Common Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can happen anywhere — from construction sites and factories to offices and hospitals. Some of the most common incidents that lead to workers’ compensation claims in Pittsburgh include:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways can cause serious injuries like fractures, sprains, or head trauma.
• Overexertion injuries: Repetitive motions or lifting heavy objects can lead to strains, sprains, and chronic back pain.
• Machinery and equipment accidents: Industrial and manufacturing workers often suffer crush injuries, amputations, or lacerations from malfunctioning or improperly maintained machinery.
• Vehicle-related accidents: Truck drivers, delivery workers, and others who operate vehicles as part of their job are at risk for crashes while on the clock.
• Falling object injuries: Tools, materials, or debris falling from heights can cause traumatic injuries, especially on construction sites.
• Exposure to harmful substances: Long-term exposure to chemicals, asbestos, or toxins can cause occupational diseases such as respiratory illness or cancer.
• Workplace violence: Physical altercations or assaults in the workplace may also qualify for compensation if they arise during employment.

If you were injured at work or developed an illness because of your job, you have the right to seek benefits under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law.

Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law

Pennsylvania law requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees in the event of a workplace injury or illness. This no-fault system provides financial and medical benefits to injured workers — regardless of who caused the accident — as long as the injury occurred within the course and scope of employment.

Here are a few key points about Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system:

• Coverage: Most full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees are covered. Independent contractors, volunteers, and federal employees may have different rules or systems that apply.
• Reporting requirements: You must report your injury to your employer within 120 days, but you should do so as soon as possible. Failing to report in time could jeopardize your claim.
• Employer responsibilities: Your employer must notify their insurance carrier promptly after you report an injury.
• Medical treatment: Initially, you may need to visit a company-approved physician if your employer has a posted list of designated providers. After 90 days, you can choose your own doctor.
• Filing a claim: If your employer or insurer disputes your claim, you may need to file a petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to pursue your case.

Because the process can be complex and deadlines are strict, having our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorney on your side can make all the difference.

Available Workers’ Compensation Benefits

In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation benefits can cover a range of needs following a workplace injury. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to:

• Medical benefits: Payment for necessary and reasonable medical care, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices.
• Wage-loss benefits: Partial replacement of lost income if your injury prevents you from working or reduces your ability to earn your usual wages.
• Specific loss benefits: Compensation for permanent loss or disfigurement of a body part, such as a finger, limb, or eye.
• Permanent disability benefits: If your injury results in total disability, you may receive ongoing wage benefits.
• Death benefits: If a worker dies from a job-related injury or illness, their dependents may receive financial support and funeral expense coverage.

Our team at Friday & Cox LLC helps ensure you receive all benefits you qualify for — and that insurers don’t undervalue or wrongfully terminate your payments.

Process of Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Pittsburgh

In addition to most employers being required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, they must post information about workers' compensation rights and benefits in a “conspicuous” place within the workplace, like the breakroom. Employers are also required to take any injury report filed by an employee seriously and never do anything to impede the workers’ compensation process if the employee wants to file a claim for benefits. To get your claim moving without worrying about the details or potential obstacles, though, you should turn to our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation lawyers from the start.

For a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania, the typical overall process will include:

• Seek medical attention: If you're injured at work, seek medical attention immediately. Inform the healthcare provider that your injury is work-related.
• Notify your employer: Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. In Pennsylvania, you must notify your employer within 120 days of the injury to be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
• Complete the First Report of Injury Form: Your employer is responsible for providing you with the necessary forms to file a workers' compensation claim. The First Report of Injury form (LIBC-344) is typically used for this purpose. Complete the form and return it to your employer without delay.
• Employer's responsibilities: Your employer is required to submit the completed First Report of Injury form to their workers' compensation insurance carrier, usually within 24 hours of receiving it. The insurance carrier will then decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
• Claim review: The workers' compensation insurance carrier has 21 days to investigate your claim. During this time, they may approve your claim, deny it, or temporarily accept it while further investigations are conducted. In the meantime, you are still permitted to seek all necessary medical care at no cost to you (even if your claim is denied).
• Claim acceptance: If your claim is accepted, you should start receiving wage replacement and medical benefits. The benefits should cover necessary medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages. You might be eligible for back pay, too.
• Claim denial: If your claim is denied, you have the right to file a petition for a hearing with the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Office of Adjudication.
• Appeals process: If necessary, you can appeal a decision through the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board and, subsequently, the Commonwealth Court.
• Return to work: If you're able to return to work in some capacity, your employer may offer you suitable employment. If the offered job pays less than your pre-injury position, you may be entitled to partial disability benefits.

Given the complexities of workers' compensation laws, it is highly recommended that you hire a workers’ compensation attorney at the very start of this process. In fact, if your claim is denied or delayed, don’t be surprised if the notification from the insurance company advises you to speak to an attorney for more information. We can handle or help you through every step. 

Why Was My Workers' Compensation Claim Denied?

Workers' compensation claims can be denied for various reasons, such as:

• Failure to report the injury on time: There is a specific timeframe within which an injured worker must report the injury to their employer. Failure to report the injury within this timeframe may result in a denial of the claim.
• Missed filing deadlines: There are deadlines for filing workers' compensation claims, and missing these deadlines can lead to a denial.
• Dispute over the work-related nature of the injury: If there is a dispute over whether the injury is truly work-related, the claim may be denied. The employer or insurance company might argue that the injury occurred outside the scope of employment.
• Insufficient medical evidence: Inadequate or conflicting medical evidence can lead to a denial. 
• Pre-existing conditions: If the insurance company believes that a pre-existing condition, rather than a work-related incident, is the primary cause of the injury, they may deny the claim. 
• Failure to seek timely medical treatment: If an injured worker delays seeking medical treatment, the insurance company may question the severity of the injury and deny the claim.
• Employer disputes the claim: Employers or their insurance companies may dispute the claim for various reasons, such as challenging the description of the incident, questioning the legitimacy of the injury, or asserting that the injury did not occur at work.
• Failure to follow company procedures: Some employers have specific procedures that injured workers must follow to be eligible for workers' compensation. If these procedures are not followed, the claim could be denied, or at least, delayed pending an investigation.
• Intoxication or substance abuse: If the injured worker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the injury, the claim may be denied.
• Fraudulent claims: If the insurance company believes that the claim is fraudulent or that the injury was intentionally self-inflicted, it may deny the claim.
• Employment status disputes: Workers' compensation generally covers employees, not independent contractors. Disputes over employment status can lead to claim denials.

In some cases, workers’ compensation claims are denied wrongfully because the insurance company wants to save money, or the employer wants to avoid increased premiums. For this reason, you should never accept a denial at face value. You should at least let our attorneys know about it during a no-cost consultation. 

Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation FAQ

How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania?

You must notify your employer within 120 days of the injury and generally have up to three years from the date of injury to file a formal claim petition.

Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

No. It’s illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for filing or attempting to file a workers’ comp claim.

Do I need a lawyer to file for workers’ comp?

While not legally required, having a lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success. An attorney ensures that paperwork is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected.

What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?

If your employer is uninsured, you may still recover benefits through Pennsylvania’s Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund (UEGF).

Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?

Generally, no — workers’ compensation is your exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may have the right to file a third-party claim if someone other than your employer (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) caused your injury.

Let Friday & Cox LLC Work for You

While the legal process of filing for workers’ compensation is not simple, it doesn’t have to feel complicated to you. By hiring our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorneys, you can let us take care of everything we can. Our legal team can focus on handling every step, keeping you informed, and dealing with all the paperwork and interactions with employers and insurers. We can even consult with third-party medical professionals to document and understand your injuries, the time you need to heal, and the cost of covering your medical expenses. It is all part of how we go above and beyond your expectations to secure the workers’ compensation benefits or settlement that you deserve after a workplace injury.

If you have recently been hurt on the job in Pittsburgh or the surrounding area, call us at (412) 900-8250 or contact us online to set up a free case evaluation.