Injured Workers In Philadelphia May Qualify For Workers Comp

Getting injured on the job is no walk in the park for Philadelphia workers or their families. Following a workplace accident, it can be difficult to know where to turn or whom to trust. What Philadelphia workers should know is that they are often entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses, lost wages and other costs relating to their workplace injury.

Under Pennsylvania law, workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system. That means in order to get benefits, it does not matter who was at fault for the accident — whether it was the employer or the employee. But what is required is that the injury or illness occurred at work or during the course of a work-related function.

An example of a workplace accident that could potentially result in workers’ compensation benefits occurred late last month when a 27-year-old construction worker fell from an industrial scissor lift and suffered serious injuries. The workplace accident occurred on the morning of June 24 at the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene and immediately rushed the worker to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police began investigating the incident, but few other details have been released. At this point, it is not clear how serious of injuries the worker sustained, but they could cause a significant financial burden on the worker and his family.

Workers’ compensation benefits are meant to assist the injured worker and his or her family during this difficult time. However, it’s important to remember that workers’ compensation benefits are provided by insurance companies acting as businesses. That means they don’t always have the best interests of the workers in mind.

For that reason, many injured workers seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help them with the workers’ compensation claims and appeals processes. Experience with the system can make all of the difference when it comes to filing a succesful workers’ compensation claim or appeal in Pennsylvania.

Source: Philadelphia CBS Local, “Worker Injured After Falling From Lift At Navy Yard,” June 24, 2013