Slip and Fall Injuries & Workers' Compensation in PA

Workers’ Compensation for Fall Injury

Employees are often at risk of being hurt in a work-related fall, no matter what line of work they’re in. Whether you’re a miner, a server or a salesperson, there’s a chance you could have a serious workplace injury from a fall. If you are hurt in a fall, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. They could help you get the medical treatment you need. Those benefits could also replace a portion of your wages as you seek treatment.

At Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., we’ve spent decades fighting for hardworking professionals like yourself. We focus on helping employees across Pennsylvania get the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. We’ve recovered more than $221 million for Pennsylvania’s injured workers.

Let Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., give you a helping hand. Call us today or reach us online. You’ll learn more about the benefits you’re owed after a workplace fall injury. Our compassionate and experienced workers’ comp attorneys are committed to helping you. We provide excellent legal services to our clients. We also give each client personal attention and respect.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are You Entitled To?

Pennsylvania law entitles employees to a variety of workers’ compensation benefits after they are injured on the job. Pennsylvania has a no-fault system. Workers’ compensation benefits are owed even if the injury was the employee’s fault.

How much compensation can the employee get? That depends on the severity of the injuries, minimum and maximum amounts set by the state, and the employee’s average weekly rate. The weekly rate usually includes the worker’s gross wages, in addition to bonuses, overtime pay, tips and vacation pay.

These benefits are meant to help cover expenses such as medical expenses. They also cover a portion of lost wages. Examples of workers’ comp benefits include:

• Medical benefits to cover surgeries, therapies, doctor visits, rehabilitation, disability accommodations, and medical devices.
• Partial disability payments help cover your income (usually for up to 500 weeks) if you aren’t able to return to your previous job or to another position that earns comparable income.
• Total disability coverage to help cover partial wages for employees with a disability rating of 36% or higher and whose injuries prevent them from being able to work at all.
• Compensation for specific losses, such as hearing loss, facial disfigurement, or loss of a hand, foot, arm, leg, or finger due to a workplace incident.

Workers are typically required to tell their employer about work-related injuries or illnesses within 21 days of an incident. Workers must file a claim for workers’ compensation within three years. If employees miss those deadlines, they might also forfeit their benefits.

In cases where workers die because of work-related incidents, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits and compensation for medical expenses.

How Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help?

Your workers’ compensation attorney can help with various steps in the workers’ compensation process.

• First, your lawyer can help you fill out the necessary paperwork for your claim and make sure it is filed on time.
• Your lawyer can gather the evidence that is needed to prove the extent and cause of your injuries. That evidence includes medical reports, expert testimonies and witness accounts.
• Your workers’ compensation lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to get you a fair settlement. Insurance adjusters may try to give you a low disability rating or deny your claim altogether. Your lawyer can negotiate with them to help ensure you get the benefits you deserve. Your lawyer can also make sure your workers’ comp claim doesn’t interfere with other benefits you might receive.
• Lastly, if your initial claim is denied, your lawyer can help you file an appeal and represent you throughout the appeals process, filing complex documents and fighting for your rights in court.

Common Causes of Falls at Work

Many hazards in the workplace can lead to falls with severe injuries. Common causes of workplace falls include:

• Uneven or damaged floor surfaces or coverings, such as a cracked sidewalk or a loose floor mat
• Poor lighting
• Obstructed views
• Substances left on the floor (liquids, dust, sand, wax or grease) that make surfaces slippery or wet
• Uneven or broken stairs, steps and handrails
• Inappropriate footwear
• Materials or debris left in the walkway, for example, uncovered cables, loose floorboards, scattered merchandise, protruding nails, or other objects
• Poorly maintained or unsafely positioned ladders
• Weather hazards
• Missing or inadequate signage
• Misuse of fall protection devices
• Loose clothing that gets caught in equipment
• Open cabinets and drawers
• Moving objects that hit workers or cause them to lose their balance
• Walking while distracted
• Running or walking faster than appropriate for a workspace
• Unprotected edges
• Wall openings or holes in the floor
• Old or damaged equipment

Common Injuries Caused By Falls at Work

Serious falls at work can cause these and other significant injuries:

Talk to a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Now About Your Fall

Are you or a loved one suffering from a work-related fall injury? If so, you might be entitled to significant compensation. Contact Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., to learn more about the benefits you might be owed. We can start fighting for what you deserve. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can stand up for your legal rights and get you on the road to recovery.

Call us today or contact us online for your free consultation.