Working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, comes with certain expectations when it comes to receiving compensation after a workplace accident. One of the most important things an employer should do is provide Workers’ Compensation coverage – if legally required – in case of workplace injuries, illnesses, or fatalities.
Unfortunately, some employers do not uphold this obligation, leaving their workers at risk of financial hardship and physical suffering.
If you are an employee in Pennsylvania and believe your employer may have neglected to properly provide workers’ compensation to you, know that there are options available and resources to secure these benefits and protect yourself.
Contact Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney. Call us at (215) 875-7030.
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How Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Pennsylvania
If you need help with a workers’ compensation claim, our firm is ready to help you. Here’s why you should work with us:
- We understand the local laws and statutes surrounding workers’ compensation and can leverage our understanding to help you effectively advocate your position.
- Our legal team has more than 80 years of combined experience and has recovered more than 50 million dollars for our clients, which speaks volumes about our track record in helping people obtain the compensation they deserve.
- We handle your claim from start to finish, which includes gathering evidence, speaking with expert witnesses, and developing an individualized plan to secure the most possible compensation for you.
We want to be the legal team that helps guide you along this difficult journey so you can focus on recovery. Contact Zavodnick & Lasky to schedule a free consultation with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys in Philadelphia, PA.
How Common Are Workplace Injuries?
Workplace injuries are quite common, which is why it’s so important that employers follow all the rules of workers’ compensation. Consider the following statistics:
- In 2021, there were more than 160,000 workplace injuries reported in Pennsylvania.
- Workers between the ages of 25 and 29 sustained the most workplace injuries in 2021. This age group saw almost 20,000 cases, which is equal to almost 12 percent of all workplace injuries reported in Pennsylvania.
- Overexertion was the leading cause of workplace injury in Pennsylvania in 2021.
Our trusted Philadelphia personal injury attorneys can help you understand and pursue your best course of action after you’ve suffered an injury at work. Call today to get started.
An Overview of Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a system that provides financial and medical help to employees who are injured on the job or become ill as a result of their work duties. It’s designed to cover lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, disability payments, and other expenses related to an injury or illness.
In most cases, Pennsylvania employers who have at least one employer are required to provide workers’ compensation, though there are some exceptions.
Most Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, quite common. The following are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries:
Overexertion
Overexertion occurs when an employee puts too much force on their body while doing a job or task, resulting in strains or sprains. This often happens from lifting heavy objects, using tools for extended periods of time, or bending and twisting while working.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) occur when people make the same motions over and over again. This often happens in office settings where employees type on keyboards for hours on end or lift items repeatedly throughout their shifts.
Struck By Accidents
Struck by accidents occur when someone is hit by falling objects or flying debris in their workplace environment. These accidents can range from mild to severe in nature, depending on the size of the object that hits them as well as what protective gear is being worn at the time of contact.
Falls
Falling from heights is a common cause of injury due to either improper equipment being used or lack of protection.
Penalties for Not Providing Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Employers who are required to provide workers’ compensation but fail to do so face civil and criminal risks for not providing continuous workers’ compensation coverage.
- Employees can sue their employer and recover more than what is allowed under workers’ compensation laws, including pain and suffering damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
- Misdemeanor convictions may lead to a fine of $2,500 and up to one year of imprisonment
- Felony convictions may result in fines of $15,000 with seven years’ imprisonment per day if the violation was intentional.
- Employers or those responsible on its behalf must pay all benefits awarded by a workers’ compensation judge.
- The Department of Labor & Industry has the authority to fine employers a fee of $200 per day for up to 30 days if they fail to provide proof that they were properly insured during that period.
As shown, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania treats this type of violation seriously. If you believe your employer has failed to adhere to the law, contact our reputable workers’ compensation attorneys for legal help.
Liability in Workplace Injuries
Workers’ compensation typically covers any injury or illness that was caused by work-related activities, but there are some circumstances in which an employee will not be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including the following:
- Horsing around
- Intentional injuries
- The employee was under the influence
- Commuting to and from work
Our legal team can help if your employer has accused you of falling into one of these categories.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
If you were injured on the job and need help with a workers’ compensation claim or need help dealing with an employer who hasn’t provided required coverage, contact the Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Zavodnick & Lasky to schedule a free consultation.
