Why Choose the Cochran Firm in Philadelphia for Your Work Injury Case?
At the Cochran Firm Philadelphia, we understand how devastating workplace accidents can be, and we focus on pursuing claims beyond workers’ compensation. While Pennsylvania’s workers’ comp system provides limited benefits, it doesn’t cover everything. If your work injury was caused by a negligent third party, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and more.
Our attorneys aren’t afraid to take on large corporations, insurance companies, or negligent contractors. We’re here to make sure you get the full recovery you deserve.
At The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia, we take honest communication and transparency very seriously. We know that when our work injury clients put their trust in us, they expect to be kept informed on all aspects of their cases. We are dedicated to remaining transparent and accessible throughout your work injury case workers’ compensation case. We promise to stay in regular contact and update you on any new developments. We promise to return phone calls and emails within 24 business hours. We understand the hardships that you're facing, and we never forget that, even though we are attorneys, we are also counselors. We’re here to talk about your work injury case and how it’s affecting your life, and what we can do to help you.
No out-of-pocket costs for representation.
When you’ve suffered a serious work-related injury, financial stress should not prevent you from getting the legal help you need. At The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia, we handle workplace injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you won’t owe us anything upfront, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
We also understand that choosing the right work injury attorney is an important decision. That’s why we offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can learn about your legal options and determine if we’re the right firm to represent you.
Negligent Third Parties Must Be Held Accountable
Employers in Pennsylvania owe a duty of reasonable care to their employees. Unfortunately, many workplace injuries happen because of unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or the negligence of someone other than your employer. Subcontractors, property owners, manufacturers, and even other drivers often try to avoid responsibility when their careless actions cause serious harm.
These third parties may deny fault, shift blame onto the injured worker, or minimize the impact of the injuries. We don’t tolerate those tactics. At The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia, we fight back to hold negligent parties accountable and make sure our clients get the compensation they truly deserve.
When you hire our work injury lawyers, you can count on us to investigate what really caused your accident, identify every party responsible, and pursue full damages. Damages in work injury accidents often include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
We have a team of experienced professionals who are all dedicated to helping our work injury clients win their cases. Contact the Cochran Firm in Philadelphia for your work injury case today at 800-969-4400.
How Our Philadelphia Work Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you’ve been injured at work, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Our experienced Philadelphia work injury lawyers can help you now in the following ways:
- Talk to a lawyer for free. Contact us for a 100 percent free, no-obligation consultation with one of our award-winning and compassionate Philadelphia injury attorneys. We will answer all your questions and give you clear advice and direction on how to get compensation for your injury or occupational disease. We can even represent you if you were injured in Pennsylvania and live out of state.
- We can help you file your initial claim for benefits. Workplace injuries and occupational diseases are part of a maze of rules, regulations, and deadlines that must be adhered to or you could lose benefits.
- We can help with a denied claim. When an insurance company or administrator sends you a claim denial letter, they are betting that you won’t appeal their decision. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a little pain or a lot of pain – if your claim has been denied, we can help you appeal your claim and fight for the benefits you deserve. Even small injuries can get worse over time, which may affect your ability to perform your job. Don’t let your appeal rights expire. You may lose out on valuable compensation that has already been set aside for you.
- We can help with medical treatment. The work injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm will review your medical records and recommend the best doctors and therapists for your specific work injury or occupational disease. We will get you to medical professionals who do not fear insurance companies or employers.
- We can help you recover lost wages. Pennsylvania workman’s compensation law is clear: If you are unable to work due to a work injury or disease, you are entitled to be paid compensation up to 66 and 2/3 percent of your gross wages. If your claim was initially denied, but later approved, you are eligible to receive retroactive temporary or permanent disability compensation.
- We help you recover full compensation. A serious workplace injury can leave you unable to work and struggling to keep up with bills. In a third-party injury claim, you may be entitled to recover the full amount of wages and income you’ve lost, not just a percentage. This includes both the paychecks you’ve already missed and any future earnings you may lose if your injury prevents you from returning to your job or pursuing your career as planned. Our team will calculate your lost income, consult with financial experts, and fight to ensure you are compensated for the true financial impact of your injury.
- We can help you with vocational rehabilitation. If you are unable to return to your previous employer because of your work injury, you may be qualified for additional compensation, counseling, training, and placement assistance for a new career through vocational rehabilitation. We will ensure that you receive pay equal to or greater than your pre-injury income.
- We can help you with permanent disability benefits. If you become permanently or totally disabled, or you have been rated 35 percent or more disabled by a rating evaluation physician, then you may be able to receive benefits for the rest of your life. These claims are often contested by employers and insurance companies. We will carefully review your medical file and attend your Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) to ensure that a claim for permanent disability benefits is properly administrated.
- We can help you with death benefits. If you are a dependent of a person who lost their life due to a workplace fatality, we can help you file a claim for death benefits, including burial expenses. The employer must file a death claim per Pennsylvania law within 48 hours after the death is reported so benefits can commence immediately.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Contact us to learn more about how to get you the best possible outcome in your work injury case. Call 800-969-4400 today. You don’t have to go through this process alone.
Testimonial
Michael S.
“If you're looking for an attorney who will work tirelessly on your behalf, Robert Miller is a perfect choice. In my case, there were a lot of facts to sift through and I wasn't familiar with workers compensation law. Mr. Miller managed to not only make sense of it all but also delivered a compelling argument at my hearing. It was clear from the way he spoke that he had done his research and he made sure to keep us updated on all the risks involved every step of the way. I would highly recommend Robert Miller for any legal services you may need. He is professional, enthusiastic, and diligent. After my hearing, I felt empowered and confident thanks in no small part to Mr. Miller. I ultimately received a much higher settlement than I had initially hoped for.”
We can help you obtain the medical treatment you need to recover from your work injury or occupational disease. Contact our Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers today at 800-969-4400.
Our Pennsylvania Work Injury Lawyer Answers Questions About Workers’ Compensation Laws
We understand that workplace injuries are complicated, and employers generally do not take the time to explain your rights when you are hurt on the job. As such, many injured workers who contact us feel they are left in the dark and at odds with the company they work for. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the definition of a work injury in Pennsylvania?
“A "work injury" is any injury, medical condition or disease that is caused by a person's job, according to Section 301(c)(1) of the Act. 77 P.S. §411(1). ” Brown v. Workers' Comp. Appeal Bd., No. 547 C.D. 2018, at *13 n.12 (Pa. Cmmw. Ct. Dec. 21, 2018)
What is workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania?
Work injuries and occupational diseases are covered under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance program that provides medical benefits and income replacement to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. In Pennsylvania, employers with at least one employee are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and employees are automatically covered by this insurance if they are injured on the job.
What types of things does workman’s comp cover?
In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation benefits include medical benefits and income for lost wages. Medical benefits cover the cost of necessary medical treatment, including hospitalization, prescriptions, surgeries, and physical therapy. Temporary partial and temporary total disability benefits provide partial replacement of your lost wages while you are unable to work. Workers’ compensation benefits are typically paid on a weekly basis.
Can I file a claim in Pennsylvania if the injury doesn’t occur at my place of employment?
An injury does not need to occur on the employer’s premises to be compensable under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law. As long as your injury occurred while you were in the course and scope of employment, the injury is compensable. For example, if you are injured in an automobile accident while driving to a job site, your work injury claim should be accepted even if you were at fault for the accident. On the other hand, injuries that occur while you are on your way to or from work may be denied.
What happens after I file a claim for an accident at work?
Once your claim is filed, an adjuster will be assigned to your case and will begin investigating your claim. The adjuster will determine whether you are eligible for benefits and how much you should receive. If you disagree with the adjuster’s decision, you have the right to appeal.
Can I get a second opinion or change doctors?
Pennsylvania law entitles you to a second opinion at no cost to you if the workers’ comp panel doctor has recommended surgery; however, you are not legally entitled to a second opinion if the treatment recommendations are for therapy or work restrictions. If you believe that you are not being treated properly, you can ask to change providers.
What is an occupational disease in Pennsylvania?
An occupational disease is a disease or disability caused by the conditions of an injured worker’s employment or when the employment was a significant factor in causing the disease’s development. Occupational diseases can be caused by exposure to a noxious, dangerous, or hazardous substance or a chronic ailment.
What are some examples of an occupational diseases?
- Poisoning
- Compressed air sickness
- Cancer
- Ulcerations
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Silicosis
- Asbestosis
- Coal worker’s asthma or black lung
- Heart and lung diseases for firefighters
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Loss of hearing
- Hepatitis C.
If you suffer an injury at work, it is important to report the injury to your supervisor or another designated individual immediately. This is true even if you don't think you will miss any time from work. Notifying your employer as soon as possible protects your rights and starts the process for you to get the treatment you need. Above all, don't try to tough it out -- seeking medical attention and filing a report are always the best course of action.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries
Whether it is a construction site, warehouse, or even a corporate office, workplace accidents can expose employees to various hazards. As a workplace injury lawyer, we commonly see the following types of injuries in compensation claims:
Minor Workplace Injuries
- Sprains and Strains are often caused by improper lifting techniques or tripping hazards.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Frequently occur due to mishandling tools, machinery, or sharp materials.
Moderate to Serious Injuries
- Broken Bones: Typically result from slips, falls, or incidents involving heavy machinery.
- Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Caused by continuous, repetitive tasks such as typing or operating equipment on assembly lines.
Severe or Life-Threatening Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Common in accidents involving falls from height or being struck by falling objects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Usually the result of high-impact events such as vehicle crashes or serious falls.
Workplace Fatalities
Sadly, some work-related injuries prove fatal, especially in high-risk industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing.
How Long Do You Have to File a Workplace Injury Claim?
One of the most important steps after suffering an injury on the job is understanding how long you have to take legal action. Filing deadlines, also known as statutes of limitations, can vary significantly depending on your state, so it’s crucial to act quickly and consult a workplace injury lawyer to protect your rights.
State-Specific Deadlines Each state sets its own rules for when a workers' compensation claim must be filed. In most cases, you’ll need to file within 1 to 3 years from the date of the injury or the date you were diagnosed with a work-related condition. Missing this window can jeopardize your ability to recover benefits.
Important Timeframes to Know
- Reporting the Injury: Many states require you to notify your employer within a few days to 30 days of the incident.
- Filing the Claim: After notifying your employer, you typically have 1 to 2 years to file an official claim with your state’s workers’ compensation board.
- Occupational Illnesses: For conditions that develop over time, like lung disease or carpal tunnel syndrome, the clock often starts ticking at the time of diagnosis, not the initial exposure.
What You Should Do
- Know Your State’s Laws: Each state is different. A qualified workplace injury lawyer in Philadelphia can help clarify the specific deadlines that apply to your case.
- Don’t Wait: Delays can lead to missed benefits and make your case harder to prove. Start the process as soon as possible.
- Get Legal Support: Navigating the legal and medical complexities of a workplace injury claim is easier with an experienced lawyer by your side.
When you’re hurt on the job, timing is everything. If you suffer an injury at work, it is important to report the injury to your supervisor or another designated individual immediately. This is true even if you don't think you will miss any time from work. Notifying your employer as soon as possible protects your rights and starts the process for you to get the treatment you need. Above all, don't try to tough it out -- seeking medical attention and filing a report are always the best course of action. Contact a workplace injury lawyer today to make sure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Do I Need a Work Injury Attorney for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Advocating for Injured Workers When They Need Us the Most
After enduring a workplace injury, you might be wondering who you can trust. All of our attorneys at The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia understand how important trust is. We're committed to building a strong relationship with our clients based on mutual trust and respect. We take the time to listen to our clients and learn about their unique situations. And we're always honest about what we can and cannot do.
Our goal is to provide you with the best possible representation, and that starts with building a foundation of trust. You need to be able to trust that your work injury lawyer will handle your confidential information with care and respect and represent you to the best of their abilities.
Naturally, you may have a lot of questions about your legal rights and options, and we are here to answer those questions.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia represents over 50 years of helping people get the best possible outcomes in their cases and we invite you to come to our office to see if we are a good fit for you and your family. There is no obligation to hire us after the consultation, but we want to make sure that you are comfortable with us before you decide to move forward.
Contact us by calling 800-969-4400 or by using our online form. It would be our honor to represent you. We invite you to be part of the legacy that started over 50 years ago and will continue well into the future.
