Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Experienced Workers’ Comp Lawyers Serving Berks County
If you were injured on the job in Reading, PA, you need clear answers about your rights under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law.
I’m Larry Pitt. For more than 40 years, my law firm has represented injured workers across Pennsylvania. If you need a Reading workers’ compensation lawyer, my team and I are ready to protect your rights and pursue the full workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive.
Reading is the fifth-largest city in Pennsylvania and the county seat of Berks County. With major employers in healthcare, warehousing, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and public education — including Reading Hospital and the Reading School District — workplace injuries affect workers across many industries.
When a work injury happens, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation is supposed to provide protection. But insurance companies often make the process difficult.
Contact a Reading Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a workplace accident in Reading or anywhere in Berks County, you do not have to handle the insurance company alone.
Call 1-888-PITT-LAW to schedule your free consultation today.
Larry Pitt Won’t Quit.
Why You Need an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer After a Workplace Injury
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means you generally cannot sue your employer for a workplace accident, but you may be entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the injury.
However, the insurance company may:
- Delay your workers’ compensation claim
- Require you to attend an independent medical exam (IME) with their doctor
- Dispute medical treatment
- Challenge whether you can return to work
- Attempt to reduce or terminate benefits
Hiring experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Reading can significantly improve your ability to secure and maintain benefits.
In Reading, PA, workers’ compensation attorneys handle the entire legal process — from the initial injury report through litigation, mediation, settlement, or appeal, if necessary.
Independent Medical Examinations (IME)
Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, you may be required to undergo a medical examination by a doctor chosen by your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance company. This is known as an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
The IME doctor may evaluate:
- Whether your injury is work-related
- Whether you are fully recovered
- Whether you can return to work
Statements made during this exam can impact your workers’ compensation case.
Communicating With the Insurance Company
You should be cautious when communicating with the insurance adjuster.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. Statements about your symptoms, prior injuries, or ability to work may affect your claim.
Having a Reading workers’ compensation lawyer communicate with the insurance company on your behalf helps protect your rights.
The Physical, Financial, and Emotional Impact of a Work Injury
A workplace injury can create serious physical pain, financial stress from lost wages, and emotional strain on you and your family.
A good workers’ compensation attorney should understand the full impact of a work injury and provide clear communication and steady guidance throughout the process.
How PA Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Are Paid
Workers’ compensation lawyers in Reading typically work on a contingency fee basis.
Under Pennsylvania law, attorney fees are capped at 20% of wage loss benefits and must be approved by a workers’ compensation judge.
Attorneys are paid only if they secure or preserve compensation for their clients.
Many workers’ compensation law firms in Reading offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Choosing the Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Reading, PA
When selecting representation, consider attorneys who specialize in Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law.
Some attorneys are certified as specialists by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Section on Workers’ Compensation Law. Certification requires passing a rigorous examination and demonstrating substantial experience handling workers’ compensation cases.
A lawyer’s familiarity with local workers’ compensation judges and procedures in Reading and Berks County can also be an important factor.
Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help expedite the claims process and ensure your rights are protected at every stage.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available in Pennsylvania
Under the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, injured workers may qualify for several types of benefits.
Wage Loss Benefits
Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania typically pays approximately two-thirds (2/3) of an injured worker’s average weekly wage, subject to a maximum set each year by the state.
If your claim is accepted, the insurance company determines your compensation based on:
- Your average weekly wage
- The nature and severity of your injury
- Your ability to return to work
If you return to work with medical restrictions and earn less because of your injury, you may be eligible for partial disability benefits. Partial disability benefits are generally calculated at two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your reduced earnings.
The duration of workers’ compensation benefits depends on the nature and severity of your injury.
Medical Treatment and Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation benefits include payment of reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including:
- Emergency care
- Surgery
- Specialist treatment
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Ongoing medical care
You must inform medical providers that your injury is work-related.
The 90-Day Medical Provider Rule
If your employer posted a panel of approved healthcare providers, you must treat with one of those providers for the first 90 days after your workplace injury. After 90 days, you may choose your own doctor.
Continuing medical treatment is important to maintain your benefits. Gaps in treatment can be used by the insurance company to argue that your injury has resolved.
Specific Loss and Permanent Injury Benefits
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law provides specific loss benefits for:
- Amputation injuries
- Loss of use of a body part
- Loss of vision or hearing
You may also be eligible for additional compensation if your work injury results in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Death Benefits
If a worker dies due to a work-related injury, eligible dependents may receive workers’ compensation death benefits.
Reporting a Workplace Injury in Reading, PA
In Reading, PA, you must notify your employer immediately after a workplace injury to initiate the workers’ compensation process.
Pennsylvania law requires that notice be given within 120 days of the work-related injury. Failing to provide notice within 120 days may result in a permanent bar on benefits.
After notice is provided:
- The insurance company has 21 days to accept or deny the claim.
- There is typically a 21- to 28-day period during which the insurer investigates and issues formal acceptance or denial.
If your claim is accepted, benefits begin based on your injury and wage calculations.
If your claim is denied, you can file a Claim Petition with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process in Pennsylvania
The workers’ compensation process generally follows these steps:
- The workplace accident occurs
- Immediate notice to the employer
- Employer reports injury
- The insurance company investigates
- Claim accepted or denied within 21 days
- Medical treatment continues
- Mediation or litigation if disputed
Many cases go through mediation to resolve disputes before a formal hearing.
If mediation is unsuccessful, your case will be assigned to a workers’ compensation judge for a hearing. Evidence and medical testimony will be presented before the judge issues a decision.
Navigating this process without legal assistance can be challenging.
What Our Clients Say
Appeals in a Workers’ Compensation Case
If a workers’ compensation judge denies your claim, you may appeal to:
- The Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board
- The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania
- The Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Reading workers’ compensation lawyers assist injured workers through every stage of the appeals process.
Lump-Sum Settlements in PA Workers’ Compensation Cases
Lawyers in Reading often negotiate lump-sum settlements, known as Compromise and Release agreements.
These settlements may provide a one-time payment covering:
- Future medical needs
- Long-term wage loss
- Closure of the workers’ compensation case
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney evaluates whether a settlement protects your long-term financial interests.
