Representing the Rights and Interests of Injured Employees

Getting seriously injured while on the job can cause significant changes in your or your loved one’s life. Who will take care of the medical bills? What will happen if you continue to miss work? Who is liable for the injury? These are a few of the various questions that are probably racing through your head if you have been injured at work. If you are an employee, then you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to pay for various expenses, such as your medical care, your loved one’s death benefits, your payments for lost wages, and your specific loss benefits.

Get answers to your questions and find out why clients in Philadelphia and the surrounding area have trusted Full Court Justice as their personal injury law firm. Call our office at (215) 770-0282 to schedule your initial consultation with a workplace injury lawyer today.

What Are the Requirements for Injured Workers to Receive Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

As part of the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, most employees are covered in the event of workplace injuries from their very first day of employment. To qualify for benefits, the workers’ compensation laws generally require that the injury occur during your work duties and that you report the incident and injury to your employer within the required timeframe.

Benefits you may be entitled to include partial wage replacement for any missed time for work and reimbursement for medical expenses related to your injuries.

What If Someone Other Than Your Employer or Coworker Caused Your Work Injury?

If you have been injured at work and the injury was the fault of somebody other than your employer, then you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. At Full Court Justice, our personal injury lawyers have spent years working with people who have been seriously injured on the job by a third party and have the experience and knowledge to ensure that all parties who are liable are brought into the case. For a free and confidential case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer, contact us at (215) 770-0282 today. The personal injury attorneys at Full Court Justice proudly represent clients in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Allentown, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County, as well as all over New Jersey.

Can You Sue Your Employer?

Because federal and state law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, it bars you from suing your employer for your personal injury. The workers’ compensation system was established as a trade-off. 

If you suffer a work injury, you give up your right to sue your employer in court, and in exchange, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault for causing your work injury. There are some exceptions, of course, but for the most part, if you suffer a workplace injury, you cannot sue your employer. Rather, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Can You Have a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Yes. When your work injury was the fault of somebody other than your employer, you have to bring both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. This is because workers’ compensation insurance is the primary coverage for medical bills. It is up to the personal injury attorney handling your case to make sure to advise you to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney if you haven’t yet. If you do not have a workers’ compensation attorney, then the personal injury lawyer must reach out to your workers’ compensation insurance carrier and inform them of the third-party lawsuit.

Where Can a Work Injury Caused by a Third Party Occur?

At Full Court Justice, our personal injury lawyers have worked with clients who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries while working, and what we have learned is that work injuries can happen in almost any setting. Some of the places a personal injury can occur while working include:

• Construction sites
• Factories and manufacturing plants
• Employer vehicles while on the job
• Hotels and resorts
• Swimming pools
• Work conferences
• Office buildings
• Private homes and residential properties, if the employee is providing in-home care or services
• Public transportation areas
• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Chemical plants
• Industrial facilities

Where the accident occurs can impact your claim because it is possible that a third party’s carelessness could be responsible for your injuries. For example, a property owner who didn’t maintain a safe premises or an outside contractor who didn’t follow safety protocols could be held liable in a workplace injury lawsuit. Any time you’ve been injured, it is important to have an attorney review your case to determine whether it is a simple workers’ compensation claim or could potentially be a larger personal injury lawsuit.

Common Workplace Injuries

No matter where a workplace accident happens, whether it’s on a construction site or in an office building, serious injuries can occur. Some of the common workplace injuries that can result in workers’ comp claims include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Electrocution
• Whiplash
• Back injuries
• Hearing loss
• Crush injuries

If you were injured while at work, seek immediate medical attention and then contact our attorneys to get help with your workers’ comp benefits.

What Can You Recover for Your Work Injury?

If you are eligible for workers’ compensation insurance, that may cover your payment for lost wages, death benefits, specific loss benefits, and costs related to medical expenses. There are specific rules for how much you will be reimbursed for lost wages, and you often need to see an approved doctor to ensure that your medical condition has been accurately diagnosed and that you are following the prescribed course of treatment.

If a third party, such as another driver on the road, or an independent contractor at a construction site, is liable for your personal injury, you may be entitled to be compensated for your pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures, embarrassment and humiliation, and scarring and disfigurement. An experienced workplace injury lawyer can help you determine what to do in these cases.

Contact Our Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

When you’ve been injured on the job, you shouldn’t have to argue with your employer or an insurance company about compensation. At Full Court Justice, we have successfully represented workers across Philadelphia and the surrounding area in workers’ compensation cases. We know how to use your medical records and other documentation to establish your claim, and we’re prepared to communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, so all you have to do is focus on healing. We understand that workplace injury cases can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easier.

If you think you may have a workplace injury claim or you’re struggling to get the compensation you’re entitled to, contact our law firm at (215) 770-0282 to schedule a free, confidential, no-risk consultation to discuss your case.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual care or situation. Full Court Justice has offices in Philadelphia, Wayne, and Voorhees and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.