New Study Tracks Longer Recoveries for Injured Workers
Lost Pay, Mounting Bills, and Constant Pressure From Insurers Can Make Recovery Even Harder
A recent study confirms what many injured workers in Pennsylvania may already know: it is taking longer to recover from job-related injuries. According to the 2025 Injury Impact Report by Travelers, employees now miss an average of 80 days of work after an accident. Just a few years ago, that number was 75 days.
For families in Allentown, Bethlehem, and across the Lehigh Valley, those five extra days can make a big difference. Lost income and mounting medical bills quickly create financial stress, and workers’ compensation benefits are often the only lifeline. That's when having an experienced Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyer to protect your rights and fight for the benefits you deserve becomes essential.
How Age and Experience Affect Recovery
The report highlights some important trends that show why recovery times are stretching out:
- New employees face high risks. Workers in their first year on the job made up 36% of all workplace injuries and 34% of overall claims costs in the past five years.
- Older employees are missing more work. About 41% of injuries involved employees aged 50 and older, and employees over 60 missed an average of 97 days of work after an injury.
- Longer careers and high turnover are key factors. As retirement ages rise and workplaces see frequent turnover, both younger and older employees are at a significant risk of injury and delayed recovery.
What a Longer Recovery Means for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
When healing takes months instead of weeks, workers’ compensation benefits become even more critical. Unfortunately, insurance companies may look for reasons to delay or reduce payments when claims involve extended recovery times.
At Vellner Law, PC, we know how hard people in the Lehigh Valley work, and we fight to make sure injured employees receive the benefits they need to cover medical treatment and lost wages. Whether it is a back or neck injury, shoulder injury, knee injury, repetitive stress injury, or a serious accident on a construction site, you have the right to full compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Common Work Injuries That Keep People Out of Work Longer
Some injuries are more likely to lead to extended time away from work, including:
- Lifting injuries
- Falls
- Burns and explosions
- Work-related auto accidents
- Toxic exposure and inhalation injuries
- Knee, shoulder, and back injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Construction accidents
Even injuries that appear minor at first can become worse over time and prevent you from doing your job. That is why it is important to take action right away and talk to a lawyer who can help you find your way forward.
Protecting Your Rights After a Work Injury
In Pennsylvania, you are not automatically guaranteed workers’ compensation benefits. After a workplace injury, you must report the incident quickly, but that does not mean your claim will be accepted. Your employer and their insurance company have significant control over the process, and they often look for ways to reduce or deny payments.
Insurance companies may try to question whether your injury truly happened on the job, downplay the seriousness of your condition, or argue that you are able to return to work before you are ready. Some workers are even pressured to sign paperwork without fully understanding it or to resume work while still in pain. These tactics are designed to protect the company’s bottom line, not your health.
Contact Vellner Law to Get the Help You Need
The steps you take immediately after getting hurt at work can make the difference in whether you receive the benefits you deserve. Reporting the injury is only the first step. You will also need strong medical documentation, clear evidence connecting your injury to your job, and legal support to stand up against challenges from the insurance company.
At Vellner Law, PC, we fight for injured workers throughout Pennsylvania. Our team can help you file a claim and challenge insurance companies that prioritize profits over your recovery. We understand how stressful it can be when your health and paycheck are on the line, and we work to ensure you are not taken advantage of.
You do not have to go through this process alone. We offer a free consultation to review your case, explain your legal options, and answer any questions with no pressure and no obligation. If we take on your case, you will not pay anything unless we win. Let Vellner Law, PC handle the legal challenges while you focus on healing. Contact us today and take the first step toward fair compensation and peace of mind.
"Mr. Vellner did a great job to get me what I deserved and fought for me in any way he could...would highly recommend. If you want a guy that will go above and beyond, look no further." - Zion J., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐