Injured on the job in Allentown, PA? Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve—fast, fair, and with no upfront fees.

 What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Allentown: A Step-by-Step Guide
 

Workplace injuries can happen instantly, leaving you hurt, stressed, and unsure of what to do next. Whether you work in a warehouse, construction site, hospital, or office in Allentown, Pennsylvania, it’s essential to understand the exact steps to take after getting hurt. Not only does this ensure your health and safety, but it also protects your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

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At Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless Allentown workers navigate the workers’ compensation system. This step-by-step guide will walk you through what to do after a workplace accident to give yourself the best possible outcome.

The first and most important step after a workplace injury is seeking medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, some symptoms—like internal injuries, concussions, or soft tissue damage—might not appear immediately. Delaying medical care can hurt both your health and your claim.

Let your supervisor know you are seeking medical help and going to an approved provider. In Pennsylvania, your employer may have a list of designated healthcare providers. If you choose to see your own doctor without approval, your medical costs might not be covered for the first 90 days after the injury.

You must notify your employer about your injury within 120 days, but the sooner, the better. In many cases, the law requires that you report the injury within 21 days to receive retroactive benefits.

Give an accurate account of the incident: the time, location, how the injury occurred, and any witnesses. Be honest, but don’t downplay your symptoms. Failing to report the injury promptly and thoroughly can lead to a denied claim.

Once informed, your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. This starts the official claim process.

The insurer has 21 days from the date your employer was notified to accept or deny your claim. If accepted, you will begin receiving wage-loss benefits and medical coverage.

To strengthen your claim, document every detail:

Save medical records and bills
Keep track of time missed from work
Maintain communication logs with your employer and insurance company
If possible, take photos of the accident scene or hazards

Also, get a copy of the accident report and write down your own notes about what happened while the memory is fresh.

Sometimes, the insurance company may deny your claim or delay benefits. In this case, consulting with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Allentown is essential.

At Munley Law, we assist injured workers in filing petitions, gathering evidence, and representing them in hearings before a workers’ compensation judge. You have the right to legal representation, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless you win.

While you recover, your benefits may include:

Medical expense coverage
Partial wage-loss replacement (usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
Specific loss benefits (for permanent injury to a body part)
Death benefits for dependents (in fatal accidents)

Your employer or the insurance company might offer you a light-duty assignment or a return-to-work plan. You must respond appropriately—refusing reasonable work could risk your benefits, but accepting inappropriate work may worsen your condition.

Discuss any offers with your doctor and your attorney before making a decision.

Injured workers in Allentown and throughout Pennsylvania are often asked to attend Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs). These are conducted by doctors chosen by the insurance company, not your treating physician. The goal may be to minimize your injury or declare you fit to return to work.

Always speak with your attorney before attending an IME, and don’t assume the doctor is neutral.

If your claim is denied, or if you believe your benefits are being unfairly reduced or stopped, you have the right to file a claim petition or an appeal. The process involves hearings before a workers’ compensation judge, medical expert testimony, and legal arguments. Having an experienced legal team by your side is vital during this phase.

The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system can be confusing, especially when you’re injured and trying to recover. At Munley Law, we’re proud to represent Allentown workers who’ve been hurt on the job. We’ll deal with the paperwork, deadlines, and insurance company negotiations so you can focus on healing.

Workplace injuries affect more than just your paycheck. They impact your ability to provide for your family, your health, and your future. Knowing what to do in the moments and weeks after an accident can protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

If you’ve been injured on the job in Allentown, don’t wait. Contact Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you pursue the full benefits you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.