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Mine Worker Needs Surgery After Pennsylvania Accident

In certain kinds of jobs, there is a constant risk of injury. How great the risk is depends on many factors, including how stringently the employer adheres to safety standards and regulations and how much safety training and equipment employees receive. While many injuries are relatively minimal, some types of workplace accidents result in injuries so severe that consulting with a Philadelphia job site injury attorney becomes advisable.

In southwestern Pennsylvania, a worker was injured while working at the Bailey Mine in Greene County. The injured worker was a contractor with a mine repair company and was crushed below the waist. The accident happened early in the morning and the 35-year-old man was taken to the hospital. Although he suffered a fractured pelvis, which required surgery, he is now in stable condition. An investigation is currently being conducted by both companies involved, as well as the Department of Environmental Protection.

When employees who perform physical labor jobs get injured, the effects of the accident reach beyond the immediate injury and medical treatment required. Depending on the specifics of the injury suffered, the workplace accident may prevent an employee from continuing to do that kind of work in the future, which can have a dramatic negative effect on his or her financial future.

The types of workplace accidents are varied and can include falls, falling objects, forklift and crane accidents, and many more. It is important to assess fault after an accident because it can affect the options an injured worker has. Workers’ compensation is available to employees regardless of fault. However, if an employee is injured at work and a third party is responsible, the worker may have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the third party. Common third parties in these situations include negligent drivers and the manufacturers of the equipment used in the workplace.

Source: Miami Herald, “Worker crushed below waist at western Pa. mine,” Aug. 12, 2013