Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Advocacy that doesn’t just apply the law — it helps shape it.

A work-related injury can disrupt every aspect of your life. Medical treatment, lost income, and job uncertainty can be overwhelming, especially while navigating Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system. At Badey, Sloan & DiGenova, P.C., our Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers represent injured workers across the Greater Philadelphia region and throughout Pennsylvania. Our practice is grounded not only in decades of experience handling workers’ compensation claims, but also in precedent-setting appellate court decisions that have influenced how Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law is applied statewide.

A Strategic Approach to Workers’ Compensation Claims

Shaping the Law While Protecting Injured Workers

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits without requiring an injured employee to prove fault. In practice, however, securing full benefits often requires skilled legal advocacy. Our experienced attorneys approach workers’ compensation claims with a deep understanding of both the statutory framework and how judges and appellate courts interpret the law. This allows us to identify issues with which to challenge unfair denials, inadequate benefit calculations, and improper legal interpretations.

Influencing Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law

When Advocacy Changes the System

Badey, Sloan & DiGenova has played a direct role in shaping Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law through landmark decisions before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 

For the better part of a century, before our firm won this 2021 Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision, as long as an insurance company could get a doctor to testify to the ‘magic words’ that the claimant “recovered” or is “able to return to work” then the injured claimant, not the insurance company, would always be responsible to pay the claimant’s legal fees, usually 20% of the benefits paid out. This gave insurance companies leverage. 

“If you don’t settle for $XXX, we will have a doctor examine you and file a challenge; then you’ll lose 20% of your benefits to a lawyer.” Not any longer. 

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in a case brought by our firm, ruled that the judge has the power to direct the insurance company to pay the claimant’s legal fees, even if the claimant’s doctor said the magic words. This decision shook the system to its core; it removed an unjust weapon from the insurance company’s arsenal, reshaping longstanding precedent to strengthen protections for injured workers across the state.

In another pivotal Supreme Court ruling in 2025, our firm won the case that clarified how specific loss/ amputation benefits are calculated, correcting inconsistencies that had led to unjust outcomes. The decision leveled the playing field and will continue to influence benefit determinations across Pennsylvania.

These workers’ comp cases reflect a broader philosophy: effective representation sometimes requires advancing the law itself, rather than merely working within it. See our other published precedential cases.

Understanding Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law

A No-Fault System With Strict Rules

Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system is governed by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, which provides benefits to employees injured or ill in the course and scope of their employment. Unlike traditional personal injury claims, workers’ compensation operates as a no-fault system, meaning injured workers generally do not need to prove that their employer caused the injury.

Key features of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law include:

• No requirement to prove employer negligence: Benefits may be available even when no one is “at fault,” as long as the injury is work-related.
• Mandatory insurance coverage: Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, ensuring benefits are available when employees are injured.
• Defined categories of benefits: Benefits may include payment for medical bills, wage replacement for disability, and amputation/specific loss benefits, depending on the severity and impact of the injury.

While the system is no-fault, it is also procedurally strict. Injured workers must comply with reporting deadlines, medical requirements, and evidentiary rules. Employers’ insurance companies frequently challenge claims, and even valid claims can be delayed or denied if these rules are not followed carefully.

Workers’ Compensation Claims We Handle

Protecting Workers Across Industries and Occupations

Workers’ compensation claims arise in many forms, from sudden traumatic injuries to conditions that develop over time. Our firm represents injured workers in a wide range of workers’ compensation matters throughout Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, including:

• Traumatic workplace injuries: Injuries caused by falls, machinery, lifting accidents, or other sudden workplace incidents.
• Occupational illnesses and repetitive stress injuries: Conditions that develop gradually due to repetitive motion, prolonged exposure, or work-related strain.
• Construction and industrial accidents: Claims involving physically demanding jobs, hazardous environments, and complex employment arrangements.
• Specific loss and disfigurement claims: Permanent injuries such as amputations, loss of use of a body part, vision or hearing loss, or severe disfigurement.
• Wage loss and disability benefit disputes: Disagreements over whether an injured worker is entitled to temporary or ongoing wage replacement.
• Termination, suspension, or modification of benefits: Challenges to benefit reductions or attempts by insurers to stop benefits prematurely.
• Appeals before Workers’ Compensation Judges and appellate courts: Litigation involving contested claims, medical evidence disputes, and legal interpretation of the Act.

Each case is evaluated based on medical documentation, work restrictions, employment history, and the applicable legal standards governing benefit entitlement.

What to Do After a Work-Related Injury

Early Decisions Matter

The steps you take after a work-related injury can significantly affect your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Acting promptly and carefully can help protect your rights and reduce the risk of disputes.

After a workplace injury, injured workers should consider the following steps:

1. Consult a Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer early: Early legal guidance is crucial; insurance companies know exactly how to derail your claim. They’re organized and knowledgeable. You must be too. Ensuring compliance with all legal requirements positions the claim correctly from the start.
2. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible: Timely notice to the right person(s) at the Employer (it does not have to be in writing) is required under law and preserves your right to benefits.
3. Seek appropriate medical care promptly: Medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates the records necessary to support a workers’ compensation claim.
4. Follow medical recommendations and document restrictions: Work restrictions, treatment plans, and changes in symptoms are often central to benefit determinations.
5. Keep records of communications and paperwork: Document interactions with employers, insurers, and medical providers, as disputes often arise later.
6. Be cautious when dealing with insurance carriers: Insurance companies may request statements or evaluations that affect benefit eligibility. Having a lawyer provides a level of safety. 

Workers’ compensation claims are frequently challenged at multiple stages. Early, informed decisions can help prevent avoidable mistakes and protect access to the full benefits available under the law.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available

Medical Care, Wage Replacement, and Long-Term Support

Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law provides a range of benefits designed to protect injured workers financially and medically after a work-related injury or occupational illness. The type and amount of benefits available depend on the nature of the injury, the degree of disability, and how the injury affects an employee’s ability to work.

Depending on the circumstances, workers’ compensation benefits may include:

• Medical Benefits: Payment for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury, including doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and other approved treatment. Medical bills are generally payable regardless of fault.
• Wage Loss Benefits: Partial replacement of lost wages when an injury prevents an employee from working or limits their ability to earn their pre-injury wages. These benefits are typically calculated as a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage (around 66 ⅔%), and may be paid on a temporary or ongoing basis. There’s a 7-day waiting period for these benefits; payments start on the 8th day, with retroactive pay for the first 7 days if you’re off work for 14 days or more. 
• Temporary Disability Benefits: Benefits paid when an injured worker is temporarily unable to work or is working in a restricted capacity while recovering from an injury.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation payable when a work injury results in permanent impairment or long-term limitations that affect an employee’s earning capacity.
• Specific Loss Benefits: Benefits available for certain permanent injuries, such as amputations, loss of use of a body part, loss of vision or hearing, or severe and permanent disfigurement. These benefits are paid according to schedules set by Pennsylvania law, regardless of wage loss.
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Retraining: In some cases, injured workers may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services or job retraining when they cannot return to their prior employment due to permanent restrictions.
• Death Benefits: When a work-related injury or illness results in death, workers’ compensation law allows eligible dependents to receive death benefits, including wage replacement and funeral expense coverage.

In cases involving severe or long-term disability, an injured worker may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal benefit program for individuals who are unable to engage in substantial gainful employment due to a disabling condition. While Social Security Disability benefits are separate from Pennsylvania workers’ compensation, the two systems often intersect, and coordination is essential to avoid delays or benefit offsets.

Our attorneys help injured workers evaluate whether applying for SSDI is appropriate based on the severity and expected duration of their condition and can provide guidance on how these benefits interact with a worker’s compensation claim.

Determining the correct category, duration, and amount of benefits often requires careful legal analysis. Disputes frequently arise over medical necessity, work restrictions, impairment ratings, and benefit calculations. In contested cases, securing full benefits may require litigation before a Workers’ Compensation Judge and, when necessary, appellate review.

Appeals and Litigation in Workers’ Compensation Cases

Prepared to Challenge Unfair Decisions

When a claim is denied or benefits are reduced, injured workers have the right to appeal. The appeals process can involve hearings, testimony, submission and analysis of medical records, and legal argument before a Workers’ Compensation Judge and higher courts. The appeals process consists of multiple levels of filings with various Boards and Courts and imposes critical time-sensitive filing guidelines.

Badey, Sloan & DiGenova has extensive experience litigating workers’ compensation cases at all levels of the system, including appellate courts. Our litigation background allows us to challenge improper decisions and advocate effectively when benefits are unfairly withheld.

Fees and the Cost of Hiring an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Representation Without Upfront Legal Fees

Most Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys, including Badey, Sloan & DiGenova, typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are paid only if benefits are secured or improved. Fee arrangements are subject to approval under Pennsylvania law.

During a free consultation, we explain how fees are calculated, what additional costs may arise, and what clients can expect throughout the workers’ compensation process.

Why Choose Badey, Sloan & DiGenova P.C.

Experience That Extends Beyond the Claim

Choosing the right workers’ compensation lawyer matters. Beyond handling individual claims, Badey, Sloan & DiGenova has contributed to published case decisions that continue to influence how workers’ compensation law is applied throughout Pennsylvania.

Clients work directly with our attorneys, who bring trial experience, appellate insight, and a disciplined approach to every case, whether resolving a claim efficiently or litigating when necessary.