Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Easton, PA
Practice Areas
If you’ve been injured at work, having the right workers’ compensation lawyer can make all the difference. For over 35 years, the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy have represented injured workers in Easton, PA, and throughout the state.
Experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney Ed Shaughnessy can help you through every step of the workers’ compensation claims process, ensuring you receive the medical benefits and monetary compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with lost wages or medical expenses or need help securing a settlement, we are here to assist.
Don’t face your workplace injury alone. Call 610-258-9955 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer today.
How Does Workers’ Comp Work in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, workers within the state are entitled to financial and medical support when they suffer work-related injuries or occupational diseases. If you get hurt on the job or develop a workplace illness, the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act ensures you are entitled to benefits like coverage for medical bills and compensation for lost wages.
The process begins when you report the work-related injury to your employer, who notifies their insurance company. The employer’s insurer evaluates the workers’ comp claim to determine if it meets the state’s workers’ compensation laws. If approved, you will receive benefits that help cover your medical expenses and a portion of your average weekly wage while you recover.
You have the right to appeal if your workers’ comp claim is disputed or denied. This often requires the guidance of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyers who will effectively handle the claims process and administrative hearings.
This system is in place to help ensure that injured employees receive the support they need without the burden of costly medical bills and financial strain during recovery.
Common Work Injuries Covered By Workmans’ Comp In The Lehigh Valley Area
In Lehigh Valley, PA, workers’ compensation covers many workplace injuries. From common accidents like slips and falls to more severe incidents resulting in permanent disabilities, understanding what types of injuries are typically covered can help employees know their rights and the steps to take following an accident.
If you’re in need of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in the Easton, PA area, look no further than the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy. We’re equipped to handle claims involving all types of work injuries, ensuring injured workers obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are some of the most frequent causes of workplace injuries. A simple slip on a wet floor or trip over uneven ground can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, or even long-term disabilities.
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall at work, speaking with a slip and fall lawyer in Easton, PA, can help you recover medical benefits and lost wages through a worker’s compensation claim.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Lifting heavy objects or falling from heights on the job can cause severe back and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues and often require surgery.
Easton spinal cord injury attorneys like Attorney Shaughnessy represent injured workers and help recover compensation for medical treatments, rehabilitation, and lost wages. By filing workers’ comp claims and fighting for your legal rights, we work to ensure you receive the care you need to recover.
Amputations
Losing a limb due to a work injury is a life-altering experience. Whether caused by heavy machinery or inadequate training, amputations require extensive medical care, prosthetics, and long-term rehabilitation.
An amputation lawyer in Easton, PA, can help injured workers file a workers’ compensation claim to secure medical benefits and other necessary support.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions can happen in any work setting. Brain injuries often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and even then, it may not be possible to undo the damage that’s been done. Additionally, the signs of a concussion may not be immediately apparent, and workers may not seek medical attention until it’s too late.
Easton brain injury lawyers like Ed Shaughnessy advocate for injured workers who have suffered head injuries, ensuring they receive maximum benefits for medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation for any long-term disabilities.
Severe Burns
Severe burns are among the most painful and complex work injuries. Easton burn injury attorneys like Ed Shaughnessy are experienced in handling workers’ compensation cases involving chemical, electrical, or thermal burns suffered at the workplace.
We help ensure you receive adequate workers’ compensation benefits for the extensive medical treatments and ongoing care often required for recovery.
Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma, exposure to toxic substances, and other workplace accidents can lead to severe organ damage. This type of personal injury can cause long-term health problems and usually requires prolonged medical care, meaning the injured worker could be unable to return to work for an extended period of time.
An Easton organ damage lawyer from our law firm can help injured employees file a workers’ compensation claim to cover medical costs and a portion of their average compensation while away from work.
Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are dangerous work environments where accidents can lead to serious injuries. Falls, machinery malfunctions, and other hazards often result in muscular injuries or broken bones. Employers are responsible for keeping workers properly trained and ensuring safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and injuries.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, Easton construction accident lawyers like Ed Shaughnessy can help you understand your rights under PA workers’ compensation law and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Crush injuries and amputations often happen in industrial jobs, construction sites, and warehouses. These injuries can result in permanent disabilities, requiring extensive medical care, prosthetics, and, in some cases, home modifications.
Easton amputation injury lawyer Ed Shaughnessy has years of experience handling these workers’ compensation claims. Our law firm will work to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available to help you recover from such a severe injury.
Workplace Wrongful Death
Some work injuries are so severe that they result in the loss of life, leaving families devastated and facing financial hardship. Wrongful death can occur due to a fatal workplace accident or occupational disease. Workers who inhale toxic fumes, chemicals, or dust over time may develop a fatal workplace illness, especially if they have pre-existing conditions that make them more vulnerable.
When a worker loses their life due to a work injury or an illness as the result of unsafe working conditions, their loved ones may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover funeral expenses, lost income, and other financial burdens.
An Easton workplace wrongful death lawyer can help families file a workers’ comp claim, ensuring they receive the support and compensation they deserve during this difficult time.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you’ve been hurt on the job, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help you recover physically and financially.
Injured workers may receive medical benefits to cover treatments, wage loss benefits to replace lost income, specific loss benefits for permanent injuries like amputations or vision loss, and death benefits for families who have lost a loved one in a work injury.
However, obtaining compensation isn’t always easy, especially when dealing with the employer’s insurance company. A skilled workers’ comp lawyer can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Medical Benefits
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws require your employer or the employer’s insurance company to cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your work injury.
These medical benefits include visits to physicians, chiropractors, and other healthcare providers, as well as surgical procedures and ongoing medical treatments. If hospitalization is required, workers’ compensation benefits cover the cost of semi-private rooms unless only private rooms are available. The policy also includes coverage for prescription medications, medical supplies, and orthopedic appliances, ensuring injured workers can access necessary care.
If you are having trouble getting the medical care you need after a workplace accident, a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer from our team can help protect your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Wage Loss Benefits
Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, injured workers are entitled to wage loss benefits if a work-related injury prevents them from doing their job.
The amount a worker receives depends on their average weekly wage at the time of injury. In most cases, workers’ comp benefits provide two-thirds (66%) of lost wages, but there are minimum and maximum limits based on the statewide average weekly wage, which is $1,347.00 per week in 2025.
Workers earning between $2,020.50 and $1,010.26 per week receive 66% of their wages. If their earnings fall between $1,010.25 and $748.33 per week, they receive a set amount of $673.50 each week. Workers earning $748.32 or less per week receive 90% of their wages.
Wage loss benefits fall into different categories depending on the severity of the injury and whether the employee can return to work. These include:
- Temporary Partial Disability
- If an injured worker can return to work but at a lower-paying job due to restrictions, they may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits. These benefits compensate for a portion of lost wages and can be received for a maximum of 500 weeks.
- Temporary Total Disability
- Workers who are completely unable to work due to a work injury may receive temporary total disability benefits. These payments continue until the worker recovers or reaches 104 weeks of total disability status. After this period, the employer’s insurance company may require a medical evaluation to determine if the worker’s impairment is 35% or greater based on American Medical Association standards. If the worker does not meet this threshold, their status may change to partial disability.
- Permanent Partial Disability
- If an injured worker has lasting impairments but can still work in a limited capacity, they may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits. These workers’ comp benefits help cover lost wages if the worker is earning less due to work-related restrictions. Benefits are available for up to 500 weeks, but if a medical evaluation determines the worker’s impairment is 35% or greater, they may petition to have their total disability status reinstated.
- Permanent Total Disability
- If a work injury leaves an employee totally and permanently disabled, they may continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits indefinitely. However, the employer’s insurer may attempt to reduce or stop benefits by requiring an independent medical exam to evaluate the worker’s condition.
Understanding the difference between these categories is essential for securing the right amount of workers’ compensation benefits. A Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer can help determine what benefits you qualify for and how long you may receive payments.
Specific Loss Benefits
Specific loss benefits in Pennsylvania compensate injured workers who permanently lose a body part or bodily function due to a work-related injury. These benefits apply to the loss of a limb, vision loss, hearing loss, or permanent disfigurement. A worker does not need to be completely disabled to qualify for specific loss benefits. Even if they can return to work, they may still receive payments based on their worker’s compensation claim.
As outlined in the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, the length of time benefits are paid depends on the body part lost or the severity of the disfigurement.
Easton workers’ comp attorneys like Attorney Shaughnessy can help you understand your rights and help you pursue the maximum benefits available.
Death Benefits
When a work-related injury or workplace illness results in death, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law provides death benefits to certain family members who depended on the deceased worker for financial support. These benefits help cover lost wages, funeral expenses, and ongoing financial needs.
The following individuals may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits after the death of an injured worker:
- A widow (legally married spouse, not including unmarried partners).
- A child under 18 or a full-time student under 23.
- A mentally or physically incapacitated child.
- A dependent parent of the deceased worker.
- A dependent sibling under 18 or a full-time student under 23.
The amount of monetary compensation a family member receives depends on their relationship to the deceased worker:
- Widow without children: 51% of the worker’s average weekly wage (AWW).
- Widow with children: 60% of AWW for one child, increasing to 66% for two or more children. If children have a separate guardian, benefits are divided accordingly.
- Children without a widow: The percentage of AWW varies based on the number of children, ranging from 32% to 66%. If children live with different guardians, benefits are split equally.
- Dependent parent: 52% of AWW if fully dependent, 32% if partially dependent.
- Dependent sibling: 22% of AWW for one, increasing by 5% per additional sibling, with a maximum of 32%.
It’s important to note that if a worker was receiving workers’ comp benefits, these do not automatically transfer to family members after death. Instead, dependents must file a separate workers’ compensation claim for death benefits, proving financial dependence on the deceased worker.
An Easton workers’ comp attorney can guide families through the claims process and ensure they receive the benefits needed to heal from their tragic loss.
Challenges in Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim in Lehigh Valley
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in the Lehigh Valley can be difficult, especially when facing resistance from employers and insurance companies. Many injured workers experience delays, disputes, or outright denials when trying to receive their workers’ compensation benefits.
Below are some of the most common challenges:
- Employer disputes over the severity of injuries
- Some employers may argue that a worker’s injury is not severe enough to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits or claim that the injury occurred outside of work.
- Independent Medical Examinations (IME)
- The employer’s insurance company may require the worker to undergo an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing. These exams often result in medical reports that minimize the severity of injuries, which insurers use to justify denying or reducing benefits.
- Insurance company delays or denials
- Some workers’ compensation claims are unfairly delayed or denied by insurance companies looking to limit their payouts. This can leave injured workers without the medical and wage loss benefits they need to recover.
- Workers being forced back to work too soon
- Employers and insurance companies may pressure injured workers to return to work before fully healing, risking further injury. In some cases, workers may be assigned duties that do not accommodate their work-related injury, making it difficult to perform job tasks safely.
- Appeals for denied claims
- If a workers’ compensation claim is denied, injured workers have the right to appeal. However, the appeals process before the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board is complex and requires strong legal arguments and evidence. Many injured workers struggle to overturn wrongful denials without a workers’ compensation attorney.
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Bethlehem or Easton, PA
If you’ve been injured at work and are struggling to get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve, it may be time to seek legal help.
Employers and insurance companies often dispute claims, delay payments, or deny coverage for necessary medical treatment. If your claim has been denied, you’re being forced back to work too soon, or your medical records are being questioned, our legal professionals can help protect your rights.
Easton workers’ compensation attorneys can guide you through the claims process, appeal a denial, and fight to secure the medical benefits and wage loss compensation you are entitled to. At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, we offer free consultations so you can discuss your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case without any upfront costs.
Third-Party Liability Claims in Workplace Accidents
In some workplace accidents, another party besides your employer may be responsible for your injuries. These are known as third-party claims, and they allow you to seek additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. For example, if a defective machine caused your injury or a subcontractor’s negligence led to an accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party.
Unlike workers’ comp, a third-party claim can provide a lump sum settlement for pain and suffering. Personal injury attorneys in Easton, PA, like Attorney Shaughnessy, can help you pursue these claims while receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Easton Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t let your employer or their insurance company stand in the way of the benefits you deserve. At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, we have been serving injured workers in Pennsylvania for more than a decade. Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, delayed benefits, or questions about your rights, we are here to help.
Worried about workers’ comp lawyer cost? We offer a free case evaluation so you can get answers without any upfront fees. Call 610-258-9955 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing your workers’ compensation benefits today.
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