Six Common Pennsylvania Workers Comp Questions

Here are some common questions I get on phone calls with prospective injured workers. Q: Can I sue my employer for negligence other than just workers compensation? A: No. It is extremely uncommon to be able to sue your employer outside the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (Act) for an injury that occurred at work. Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive remedy. I know that is tough to hear, especially when your employer may have been at fault for the injury. The…

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Work-Related Ligament and Tendon Injuries

Tendon and ligament injuries are common in work-related injuries. They often times go undetected in the early stages of a workers’ compensation claim. Initial treatment for many work injuries is a simple X-Ray. X-rays will help determine if there are any injuries or breaks to the bones. However, an X-Ray will not show any ligament or tendon damage. Yet, these ligament and tendon injuries can be quite severe in terms of pain and functionality and can lead to surgery. Are…

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Mooney Law Wins 50% Penalty in a Workers’ Comp Case and Appeal

Mooney Law won a 50% penalty case for a unilateral cessation of payment of wage loss benefits to a Chambersburg client. The Workers’ Compensation Judge’s (WCJ) decision was appealed to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB). The WCAB affirmed the decision today. In this case, we represented a Chambersburg injured worker who suffered a burn and subsequent nerve injury in his arm while performing welding activities at work. The claim was denied by the employer. We filed a Claim…

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What does ‘full and final’ or ‘global’ settlement mean in Pennsylvania Workers Comp

Pennsylvania workers compensation is known for its 'lingo'.  The various lingo terms are used on a daily basis.  When it comes to settling your Pennsylvania workers' comp case, your attorney should advise you that it is a 'full and final' or a 'global' resolution of your claim.  You will also likely hear these terms at the hearing to approve the Compromise and Release agreement.  So what do they mean? The two terms are the same.  What does a 'full and…

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Preparing For My Meeting With My Workers Comp Attorney

When meeting with your Workers Comp attorney for the first time after you are injured at work, what do you need and what should you expect? First and foremost, at Mooney Law, your consultation for a work injury is always FREE. But, what else? Meeting with the attorney Pre-Covid 19, most consultations with a Mooney Law attorney were in person at one of our 15 office locations in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. Since then, most clients choose to have…

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How Long Does it Take to get my Workers Comp Settlement Check

Settling a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim is pretty common practice. The primary question my clients have after agreeing to a settlement is how long it takes to get the settlement check. Understandably so. So, how long does it take? The Workers’ Comp Settlement Process Let’s walk through the settlement process. Most cases typically settle through the mediation process. You can read more about that here. However, some cases settle just through ongoing discussions between your attorney and the attorney for…

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Injured at Work and a Veteran or First Responder?

If you have been injured at work and are a military veteran or first responder, we provide a discounted fee for workers' compensation representation.  It is our way of thanking you for your service and what you do or have done for our communities and nation! So how do you get the discounted fee?  When you call Mooney Law for your free workers' compensation consultation, let us know that you are a military veteran or first responder.  It is that simple. …

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The Company Doctor Will Not Listen to Me

In Pennsylvania workers’ compensation, the first line of medical treatment is usually what we refer to as the employer’s panel physician, otherwise known by many clients as the company doctor. Time and time again, I have clients come to me that either have had poor medical treatment or the panel doctor refuses to listen to them. Let’s talk briefly about this ‘company doctor’ requirement. There are a few things you need to know about treating with the panel doctor. Pennsylvania…

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Medical Bills and a Denied Workers’ Comp Claim

When you are injured at work in Pennsylvania and your claim is denied, you have to file a Claim petition to fight for wage loss and medical benefits. That is a pretty daunting for an injured worker. There are various reasons why your claim may have been denied. You can read more about that here. Regardless, if your claim has been denied, it is absolutely critical to call Mooney Law for a free consultation. We will file the Claim Petition…

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2023 Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Average Weekly Wage Rates

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has released the 2023 average weekly wage rates. The Department set the maximum disability rate of $1,273.00, an increase of $68.00 per week over the 2022 maximum rate.  That maximum rate means no matter how high your average weekly wage is, the maximum rate an injured worker can receive weekly $1273.00 per week.  If your AWW is between $707.22 and $954.75, then the weekly compensation rate is set at $636.50. That is an…

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