Common Workplace Accidents Resulting In Injuries

Every day, workers in all types of industries suffer injuries while on the job. While some occupations are more dangerous than others, any worker could be blindsided by an unexpected workplace accident which forces them to take time off. Pennsylvania employers are required to provide Workers' Compensation insurance for all employees so that they're protected when an injury happens.

While Workers' Comp provides benefits such as compensation for medical bills and lost wages, it's not always easy to actually receive these benefits. Many injured workers file a claim after their workplace accident, only to discover that the process is much more complicated than they'd imagined. Your employer may dispute your claim, and their insurance carrier will look for any reason to deny your claim.

At Monheit Law, we're proud to represent injured Pennsylvania workers and to fight for the compensation they deserve. You get up every day, work hard, and support yourself and your family. There's no reason you should be forced to jump through hoops in order to earn fair compensation after a workplace injury.

Are All Industries Covered Under Workers' Comp?

Nearly every industry is covered, with a few exceptions:

• Seamen employed on water vessels are covered by the Jones Act instead of Workers' Comp
• Railroad employees are covered by the Federal Employer Liabilities Act (FELA)
• Day laborers for the agricultural industry may not be offered coverage

Even if you don't qualify for Workers' Comp, our lawyers are prepared to handle all types of work injury cases.

Work Accidents Which May Require Compensation

Most industries have safety guidelines which attempt to protect workers from common accidents, but they still happen. We see new types of workplace accidents all the time, but there are several which frequently result in the need for financial compensation.

Overexertion

According to the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, overexertion involving outside sources is the number one cause of disabling injuries in the workplace, at over 24%. Overexertion injuries usually involve strenuous physical labor, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. Workers may push themselves too hard physically and end up getting hurt. Examples of these injuries include:

• Muscle strains
• Sprains
• Chronic back pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendinitis
• Other musculoskeletal injuries

Although anyone can suffer overexertion injuries, those who work in fields which require physical labor are most at risk. We frequently see overexertion injuries in the following industries:

• Construction
• Warehouse distribution
• Factories
• Nurses and healthcare workers
• Cable, heating, and air installers
• Agricultural workers

Slips, Trips, & Falls

Slips, trips, and falls account for 3 out of the top 10 leading causes of workplace injuries - falls on same level are at #2, falls to lower level rank #4, and slips or trips without falls are at #7. In total, these three categories accounted for nearly 29% of all disabling work injuries in 2013.

Hectic work environments are frequently littered with slip, trip, and fall hazards. These accidents account for 25% of hospital worker injuries. Falls are also the leading cause of death among construction workers, who frequently work from high elevations.

However, slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and everywhere that a dangerous walking condition exists. Examples include spilled liquids, ice and snow, and poorly lit walking paths and staircases.

Struck By Objects Or Equipment

8.6% of disabling work injuries happen when an employee is struck by an object or piece of equipment. We most often see these accidents in the construction industry when workers are struck by falling tools, debris, or heavy machinery.

Fires And Explosions

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that workplace fires and explosions account for 200 employee deaths and over 5,000 work injuries each year. Industries which use hazardous chemicals, fire, and explosives in the workplace are at the highest risk. Examples include:

• Mining
• Oil and gas refineries
• Chemical plants

If you or a family member has been the victim of a catastrophic fire or explosive accident, we believe you deserve full compensation.

Electrocutions

Electrocution is the third leading cause of work deaths among construction workers. Specifically, electrical workers, laborers, carpenters, and roofers are at the highest risk of electrocution. Common causes include:

• Contact with electrical wiring and equipment
• Contact with overhead power lines
• Contact with machinery and appliances

If you've lost a loved one due to electrocution, we understand the pain you're going through. While compensation may not bring your loved one back, Workers' Comp death benefits can ensure that you don't struggle financially without your loved one. You may also be eligible for additional compensation via a personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Construction Accidents

If you're a construction worker, seeking compensation after being injured in a work accident is different than other industries. Many construction workers are independent contractors who aren't covered under Workers' Comp. These job sites also employ workers from many different sources, so the person who caused your accident may not be a co-worker.

Construction workers are permitted to file personal injury claims when someone other than their employer or co-worker causes an accident. Common examples of construction accidents include:

• Crane accidents
• Ladder accidents
• Scaffolding accidents
• Illnesses from toxic exposure
• Accidents involving power tools and heavy machinery

How Our Work Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Monheit Law, we understand how a serious work injury can affect your life. As if the physical pain and stress weren't enough, many workers face additional difficulties while attempting to secure the financial compensation they need in order to recover from injuries.

Attempting to navigate the complex Workers' Comp system while injured may seem impossible. That's where the guidance of an experienced work injury lawyer becomes so valuable. While you focus on rehabilitating from an injury, we can assist you with all matters related to your claim:

• Compile all necessary evidence and documents
• File paperwork by deadlines
• Appeal a denied claim
• Represent you in court
• Determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability
• Determine you could file a personal injury claim via third party liability

We know that you may be stressed about finances. That's why we offer free consultations and only require payment if we win for you. Regardless of where you work or how you got injured, we're prepared to represent you and help you earn the compensation you need to move on with your life.

Related Information

• Synopsis of Workers' Compensation in Pennsylvania
• Benefits available for victims of workplace electrocution
• Injuries that commonly prevent employees from returning to work
• High-risk industries for work-related injuries