If you’ve been hurt on the job in Pittsburgh, don’t face the workers’ comp system alone—Munley Law is here to protect your rights and fight for every dollar you deserve.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Pittsburgh
A workplace injury can happen in the blink of an eye—one moment you’re going about your routine, and the next, you’re in pain, uncertain about your job and your health. Whether you fell from a scaffolding, slipped on a warehouse floor, or suffered a repetitive stress injury over time, the steps you take immediately after the incident can affect your recovery, your benefits, and your financial future.
More information https://munley.com/pittsburgh/ is available on this webpage
At Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injured workers in Pittsburgh daily. If you’ve been hurt on the job, knowing your rights and navigating the workers’ compensation system is critical. This guide outlines the steps you should take after a workplace injury in Pittsburgh to protect your health and your claim.
Getting medical attention is the first and most important step after any work-related injury. Even if your injury seems minor, having a medical professional evaluate you can prevent complications and create a crucial medical record that supports your claim.
If your injury is severe or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. You may need to see a doctor from your employer’s list of approved providers for less urgent injuries. In Pennsylvania, workers are required to treat with these providers for the first 90 days following the injury.
Be sure to describe exactly how the injury occurred, what parts of your body were affected, and any pain or symptoms you’re experiencing. Accurate documentation can make or break your claim later.
In Pennsylvania, you must report your injury to your employer within 120 days, but it’s best to do it as soon as possible—ideally within 21 days. Waiting too long may result in delayed or reduced benefits.
If possible, write to a supervisor, manager, or HR representative. Include the date, time, location, and circumstances of the injury. Keep a copy of this report for your records. If your employer fails to report the incident to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, this documentation will be critical in proving your case.
Your employer is responsible for submitting a First Report of Injury to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and their insurance company. Within 21 days, the insurance carrier must either accept or deny your claim.
You may receive temporary compensation while the insurance carrier investigates during this time. If your claim is accepted, you will receive medical benefits and wage loss compensation if applicable.
If your claim is denied or benefits are delayed, you have the right to file a Claim Petition with the Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. This formal legal process allows you to present your case before a judge, introduce evidence, and argue for your benefits.
At this stage, hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is highly recommended. Denied claims often involve complex legal and medical issues that require a strong resolution strategy.
Keep a detailed log of your injury, treatment, and communication with your employer or insurer. Your documentation should include:
Dates of medical visits and doctor recommendations
Symptoms and how they evolve
Time missed from work
Conversations with HR or supervisors
Copies of any reports, forms, or denial letters
These records will help support your case and may be required during the claims process or hearings.
You may be asked to return to work on “light duty” or restricted duty. If your treating physician has approved this return and the job matches your limitations, you may be required to accept. However, if the work exceeds your restrictions or causes you pain, do not push yourself—return to your doctor and consult an attorney immediately.
Sometimes, employers use light duty to reduce wage loss benefits or force employees off workers’ comp. Munley Law can help you evaluate whether returning is in your best interest.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you do not need to prove your employer was negligent. However, this also means you cannot sue your employer in most cases.
You may have the right to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit if someone outside your workplace caused or contributed to the accident. Examples include:
Being injured in a car crash while driving for work
Faulty machinery or defective tools
Negligent subcontractors or property owners
Filing a personal injury lawsuit alongside your workers’ comp claim can allow you to recover compensation for pain and suffering, which is unavailable through workers’ comp alone.
Even though the workers’ compensation system is designed to support employees, insurers and employers often work to minimize costs. Common tactics include:
Delaying treatment authorization
Sending you to biased doctors
Offering low settlements
Disputing the severity of your injury
Claiming your injury was pre-existing
At Munley Law, we step in to protect your rights. We handle every aspect of the claim, from dealing with adjusters to gathering medical evidence and representing you at hearings. We ensure you get the full benefits you’re entitled to—and we don’t get paid unless you do.
Dealing with a workplace injury in Pittsburgh can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. By taking the right steps after your injury and securing experienced legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you need.
Contact Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt at work. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and take immediate action to protect your rights.
More Great Work Accident – Injury / Workers’ Compensation Blogs here:
https://houston-auto-accident.com/third-party-liability-in-work-accidents/
https://san-antonio-auto-accident.com/the-role-of-vocational-rehabilitation-in-workers-compensation-claims/
https://corpus-christi-auto-accident.com/the-role-of-a-workers-compensation-lawyer-in-philadelphia-work-injury-cases/
https://mcallen-auto-accident.com/pre-existing-conditions-on-workers-compensation-claims/
https://austin-auto-accident.com/what-happens-if-youre-injured-on-a-construction-site/
https://el-paso-auto-accident.com/permanent-disability-and-workers-compensation-claims/
https://laredo-auto-accident.com/workers-compensation-appeal-process-in-philadelphia/
https://beaumont-personal-injury.com/work-related-mental-health-injuries/
https://victoria-auto-accidents.com/protect-your-rights-during-your-recovery-in-philadelphia/