Philadelphia Workplace Accident Lawyer

Understanding Your Rights After a Workplace Injury in Philadelphia

A workplace injury can leave you feeling like you do not have any rights to protect yourself in such a vulnerable time, especially when insurance companies and employers do not properly explain the rights you have as an employee. Thankfully, our Philadelphia workplace accident lawyers are here to help you understand every right you have after a workplace injury, including:

• The right to workers’ compensation benefits: Almost every Pennsylvania employee is covered by these benefits, which can compensate you for medical treatment, lost income, specific loss benefits, and death benefits for a decedent's family.
• The right to medical treatment: This right entitles you to receive medical care for your injury, but you are often required to use an employer-approved provider.
• The right to legal guidance: You can hire a lawyer at any stage in your workers' compensation claim, even if you have already received payment.
• The right to a hearing: If your compensation claim is denied or challenged, you can request a hearing to go before a workers' compensation judge.
• The right to file a third-party claim: If someone who is not a member of your workplace, such as a subcontractor or product manufacturer, is liable for your injuries, we can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against them for additional compensation.

Knowing your rights as an injured worker is of vital importance, but it is even more important to act quickly to protect them. Our workers' compensation lawyers can act on your behalf at every step of your injury claim process.

Exceptions That Allow You to Sue Your Employer for a Workplace Accident in Philadelphia

In most cases, Pennsylvania's workers’ compensation laws prevent injured employees from filing a personal injury lawsuit directly against their employer. This is because the workers’ compensation system is designed to be the primary avenue for recovering benefits after a workplace injury.

However, it may be possible to file a lawsuit outside of a workers’ compensation claim if you experienced certain conditions, such as:

• You were injured by the egregious misconduct or willful misconduct of your employer
• A third party was liable for your injuries
• You were an independent contractor who is not covered by traditional workers’ compensation
• Your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance

Our Philadelphia workplace accident lawyers can review your unique circumstances to determine whether you are able to sue your employer or anyone else for your workplace injuries.

Typical Hazards That Result in Philadelphia Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents are not limited to construction sites or factories. Some workplace hazards are more common than others and can result from a variety of causes, including:

• Inadequate safety training leading to unprepared workers
• Defective or faulty equipment or machinery
• Slip and fall hazards like spills or cluttered walkways
• Falling objects like power tools or loose shelves
• Repetitive strain injuries from performing the same motions every day, like typing on a keyboard or operating the same piece of equipment
• Lack of necessary personal protective equipment that employers need to provide
• Exposure to harmful chemicals, typically manifesting as contact burns, respiratory problems, or long-term disease
• Workplace violence, either by coworkers or customers

The key to successfully securing maximum compensation is to have all of the information available. You can rest easy knowing our Philadelphia workplace accident lawyers are exhausting all opportunities to maximize the compensation you need, no matter how you were hurt while working.

What a Qualified Philadelphia Workplace Accident Lawyer at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin Can Offer You

While many firms offer representation, what sets our Philadelphia office apart is the personalized attention and strategic case planning we provide, ensuring you never feel like just another case.

Our proven record of success encompasses numerous cases where we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients over the years. We were able to secure these outcomes with our aggressive investigation and comprehensive representation strategies, and we leave no stone unturned while fighting any attempt to minimize your compensation.

Our deep understanding of the local court system and Philadelphia's workplace injury laws allows us to skillfully navigate any negotiation or litigation challenges you are facing, and we will proactively communicate with you through every step of your claim.

When you hire our team for a workplace accident claim, you can expect support in several key areas:

• Thorough case evaluation to identify all potential sources of compensation through workers’ compensation and any third-party claims.
• Hands-on evidence gathering that may include workplace policies, safety records, witness statements, and medical documentation specific to your injury.
• Clear, regular communication so you understand what is happening in your case, what comes next, and what decisions may be ahead of you.
• Strategic negotiation and advocacy with insurers and defense attorneys informed by our experience in Philadelphia courts and hearing offices.

Why Choose a Workplace Accident Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin?

Choosing a small law firm to represent you might mean your legal team does not have the workforce necessary to meet your needs. Alternatively, choosing a law firm that is too large can mean you get lost in the shuffle of everyday tasks.

At our law firm, you will have a dedicated and trial-ready workplace injury attorney in Philadelphia, PA, who is never afraid to push back against employers or insurers. All of our Philadelphia workplace accident lawyers have helped workers secure compensation that can drastically improve the quality of their lives after their accident, and we are all committed to providing you with responsive and respectful representation at all times.

Instead of balancing the needs of your recovery process with the obligations of a workers' compensation claim, allow our lawyers to guide you through every step of your workplace accident case.

When you consider who to trust with your claim, it can help to look at how a firm will work with you day to day:

• Accessible legal team that returns calls, answers questions, and keeps you informed about developments in your case.
• Balanced resources that combine the personal attention of a smaller office with the staffing needed to handle complex, high-stakes work injury matters.
• Local insight into how Philadelphia employers, insurers, and courts typically approach workplace accident disputes.
• Compassionate guidance that recognizes the impact an injury has on your health, your income, and your family’s future.

Act Now to Contact an Experienced Workplace Injury Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

Any workplace injury has the potential to disrupt your life physically, financially, and emotionally. When you need to fight for the optimal results in a workers' compensation claim, do not go through your fight alone. Our lawyers are ready to stand up for you and your rights when you need us most.

Taking action quickly after a work accident also helps protect important evidence, from incident reports and surveillance footage to witness statements from your coworkers. Reporting the injury to your employer, following up with appropriate medical care, and keeping copies of any correspondence you receive can make it easier for us to build a strong claim on your behalf. When you contact our office soon after an incident, we can help you avoid common mistakes that might delay your benefits or lead to a denial of your claim under Pennsylvania law.

If you are unsure about your next step, a brief conversation can help you decide how to move forward:

• Learn your options for workers’ compensation, potential third-party claims, and how different choices may affect your income and medical care.
• Understand timelines that apply to reporting injuries, filing claims, and responding to denials under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation rules.
• Get clarity about what documents to save, what to say to your employer or insurer, and what to expect in the early stages of a claim.

Our lawyers only collect payment if we win your claim, which means there is no financial risk in reaching out to us. Now is the best time to contact our Philadelphia, PA, law office to secure the trusted support you deserve.

Contact us today by calling (215) 610-3440 or reaching out online to schedule a free and confidential consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have To Report a Workplace Injury in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, workers generally must report a workplace injury to their employer within a relatively short period of time, and delays can make it harder to obtain benefits. It is usually best to notify a supervisor or manager in writing as soon as possible after the incident or after you realize that a medical condition is related to your job. Prompt reporting also helps create a clear record that can be important if your claim is later disputed.

Can I See My Own Doctor After a Workplace Accident in Philadelphia?

In many Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases, employees are initially required to treat with a medical provider listed on the employer’s panel of physicians, if that panel is properly posted and you are informed about it. After a certain period of time, you may be able to choose your own doctor, but the rules can be technical and depend on the specific facts of your case. Understanding these requirements before you schedule appointments can help protect your right to have treatment covered.

What Should I Bring To My First Meeting About a Work Injury Claim?

For an initial conversation about a work injury, it is helpful to gather any documents that describe how the accident happened and the care you have received. This often includes incident reports, wage records, medical visit summaries, and letters from the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Bringing this information allows a legal team to quickly identify the status of your claim, important deadlines, and any problem areas that may need extra attention.