over a century of combined experience with work-related injuries, serving hundreds of clients every year with sizable results, thorough investigation, and dedication to their long-term well-being. We have offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York. It’s free to call us to find out if you have a claim—let us answer your questions and give you the clarity you deserve. 

Our work injury attorneys pay for all the expenses of every claim, and we only get paid when our clients obtain a settlement or verdict. We look forward to hearing from you.