Attorney Representation Can Increase Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania

When you’re injured on the job in Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation benefits can make the difference between financial stability and hardship. But did you know that having an attorney represent you in your claim can significantly increase the total benefits you receive?

Recent research confirms that attorney involvement in workers’ compensation claims results in higher indemnity payments. For injured workers in Western Pennsylvania and across the Commonwealth, this can mean thousands of additional dollars to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and the costs of moving forward after an injury.

What the Data Shows About Attorney Involvement in Workers’ Compensation Claims

A 2024 study by the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) reviewed nearly one million claims nationwide. The findings, published in Claims Journal, were striking: attorney involvement in a claim increased total indemnity benefits by $7,700 to $12,400 on average.

The difference was clear:

• Temporary Disability Claims: When represented by an attorney, injured workers’ average indemnity benefits for a temporary disability claim were $6,918. What was the average benefits for injured workers’ who did not involve an attorney? Just $2,198. This is a 104% difference.
• Permanent Partial Disability and Lump-Sum Claims: What was the average indemnity payments for injured workers’ who hired a workers’ compensation lawyer to represent them on permanent partial disability and lump-sum workers’ compensation claims? $39,150. Those who did not involve an attorney only averaged $22,653 in workers’ compensation benefits. What? That’s right. On average, legal representation improved benefits 55%.

The bottom line is that engaging proper legal representation on your workers’ comp claim can significantly increase the amount of your workers’ compensation benefits.

Why Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Increase Your Workers Compensation Benefits

The WCRI study applied rigorous methods to show that the difference isn’t just because workers with more serious injuries hire lawyers. Even after controlling for injury type and severity, attorney representation still made a substantial impact on the amount of benefits paid.

So why does this happen? Experienced workers’ compensation attorneys:

• Ensure your injury is properly classified so you’re not underpaid.
• Challenge delays, denials, and reductions by insurance carriers.
• Negotiate lump-sum settlements that reflect the true impact of your injury.
• Protect against employer or insurer tactics like independent medical exams (IMEs), vocational interviews, or attempts to cap benefits.

Without representation, many workers simply don’t know the full benefits they’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.

What This Means for Injured Workers in Pennsylvania

For injured workers in Western Pennsylvania and throughout the Commonwealth, the takeaway is clear: attorney involvement isn’t just about having someone guide you through the paperwork. It can directly translate into thousands of additional dollars in compensation—funds that can be critical for your recovery and your family’s financial security.

Unfortunately, too many injured workers move forward on their workers’ compensation claims without legal representation, missing out on the full amount of benefits they deserve.

We’re Here to Help

At Dugan & Associates, we have decades of experience representing injured workers across Southwestern Pennsylvania. We understand the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and know how to maximize your benefits.

If you or a loved one has been injured at work, don’t leave money on the table. Contact us today by completing the form below or calling us at 412-353-3572 to schedule a free consultation.

We listen and genuinely care about your well-being. If there is no recovery of compensation, there is no fee. Let us put our experience to work for you—always fighting for the check you deserve.