Hurt On The Job? Trust Your Case To Our Pennsylvania Workplace Injury Lawyers.
If you’ve been hurt at work, our lawyers at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, can help you avoid mistakes and complications in your workers’ compensation case while looking for ways to increase your financial recovery. We also work closely with you to make sure that you are getting the treatment, therapy and medication you need to support your physical recovery.
Our work begins with a free initial consultation, where you can discuss your case and get answers to your questions. With offices in Harrisburg and Enola, our firm represents injured workers throughout central Pennsylvania.
Back Injury
Knee and Leg Injury
Shoulder/Rotator Cuff Injury
Repetitive Stress Injury
Hearing/Vision Loss
Amputation/Disfigurement
Burn Injury
Fatal Accident
Do Not Bear The Burden Of Your Back Injury Alone
If you suffer a back injury at work, you are not alone. Many different types of workers experience back injuries. Nurses and other health care workers often suffer back strains from lifting or supporting patients. Factory or warehouse workers can suffer these injuries from lifting or carrying heavy objects. Injuries can occur over time or result from a single event. Some types of back injuries respond well to rest and treatment. Unfortunately, some back conditions become chronic and can make it hard to return to your job.
Injuries affecting the back and spine are among the most common workplace injuries. But it is a mistake to underestimate their severity. You might think that the injury was minor and you will recover quickly. Unfortunately, back injuries can worsen over time. It may get to the point where you are unable to work for a week or a month. Then, when you finally report the injury, your employer may deny that your back injury is work-related.
It’s important to report any type of work injury to your employer as soon as possible. It’s also good to contact a workplace injury attorney like those at our firm. They will work tirelessly to help you obtain all of the benefits and services you need to recover as fully as possible. If your back injury claim is denied, our lawyers will represent you in the workers’ compensation claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation And Back Injuries
It’s natural to have questions following a serious workplace injury. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions asked by prospective clients.
Are preexisting back conditions eligible for workers’ compensation?
Many injured employees receive successful workers’ compensation claims when they have suffered from an injury or medical condition during their employment. You may have a preexisting back injury or medical condition that was aggravated or exacerbated by your work activities or environment, and those still qualify for workers’ compensation.
How are medical expenses from a work-related back injury paid for in Pennsylvania?
A back injury can lead to large medical expenses for treatment, surgery, medication and physical therapy. Your employer or their insurance company is responsible for any medical expenses you may have because of a work-related back injury.
If I cannot work because of a back injury, how are lost wages calculated?
You may be eligible for weekly checks from workers’ compensation to cover lost wages if your back injury prevents you from working. Your wages for workers’ compensation purposes are calculated to be two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum statewide average weekly wage. In 2024, that maximum is $1,325.00 per week.
What can I do if a workers’ compensation claim is denied?
There is always the possibility of having a workers’ compensation claim be denied. That can happen for many reasons, such as incorrect information, missing medical documents, bad faith or failing to meet the statute of limitations. With our help, you can appeal a workers’ compensation denial.
How long does workers’ compensation last for a back injury?
It all depends upon your situation. Generally, workers’ compensation benefits last until you are fully recovered from your work injury. If you have a partial disability, which is defined as leaving you less than 35% impaired, you could receive workers’ compensation benefits for up to 500 weeks (roughly 9.5 years). If you are more impaired and have a total disability, it is possible to receive benefits for the remainder of your life.
Obtaining Benefits For Workplace Knee And Leg Injuries
The activities we perform on the job every day can cause wear and tear on our knees and legs. While most injuries are minor and heal with rest, serious knee problems can require medical treatment and result in a long period of time when you cannot do your job.
There are two main types of knee and leg injuries:
- Sudden-onset injuries such as meniscus tears, ligament tears, breaks, kneecap dislocation and knee joint dislocation
- Repetitive strain injuries such as bursitis and tendinitis
As long as your injury is work-related, you are entitled to benefits from workers’ compensation.
Comprehensive Assistance With Your Knee And Leg Injury Claim
Our lawyers can help you deal with issues such as:
- Notice of Workers’ Compensation Denial (NWCD)
- Disputes as to whether your injury was work related
- Disputes about being misclassified as an independent contractor for purposes of your workers’ comp claim
- Disputes over the amount of benefits
- Disputes over your medical diagnosis
- Loss of use claims for certain permanent injuries
- Negotiation for a lump-sum settlement
If your employer has stopped your benefits or released you to work before you are ready, it’s important to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you will give up your right to appeal the decision or pursue the case. Call 717-229-6580 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Is A Shoulder Cuff Or Rotator Cuff Injury Keeping You From Working?
Many different kinds of workers can suffer shoulder cuff injuries. If your job involves lifting activities, placing objects on an overhead shelf or other repeated arm motions, those activities can cause damage to your rotator cuff: the muscles and tendons that connect your upper arm bone with your shoulder blade.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our lawyers represent workers who suffer shoulder cuff tears and similar types of injuries in the workplace. They work tirelessly to help you claim the benefits you are entitled to, including lost wages, free medical care for as long as you are injured and compensation for permanent injury.
Let Our Attorneys Protect Your Rights And Your Claim
Consulting with an attorney can help you avoid the many pitfalls put in place by insurers and employers. Insurance companies that handle workers’ compensation claims have a financial incentive to deny claims or terminate benefits before the injured worker is ready to return to work. Your employer may try to push you back into light-duty work, knowing that if you turn down a light-duty assignment, your benefits may be terminated and you could lose your job.
While hiring a workplace injury law firm isn’t a complete safeguard against these unethical practices, insurers and employers may be more hesitant to take adverse actions if they know you have an experienced lawyer in your corner.
Representing Victims Of Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and other conditions that cause significant pain, limit mobility and make it impossible to do your job. These types of injuries can impact workers in a wide range of industries, from office professionals to construction workers. Unfortunately, many employers deny that these injuries are work-related, making it difficult for you to get the rest and treatment you need. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our familiarity with the full spectrum of legal, medical and practical problems associated with a repetitive stress injury can help you obtain a positive resolution of your workers’ compensation case.
Early Intervention Can Minimize The Effects Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In many types of jobs, workers tend to perform the same motions over and over. These repeated movements can lead to painful conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
In most cases, carpal tunnel syndrome responds well to rest and treatment. Once you have recovered, you may be able to avoid future injuries by performing stretching exercises, taking frequent rest breaks and wearing splints to keep your wrists straight. Your employer can help by making ergonomic changes to your workstation. Our goal as your attorneys is to help you obtain all of the benefits and services you need to recover as fully as possible.
To ensure you receive the benefits and services you need, our lawyers will help your doctor obtain a clear understanding of the activities you perform at work that led to your injury. You can contact us online to request a free initial consultation at our offices in Harrisburg and Enola, where you can get answers to your questions and learn about how our attorneys can help.
Suffering From Job-Related Hearing Or Vision Loss? Special Benefits May Be Available.
Damage to your vision or hearing can occur suddenly from workplace accidents, such as explosions. Hearing loss can also occur over time if you work in a noisy environment. Any injury that is work-related is compensable under workers’ compensation, whether the loss occurs suddenly or over time.
Unfortunately, once your vision or hearing is damaged, the loss is usually permanent. Our goal as your attorneys is to maximize your compensation so you receive everything you are entitled to under the law. In addition to lost wages and medical benefits, workers’ compensation offers specific loss benefits for hearing and vision loss, whether the loss is total or partial.
To ensure you receive the benefits and services you need, our lawyers will help your doctor obtain a clear understanding of the accident or work environment that led to your injury. They are also prepared to represent you at all levels of appeal if your claim is denied.
You Deserve Full Compensation For Work-Related Amputations And Disfigurement
Warehouses, factories and other industrial workplaces can be dangerous. Machines that are used are capable of causing serious injuries, such as amputations and disfigurement, in a matter of minutes. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, we understand the legal questions and concerns that may arise after an individual has become the victim of a disfigurement or amputation. We strive to handle your legal issues so that you can focus your attention on healing.
How These Serious Accidents Occur
Amputations and disfigurement in the workplace may result from a wide variety of accidents and hazards, including:
- Defective machinery
- Improperly trained employees
- Auto accidents involving commercial drivers
- Employee negligence
- Failure to provide proper safety equipment
- Improperly stored chemicals
Regardless of the cause, these injuries often result in lifelong limitations and may require a lifetime of medical care. We understand the emotions that our clients are experiencing after a serious injury. Our attorneys work to put clients at ease while pursuing maximum compensation on their behalf.
Common Questions That Arise Following The Loss Of A Limb
Clients often have many questions that may factor into their legal cases. When pursuing compensation and holding someone responsible, it is important that we obtain answers to a range of questions, such as:
- Will a prosthetic device be needed?
- What is the cost of a prosthetic device?
- What is the cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation that may be needed?
- Will the victim ever be able to return to work or work at a job again?
- What types of accommodations will need to be made in the home?
- What is the potential for future medical care that may be needed?
- What are some potential complications of the injury?
Clients are not alone in their cases. We stand by injured workers and their families in order to ensure that their best interests are being addressed and that they are able to move on with their lives as much as possible. If you or a loved one is struggling as the result of a workplace amputation or disfigurement, contact our lawyers today.
Caring Attorneys Representing Victims Of Workplace Burn Injuries In Central Pennsylvania
Few injuries are more painful than burns. If you have suffered a burn injury at work from a fire or chemical exposure, you may need to endure an extended stay in the hospital and painful skin graft operations. After you recover, you may be left with disfiguring scars that will affect you for the rest of your life.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, our lawyers are here to help you deal with the legal and financial issues resulting from a burn injury so you can concentrate on your health.
If your burn injury occurred on the job, you are entitled to benefits from workers’ compensation. In addition to lost wages and medical benefits, workers’ compensation offers specific loss benefits for disfigurement and scarring. However, compensation is limited to scarring that occurs on the head, face or neck.
If your burn injury was caused by someone other than your employer or a coworker, we may also be able to file a type of personal injury lawsuit known as a third-party liability claim against the at-fault party. Filing a personal injury lawsuit would enable you to recover compensation for pain and suffering, which isn’t covered by workers’ compensation. Our attorneys utilize their in-depth knowledge of workplace injury law and provide aggressive representation designed to maximize your compensation. They want you to receive everything you are entitled to under the law.
When The Unthinkable Happens, We Represent Families Touched By Fatal Workplace Accidents
If your family member has died on the job in Pennsylvania, our fatal workplace accident lawyers at SJ&W are here to help you deal with the legal and financial issues you are facing following the death of a family member. Specifically, they can help you understand your legal options for seeking the types of compensation below.
Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
Following a loved one’s fatal work injury, you are entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits. Spouses, children and other dependents may be entitled to payment of weekly workers’ compensation benefits. For a spouse, these benefits are payable for life. You are also entitled to burial expenses.
Wrongful Death Claims
If your family member’s death was caused by the negligence of a third party (meaning someone who does not work for your deceased family member’s employer), you may also have a right to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim against that person or entity. Our fatal work accident lawyers have a great deal of experience with wrongful death litigation. They can also help you deal with the other practical challenges that families experience following the loss of a loved one, such as handling probate court and insurance issues.
Answers To Common Questions About Fatal Workplace Accidents
The aftermath of a fatal workplace injury can be overwhelming, especially when seeking compensation for the loss of a loved one. Below, we answer some questions you may be asking during this difficult time.
How can a fatal work injury attorney in Pennsylvania help in the compensation process for a work-related death?
A Pennsylvania fatal workplace injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the compensation process by:
- Guiding the family through legal procedures
- Assessing the case’s merits
- Gathering evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing the family’s interests in court if necessary.
Also, attorneys offer personal and legal support during challenging times, helping ensure the family receives fair compensation for their loss.
What challenges might arise when seeking death benefits after a fatal workplace injury?
Filing for death benefits following a fatal workplace injury can be complex due to various factors, such as:
- Proving the connection between the injury and the work environment
- Navigating bureaucratic procedures
- Facing potential disputes with insurance companies
Additionally, emotional distress and financial strain on the family can further complicate the process. An experienced attorney can help navigate these challenges and ensure the family’s rights are protected.
How do insurance companies respond to fatal workplace injury claims?
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, so they may initially make lowball settlement offers or deny claims altogether. They may dispute liability, question the severity of the injury or attempt to shift blame onto the victim.
What should I do if an insurance company offers me a low settlement?
If an insurance company offers a low settlement, do not accept it without consulting your attorney. Accepting a low settlement could result in inadequate compensation for the family’s needs, including medical expenses, lost income and emotional suffering.
How Can Our Workplace Injury Attorneys Help You? Contact Us To Learn More In A Free Consultation.
Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, has offices in Harrisburg and Enola, and we represent injured workers throughout central Pennsylvania. For dependable advice about your legal options after a workplace injury or accident in Pennsylvania, call our firm at 717-229-6580 or send us a message online.