State College Workers Compensation Lawyer

Injured At Work & Worried About Your Paycheck?

A sudden work injury can turn your life upside down. One day, you are earning a steady income, and the next, you may be in pain, missing shifts, and watching medical bills arrive while your paycheck shrinks or stops. If you were hurt on the job and have questions about your benefits, a workers' compensation lawyer at Friday & Cox LLC can help you understand your options.

We work with injured workers and their families who are facing uncertainty about how they will pay for treatment, support their households, and deal with employers and insurance companies. Our team of attorneys has more than 100 years of combined experience handling serious injury and workers’ compensation matters throughout western and central Pennsylvania. We offer free consultations and represent clients on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any upfront fees for our help.

Schedule a free consultation with our workers' comp attorney in State College by calling (412) 900-8250 or filling out our online contact form today to get started.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents

Workplace injuries can occur in virtually any industry, from construction sites to office environments. Some of the most common workplace accidents we see include:

• Slip-and-fall accidents caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting
• Construction accidents, including falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, and equipment malfunctions
• Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain
• Machinery and equipment accidents involving forklifts, power tools, or industrial machines
• Vehicle accidents while driving for work purposes
• Falling objects that strike workers on job sites or in warehouses
• Exposure to toxic substances, chemicals, or hazardous materials

Even injuries that seem minor at first can worsen over time and lead to long-term disability. Reporting your injury promptly and seeking medical attention are critical first steps in protecting your claim.

Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning injured workers generally do not need to prove that their employer was negligent to receive benefits.

Key aspects of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law include:

• Injury reporting deadlines: Employees should report work-related injuries to their employer as soon as possible, ideally within 21 days.
• Medical treatment rules: Employers may require injured workers to treat with approved medical providers for the first 90 days.
• Wage loss benefits: Partial wage replacement is available if your injury prevents you from working.
• Statute of limitations: Most workers’ compensation claims must be filed within three years of the injury.

While the system is intended to protect workers, insurance carriers often scrutinize claims closely. Having an experienced State College workers’ compensation lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Available Workers' Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to cover both medical care and financial losses related to a workplace injury. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for:

• Medical benefits for doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
• Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if you are unable to work at all while recovering
• Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits if you can return to work in a limited or reduced capacity
• Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits for lasting impairments
• Permanent total disability benefits for catastrophic or life-altering injuries
• Specific loss benefits for the loss of a limb, vision, or hearing
• Death benefits for surviving family members in fatal workplace accident cases

At Friday & Cox LLC, we work to ensure injured workers receive every benefit available under Pennsylvania law, not just the minimum offered by insurance companies.

What If My Workers' Comp Benefits Were Denied?

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are frequently denied. Common reasons for denial include disputes over whether the injury was work-related, allegations of pre-existing conditions, missed deadlines, or incomplete documentation.

If your benefits were denied, you still have options. A State College workers’ compensation lawyer can help you:

1. File a claim petition with the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Bureau
2. Gather medical evidence and expert testimony
3. Represent you at hearings before a workers’ compensation judge
4. Challenge benefit terminations or reductions
5. Negotiate settlements that reflect the true value of your claim

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve experienced legal representation protecting yours.

Workers' Comp Claim FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim?

While not required, having a lawyer can greatly improve your chances of receiving full benefits, especially if your claim is disputed or denied.

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

Pennsylvania law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

What if my injury developed over time rather than from one accident?

Repetitive stress and occupational illness claims are valid under Pennsylvania law, but they often require strong medical evidence.

Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury?

In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy. However, third-party claims may be possible if another party caused your injury.

How long do workers’ compensation benefits last?

The duration depends on the severity of your injury and the type of benefits you receive.

Why Injured Workers Turn To Our Firm For Workers’ Compensation Help

Choosing the right firm to guide you through a work injury claim is an important decision. At Friday & Cox LLC, we practice law with a people-first philosophy. We do not simply hand you instructions and walk away. Instead, we partner with you, explain your choices in straightforward language, and make decisions together that are focused on your health, your benefits, and your long-term stability.

Our attorneys, including Pete Friday, Brian Cox, Paul G. Mayer Jr., Nelson Gaugler, and Terry L M Bashline, bring more than a century of combined experience to workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Over the years, we have handled complex and catastrophic injury matters such as industrial accidents, medical malpractice, and other serious incidents where a person’s ability to work and live independently is on the line. That background helps us understand the medical and financial issues that often come with significant work injuries.

We are also trial tested. Many firms focus on quick settlements and rarely prepare for court. We are willing to pursue hearings and trials when that is the right path for a client. Insurers and opposing counsel know that we are prepared to go the distance, which can encourage more reasonable settlement discussions. Our attorneys have secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, and our work has been recognized by organizations such as Martindale Hubbell (AV Preeminent), Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, Pennsylvania’s Best of the Bar, and Philadelphia Top Attorneys.

Throughout your case, communication is a priority. We know that when a check is late, a medical appointment is denied, or a hearing notice arrives, you need answers. We are committed to returning urgent inquiries around the clock and keeping you informed about what is happening with your claim. Combined with our contingency fee structure and free consultations, this approach is designed to ease as much stress as possible so you can focus on your recovery.

To talk with our team about your workers’ compensation claim, call (412) 900-8250 today.