At O’Malley & Langan Law Offices, we know that people in Scranton and throughout Pennsylvania have all types of different jobs. Our lawyers also know that no matter what they do for a living, workers face the risk of getting hurt on the job.
While some jobs carry more risk than others, a workplace accident can happen anywhere and leave a worker seriously injured. Here are three common work accidents we see in our practice:
- Slips, trips and falls
Many workplaces injuries are caused when workers fall, often as a result of slipping or tripping. A worker can slip on wet or oily surfaces, loose rugs or mats, or icy walkways. They may trip due to uneven walking surfaces, clutter, uncovered cables or poor lighting.
As a result of slip, trips and falls, workers can suffer broken bones, pulled muscles, cuts and lacerations, and head injuries.
- Contact with objects
In some cases, this means a worker is hit by an object that is thrown (from a machine, for example) or dropped from above. In other cases, it means a worker is hit by a forklift, construction equipment or another work vehicle. Workers can also be caught in a collapsing structure or pulled into machinery.
Injuries can include broken bones, head and back injuries, cuts and lacerations and amputation.
- Exposure to hazardous substances
At workplaces – including construction sites, industrial plants, home supply stores, hardware stores, laboratories, gas stations and hospitals – workers may work with or near dangerous chemicals or other substances. Exposure, either through inhalation or touching the substances, can put their health at risk.
Short-term exposure may result in burns, breathing problems, nausea or heart palpitations. Long-term exposure can result in cancer, chronic respiratory illness or other health issues.
Preventing work accidents
There are rules and regulations designed to protect workers that all employers are required to follow. Following certain steps and habits can make a big difference in preventing common work accidents. These include:
- Regular training and meetings to promote safety education and awareness
- Signs clearly defining potential hazards and dangerous areas
- Readily available supplies to quickly clean up spills
- Adequate ventilation in the workplace to prevent the inhalation of hazardous fumes or particles
- Wearing appropriate protection, such as hard hats and shoes with slip-resistant soles
If you are injured on the job, you deserve workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include coverage of medical expenses related to your injury and lost wages if you were left unable to work. Recovering these benefits is not always simple.
Employers may challenge your claim and insurance companies may question the seriousness of your injuries. You may be pressured to return to work even though you are still recovering from the injuries you suffered.
That’s why you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to fight for the benefits you deserve. We can guide you through the claims process every step of the way, from filing your initial claim for benefits to representing you at all hearings if your claim is denied.
If you were hurt in a workplace accident, learn more about how we can help. Contact us to day to schedule a free case evaluation.
