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Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Pennsylvania workers' comp attorneys who handle claims before the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's Bureau of Workers' Compensation. From construction and trades across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to steel and chemical manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley and southwestern PA, to logistics across the I-78/I-80/I-81/PA Turnpike corridors, we'll match you with the right attorney at no cost to get started.

Notice as soon as practicable; the 120-day report bar under 77 P.S. § 631 can defeat the claim if notice is not given within 120 days. The formal Claim Petition must be filed within 3 years of injury or last payment under § 602.
The employer can designate a panel of physicians under 77 P.S. § 531 for the first 90 days. After 90 days, the worker can choose their own physician. The panel must be properly posted — if not, the worker has free choice from day one.
Pennsylvania caps workers' comp attorney fees at 20% of recovery under 77 P.S. § 998, subject to Judge approval. Third-party tort claims run on standard 33%–40% contingency outside the comp system.
Generally no — exclusive remedy under 77 P.S. § 481. Narrow Tooey v. AK Steel intentional-tort exception. Third-party claims against non-employers (equipment makers, contractors, negligent drivers) are not barred.
Impairment Rating Evaluation under 77 P.S. § 511.2 — after 104 weeks of TTD, the insurer can require an IRE using AMA Guides. An impairment of less than 35% (after the 2018 Protz/Act 111 amendments) changes status from TTD to partial disability — capping benefits at 500 weeks. An attorney develops contrary IME evidence.
Medical treatment, TTD at 66 2/3% of AWW (capped), partial disability, specific-loss benefits under § 306(c), permanent total disability under § 306(a), and death benefits under § 307.
Pennsylvania recognizes a retaliatory-discharge claim under Shick v. Shirey for terminating an employee for filing a comp claim. Damages outside comp can include back pay and emotional distress.

Why Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act (Act 1915, P.L. 736, 77 P.S. § 1 et seq.) is administered by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation within the Department of Labor & Industry, with disputes adjudicated by Workers' Compensation Judges and the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board. TTD pays 66 2/3% of AWW under § 306(a). Pennsylvania applies a 120-day report rule for compensable injuries under § 311 — failure to give notice within 120 days can bar the claim. The employer can designate a panel of physicians for the first 90 days under § 306(f.1)(1)(i); after 90 days, the worker can choose their own physician. Attorney fees are statutorily capped at 20% of recovery under § 442. The state's heavy construction trades, steel and chemical heritage, Lehigh Valley and Harrisburg logistics boom, and substantial healthcare workforce drive enormous claim volume. An experienced Pennsylvania attorney secures the right wage rate, navigates the 90-day panel rule, contests IRE (Impairment Rating Evaluation) determinations, and preserves third-party claims.

When Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Our network includes Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Workers' Compensation Cases in Pennsylvania

From the moment you connect with a Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Missing the 120-day report bar under § 631
Staying with the employer's panel doctor past day 90
Failing to contest an IRE that converts TTD to partial-disability status
Accepting an AWW calculation without auditing for bonuses, overtime, and concurrent employment
Settling before reaching MMI and addressing future medical needs
Missing a § 671 third-party claim against equipment makers, contractors, or at-fault drivers

Common Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Attorneys Cost?

20%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Pennsylvania caps workers' comp attorney fees at 20% of recovery under 77 P.S. § 998, subject to Judge approval. Third-party tort claims (motor vehicle, product liability, contractor) run outside the comp system on standard 33%–40% personal-injury contingency.

What Can Your Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Compensation Include?

Medical Benefits
Reasonable and necessary medical treatment under 77 P.S. § 531, including future medical when needed for the work injury.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
66 2/3% of average weekly wage under 77 P.S. § 511, capped at the state AWW.
Partial Disability
Wage-loss benefits under § 512 (66 2/3% of difference between pre-injury and post-injury AWW), generally capped at 500 weeks.
Specific Loss
Lump-sum scheduled benefits under § 513 for amputation, loss of use, and disfigurement.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD)
66 2/3% of AWW for life under § 511 when the worker can't return to gainful employment.
Death Benefits
Weekly benefits to surviving spouse and dependents under 77 P.S. § 561, plus burial expenses.
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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

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