Given the amount of time the average person spends at work, it is not surprising that a large number of accidents and injuries occur in the workplace. These injuries stem from a wide range of incidents and an even wider range of causes. Because there are unique issues surrounding workplace injuries, it is wise for anyone who has been injured on the job to seek legal counsel. The Family of Lawyers at Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C., is ready and able to provide experienced and knowledgeable representation.
The majority of injuries sustained at work are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is paid for by your employer and is designed to cover medical expenses as well as lost wages resulting from a workplace injury. In Pennsylvania, workers are covered by workers’ compensation for the entirety of their employment, from their first day on the job until their last.
One of the main benefits of the workers’ compensation system is that an injured worker can be awarded benefits for lost wages and medical expenses without having to file a lawsuit to prove that the injuries were the fault of the employer. The system also prevents the worker from bringing a personal injury claim against his or her employer to recover damages sustained in a workplace accident.
There are, however, a number of exceptions to these principles. An employee may, for example, file a third-party claim if the injury sustained was caused by someone other than themselves, a co-worker, or their employer. Instances in which a worker may be able to file a claim include the following:
- Injuries caused by a worker from a different company on the worker’s job site
- Industrial accidents resulting from defective products manufactured by someone other than the worker’s employer
- Injuries caused by unsafe premises (if owned or operated by someone other than the worker’s employer)
Because it may be difficult to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding a workplace injury, you should consider having your case evaluated by an attorney. The Family of Lawyers at Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C., has the experience to ensure that you are receiving all of the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled and to pursue any possible claims against third parties.
An additional consideration is that certain jobs are inherently more dangerous than others. The construction industry, for example, has some of the highest worker injury rates of any occupation. Construction sites can be hectic, with workers from many different companies working on a variety of intersecting tasks and projects. They are also constantly changing, which means that early legal intervention and investigation are critical.
Another pitfall of the workers’ compensation system is the potential for improper (and sometimes illegal) handling of a workplace injury. Due in part to the rising cost of workers’ compensation insurance, there have been instances of companies pressuring injured employees not to report workplace injuries. In some cases, employees who make a workers’ compensation claim are harassed, discriminated against, and fired. Such practices are illegal and should not be allowed to continue. The Pennsylvania workplace injury attorneys of Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C., will defend your rights against any of these illegal practices.
The Family of Lawyers at Munley, Munley, & Cartwright, P.C., has considerable experience in negotiating with insurance companies and can guide you through your rights in the legal process. Our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through teamwork and the use of our considerable resources and experience. If you have been injured in a workplace accident, please contact our lawyers for a free consultation by phone at 1-800-318-LAW1 or online.
