We are Mooney Law, your Shippensburg workers’ compensation lawyer located in the heart of Cumberland County. We live and work where you do—walking the same sidewalks near Shippensburg University, attending community events on Walnut Bottom Road, and caring deeply about our neighbors.
When a workplace injury disrupts your life, we step in—not as distant attorneys, but as trusted advocates with one clear purpose: to secure your benefits and guide you toward recovery. From the moment you walk into our office, we are with you.
Why You Need a Dedicated Work Injury Attorney in Shippensburg
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system can be complex and evolving. We handle the paperwork — including WCAIS filings, medical reports, and employer petitions — so that you do not have to. We have decades of experience working with Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry, having seen cases denied for seemingly minor technicalities.
We ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your time‑lost wages, medical needs, and future costs. That is why you need a seasoned work injury attorney in Shippensburg, someone who understands our community, Pennsylvania’s changing laws, and how to fight for you.
The Scope of Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Under Pennsylvania law—specifically the Workers’ Compensation Act (77 P.S. § 602)—injured workers are entitled to:
- Medical benefits: All reasonable and necessary treatment related to your work injury.
- Indemnity benefits: Two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you are disabled, subject to minimum and maximums updated annually.
- Wage-loss, total, partial, or permanent: Benefits based on the nature and duration of your injury.
- Additional benefits: Such as mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments.
2025 Limitations & Calculations
Beginning January 1, 2025, the Department of Labor & Industry set the Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) at $1,347. That means:
- The maximum weekly benefit you can receive is $1,347.
- Injured workers earn two‑thirds of their wages, up to this maximum.
- For lower-wage workers, rates are calculated using 66⅔% or 90%, depending on the wage band.
As your workers’ comp lawyer in Shippensburg, we confirm that your wage is documented correctly to maximize your recovery within these legal frameworks.
Local Workplace Risks & Injury Patterns
Shippensburg—anchored at the crossroads of US‑11 and I‑81—is a hub of manufacturing, distribution, agriculture, and education. Local employers include Volvo Construction Equipment, Beistle Company, and Shippensburg University. These industries pose common risks:
- Industrial settings: Forklifts, machinery, heavy equipment.
- Construction zones: Falls from ladders or scaffolding along local routes.
- University environments: Repetitive strain, line-of-duty injuries in maintenance work.
In 2023, Pennsylvania reported 115,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and 169 fatal injuries. Over 64,300 cases—which is more than half—resulted in days away from work, restricted duty, or job transfers. Transportation incidents and falls remain the leading causes of fatal workplace outcomes.
These numbers are not abstract: they represent neighbors and families in Shippensburg. When these incidents occur, we see a surge of calls from injury attorneys in Shippensburg, PA, from real people seeking help navigating serious consequences—lost income, uncertain medical treatment, and insurance delays.
Why Mooney Law Stands Out
1. Local Roots, Local Reputation
We have been practicing locally since 1997 and maintain offices in Cumberland County and the nearby town of Chambersburg. We serve Shippensburg specifically and understand its economy, culture, and challenges. We attend community events, support local schools, and serve on boards, making us more than just attorneys – we are your neighbors.
2. Honed Expertise in Workers’ Compensation
Our lead attorney for these claims manages all Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases, from benefit denials to lump‑sum settlements, appeals, and beyond. He previously represented insurers and employers, giving him deep insight into defense strategies and how to counter them.
3. A Track Record You Can Trust
We have recovered over $80 million for clients in injury and compensation claims throughout Central Pennsylvania. That is not just a figure—it is real relief for Shippensburg families, covering medical care, lost income, and dignity.
4. Personalized and Accessible Service
We believe that caring attorneys make better advocates. We offer:
- Free consultations, with evening and video appointments to fit your schedule.
- Personalized attention: you speak directly with your attorney, not a staff member.
- Regular updates during your case, so you are never left guessing.
Key Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Laws
Timeline for Filing Injuries
Under 77 P.S. § 412, you must report your injury within 120 days of the incident. Failure to do so may cause you to lose the right to benefits. We act fast to preserve your rights and to investigate the incident while the evidence is fresh.
Types of Disability Benefits
- Total disability: If you cannot return to any job due to your injury.
- Partial disability: If you can work in some capacity, but at reduced wages.
- Permanent disability: If the injury causes long-term impairment.
Medical documentation is essential. We coordinate doctors, gather expert opinions, and support your petition to ensure you receive the correct classification of disability.
Appeals and Petitions
If benefits are denied, reduced, or contested, we file petitions with the Office of Adjudication. From hearings to appeals at the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB), we manage every step, fighting for fair treatment and enforcing your rights.
Fee Adjustments
Under 77 P.S. § 756, attorney fees are often capped (e.g., 20%) and must be approved by the WC Judge. We do not settle for hidden fees or inflated billings. We pursue full benefits, not dramatic hourly rates.
Real Shippensburg Cases and Results
- Warehouse Forklift Injury in Orrstown Area
We uncovered unpaid overtime and third-party liability beyond the initial comp settlement. We negotiated a lump-sum award covering lost future wages and long-term care. - Construction Fall on Walnut Bottom Road
A scaffold fall at a local site resulted in a severe back injury. We successfully petitioned for total disability and medical home care—benefits the insurance carrier attempted to deny. - Warehouse Strain in Cumberland County
A shoulder injury was initially accepted but not classified correctly. We appealed and secured a permanent partial disability rating, leading to higher benefits.
These examples demonstrate how having a dedicated workers’ comp lawyer in Shippensburg ensures that no detail is overlooked.
Common Challenges and How We Overcome Them
Insurance Dismissals
Carriers often push for early return-to-work or reduced benefits. We challenge inadequate evaluations and insist on fair ratings supported by physician assessments.
Benefit Caps and Wage Reporting
We audit wage statements, including bonuses and overtime, to accurately calculate your average weekly wage, which helps boost your indemnity payment.
Medical Treatment Disputes
Insurers may delay or deny needed treatment. We fight for authorization, appealing through medical panels when necessary.
Missed Deadlines
Late reporting or delays can derail claims. We track all deadlines, file petitions on time, and guide you through the process step by step.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
- Community Contacts: We work closely with the Union Mills Fire Company, the local coroner’s office, and area hospital clinicians who are familiar with Shippensburg’s realities.
- Understanding Office Norms: We draft petitions that reference typical local wage scales, commuting distances (e.g., to Harrisburg or Chambersburg), and everyday job demands for faculty and plant workers.
- Neighborhood Credibility: As locals, we are respected in hearings by WC judges, many of whom know us personally from community events—those introductions matter.
The Pennsylvania System in Numbers
- 115,200 nonfatal private-sector injuries in 2023, with a 2.6 cases per 100 full-time worker rate, higher than the national average
- Over 64,300 cases involved time away or reduced duty.
- 169 fatal injuries occurred in Pennsylvania in 2023; transportation and slips/falls led the list.
- Pennsylvania’s comp system paid out $2.9 billion in wage and medical benefits in 2023.
- Pennsylvania saw an increase in federal workplace safety reforms; HB 636 expanded direct deposit for comp benefits, highlighting legislators’ focus on injured workers.
What to Do After a Work Injury in Shippensburg
- Seek immediate medical care, even for minor symptoms.
- Report the incident to your supervisor ASAP and follow up in writing.
- Contact Mooney Law right away.
- Gather documentation: photos, witness names, accident reports.
- We file your WCAIS claim and follow up with employer and insurer.
- We get medical treatment approved and track your recovery.
- We petition for contested benefits and represent you in hearings.
- Once settled, we review and finalize your agreement—ensuring it meets legal standards.
Our Promise to You
- Free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen, answer your questions, and explain your options.
- Fees only if we recover for you. You pay nothing unless you get benefits.
- Transparency and respect. We never cut corners or settle too early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What qualifies as a work injury?
A: Any condition caused directly by your job or work environment—including repetitive trauma like carpal tunnel, occupational diseases, and mental health conditions triggered by work (per Section 301(c)(1)).
Q: What if I was injured during unpaid breaks or off-site?
A: That may still qualify if your injury occurred in furtherance of your job duties. We assess circumstances carefully and include them in your claim.
Q: How long will my claim take?
A: Timelines vary—simple cases may take 3–6 months; complex or contested cases can take 12–24 months. We keep you updated every step.
Q: Can I get a lump-sum settlement?
A: Yes. Lump-sum settlements can provide financial peace. We evaluate whether that option works best for your medical and economic situation.
Q: Do you handle appeals?
A: Always. If you lose at a hearing, we appeal to WCAB and beyond if needed.
Take the Step Toward Justice Today
If you were injured on the job in Shippensburg, do not face the insurance company alone. Contact Mooney Law, your dedicated injury attorney in Shippensburg, PA, and workers’ comp lawyer in Shippensburg. We will guide you, protect your rights, and allow you to focus on your recovery. Contact us at 717-632-4656 or complete our online form to schedule a complimentary consultation. Evening appointments are available to fit your schedule.
Navigating Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system requires more than understanding legal codes—it demands local insight, thorough preparation, and unwavering advocacy. As your neighbors at Mooney Law, we bring all that and more: deep roots, committed service, and a history of recovered benefits that truly change lives. Whether you face a broken bone from a construction accident, hearing loss from factory work, or chronic injury from repetitive strain, we are here for Shippensburg’s hardworking families.