Workplace Falls: How They Happen, Common Injuries, And Your Rights To Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Falls are one of the most common types of accidents and can cause devastating injuries. When they happen on the job, workers’ compensation benefits in Harrisburg can help compensate for lost wages while covering the medical care you need.
Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or an office setting, our Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer wants you to know how fall accidents often happen, the common injuries they cause, and your rights to benefits.
Ladder Safety And Other Common Workplace Fall Risks In Harrisburg
Each March, organizations across the country sponsor Ladder Safety Month. The goal is to raise awareness about the risks and prevent falls from ladders, a leading cause of workplace injuries.
According to the National Safety Council, close to 900 people are killed due to work-related falls each year, while thousands of other victims suffer serious personal injuries. In addition to dangerous or defective ladders, other common causes of workplace falls in Harrisburg include:
- Slippery floors due to spills, condensation, or wet conditions;
- Uneven surfaces or loose flooring;
- Unsecured scaffolding or platforms;
- Cluttered walkways and other trip hazards;
- Failure to warn of potential hazards, such as near trenches and excavations.
Workplace falls can happen due to unexpected circumstances beyond anyone’s control or may result from the recklessness of employers, supervisors, or others involved. In either case, if you get injured in any type of fall accident while on the job, report it immediately to your employer and get medical care to protect your rights to Harrisburg workers’ compensation benefits.
Common Fall Injuries and Your Right to Compensation
Workplace falls can cause severe injuries that impact your health and mobility for years after, preventing you from working and providing for your family. Common types of fall injuries suffered on the job include:
- Broken bones and multiple fractures;
- Muscle or tendon sprains, strains, or tears;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions;
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries.
The above and other fall injuries can take long months to recover from and may prove permanently disabling. Workers’ compensation benefits in Harrisburg are available through the PA Department of Labor and Industry and provide a lifeline in this situation.
Benefits can help cover the costs of all medical care related to your injuries, up to two-thirds of your lost wages, and provide additional compensation for long-term disabilities. However, obtaining these benefits is rarely easy, as insurance companies often attempt to delay, downplay, or deny claims.
To Protect Your Rights To Benefits, Contact Our Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
If you suffer injuries due to a workplace fall, workers’ compensation benefits in Harrisburg can help offset your losses. However, delays and denials are unfortunately common and can cause additional stress at a time when you should be focused on recovery.
To protect your rights to benefits, get Ira H. Weinstock, P.C. on your side. As an experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer, he understands the tactics insurers employ and fights to get you the maximum compensation. Contact our office today to request a consultation.
Sources:
nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls/slips-trips-and-falls-home
pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/workers-compensation.html
