Pennsylvanians work hard. Whether in manufacturing, energy production, mining, construction, or other industries, workers throughout the state produce resources that people around the country use daily. Unfortunately, these jobs carry risks of injury—both for workers and other people in the area.
When you are hurt on a job site, you deserve to be compensated fairly for your losses. A Bedford County industrial accidents lawyer can investigate your case and help you understand your legal options. Reach out today to schedule a free case review with one of our dedicated injury attorneys.
Injuries on industrial sites can occur in any number of ways. Depending on the work happening in the area, accidents frequently include:
An experienced attorney in Bedford County can help you manage your case and protect your rights after any of these industrial accidents.
The amount you can recover as compensation, or “damages,” will vary based on the circumstances surrounding the injury. If you are hurt during the course of your employment, then your compensation will likely come from a workers’ compensation claim. A workers’ comp claim typically covers medical care expenses and a portion (two-thirds) of your lost wages. Workers’ compensation benefits are generally available as long as you are injured while on the job, which is known as the “course and scope” of your employment. You are not required to prove that your employer is at fault for your injury, and workers’ compensation benefits may be available even if you were partially to blame.
Additionally, you may have been injured by someone other than your employer. For example, an unrelated contractor on the job site may have caused your injury, or you may have been injured while simply passing by an industrial site. In those instances, you may be able to file a lawsuit based on the negligence of that other party. In this situation, you will have to prove that another person is legally responsible for your injuries, which can take time and effort. If, however, you are successful, a greater variety of damages may be available to you than in a workers’ compensation claim—such as damages intended to compensate you for any mental anguish, pain, or suffering you experienced as a result of the accident.
A knowledgeable Bedford County lawyer who handles industrial accidents can provide more information about what options are available in your specific circumstances.
Unfortunately, your ability to make a successful financial recovery is dependent on meeting the appropriate deadlines. The best practice is to consult with a qualified Bedford County industrial accidents attorney as soon as possible to make sure you are aware of and comply with such deadlines, as they can differ depending on your exact situation. Moreover, the sooner a lawyer can begin building a strong case, the more likely it is to be successful.
In general, however, if you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, the deadline is three years from the date of the injury, according to § 315 of Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act. In addition, you must also notify your employer of the injury within 120 days of the accident, as required by § 311 of Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act. If you are filing a personal injury lawsuit against a defendant other than your employer, 42 P.S. § 5524 states you must file the claim within two years of the accident.
If you have been hurt in an industrial setting, you should be able to focus on your recovery. You should not have to worry about how to pay your medical bills or how to make up for your missed wages. You also should not have to worry about negotiating with insurance companies, collecting evidence of the accident, and navigating the legal system. A skilled attorney representing your needs and protecting your legal rights can do all of this for you so that you can focus on healing.
Schedule a free initial consultation with a Bedford County industrial accidents lawyer at Marcus & Mack today to get started on your path to recovery.
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