Keeping Yourself and Others Safe While on the Job

Caught-in-between injuries are one of the most common hazards on the job. Construction workers are at particularly high risk for injuries related to being caught in or between objects. Most of the injuries caused by being caught-in or between objects are preventable, caused by inadequate safety measures or inexperience.

If you sustain a caught-in/between injury while at work, you might be entitled to compensation. At Freeburn Law, we represent individuals who have been injured on the job in Pennsylvania. Let us fight for you to receive the maximum recovery allowed by law. If you or someone you love is injured by being caught-in or between objects, contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. 

What Are Caught-In/Between Injuries?

Caught-In/Between injuries along with falls, struck by objects, and electrocutions are considered the top four construction hazards by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Often referred to as construction’s “Fatal Four,” these hazards account for a significant amount of work-related fatalities in the industry.

Caught-In/Between injuries are generally defined as the harm that occurs when someone is caught in heavy machinery or between a piece of equipment and another object. If you are injured by being caught-in or between machinery while at work, you might be entitled to compensation. It is important to discuss your case with a manual labor injury lawyer as early as possible. 

Safety Tips for Avoiding Caught-In/Between Injuries

OSHA and other regulatory agencies recommend several safety tips for avoiding caught-in/between injuries. Failure to follow these safety measures or for an employer to provide adequate training can result in serious harm or even death.

Preventing caught-in/between injuries at work:

• Do not enter “an unprotected trench or excavation 5 feet or deeper without an adequate protective system in place.”
• Ensure that the “trench or excavation is protected either by sloping, shoring, benching or trench shield systems.”
• Make sure safety guards on equipment are in place.
• Keep a safe distance from machinery in operation.
• Perform routine maintenance and repair on all equipment.
• Wear protective gear and “close-fitting clothing.”
• Engage in all safety training offered by your employer.

Failure to provide and require safety training for employees is not only dangerous, but it can also be deadly. If your employer does not provide training on all equipment, you should not operate it.

What to Do If You Are Injured at Work

In the event that you are injured at work, you need to seek medical attention immediately. Notify your supervisor of the accident and ask someone to call 911. Getting emergency medical treatment may prove critical to your recovery.

Once you are able, contact an attorney. Depending on the situation, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or be able to pursue a lawsuit against a liable party.

Contact Our Office for a Free Case Evaluation

Were you or a loved one injured while at work? Contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free consultation. At Freeburn Law, we have recovered millions on behalf of our clients and will not rest until you get the justice you deserve. Call now to speak directly with a member of our legal team.

Shocking Work Injury Statistics in the Commonwealth

Workplace injuries can be devastating, leaving employees with extraordinary medical bills and unable to provide for their families. While some industries are more prone to accidents than others, injuries can occur in any type of workplace. It is important to remember that you have rights if you are injured on the job and should consult with an attorney about your legal options.

At Freeburn Law, we fight for people who are injured at work in Pennsylvania. Our skilled legal team works tirelessly to secure large settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. To date, we have recovered over $100 million for injury victims and their families. If you were injured at work, contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. 

Fatal Work Injuries in Pennsylvania

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 148 fatal work injuries in Pennsylvania in 2020. 

As reported by the BLS, the leading causes of work injuries were caused by:

• Transportation incidents
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents
• Contact with objects and equipment
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments

Nearly 1/3 of all workplace injury deaths were the result of transportation incidents. While the 49 people killed in work-related transportation incidents in 2020 represents a decrease from the previous year, other causes significantly increased. 

Fatalities related to falls, slips, and trips rose from 16 in 2019 to 28 in 2020. Additionally, the number of people killed due to exposure to harmful substances or environments at work went from 22 to 25.

Construction-Related Deaths

The Bureau reports that the highest number of worker fatalities occurs in the private construction industry sector. Employees performing manual labor are at a greater risk for injury and death. 

Individuals injured in these types of accidents are strongly encouraged to contact a manual labor injury lawyer as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or can pursue a lawsuit against a negligent third party. 

Additional Fatal Workplace Injury Statistics in PA

Workplace injuries and deaths are often avoidable, caused by inadequate safety procedures, inexperience, or understaffing. Many workers are put in harm's way due to negligence or wrongdoing. 

Facts about work-related deaths in PA:

• Men are significantly more likely to be killed in workplace accidents, accounting for 93% of the work-related fatalities in the state in 2020.
  
• White non-Hispanics are also more likely to die from workplace injuries, accounting for 85% of those who were killed on the job.
  
• Young to middle-aged workers are more prone to work-related deaths, with employees between the ages of 25-54 accounting for 60% of the fatal workplace injuries in the state.

If you are involved in a workplace injury or accident, you might be entitled to compensation. It is essential that you act fast, as you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages.

Contact Our Office to Discuss Your Rights

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a workplace accident, contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. All consultations are provided at no cost to you and without obligation to retain our firm. Get the recovery you deserve. Call our office today to get started.

Obtaining Compensation for Your Work-Related Mental or Emotional Distress

If you are injured while at work or survive some kind of trauma, you may have physical and mental injuries. While physical injuries are relatively easy to demonstrate, emotional and mental scars may be more difficult to prove. However, Pennsylvania does allow you to recover money for psychological injuries experienced at work. The best way to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation is by retaining an experienced attorney.

At Freeburn Law, we represent individuals who have been injured while at work. Whether you sustained physical harm or psychological trauma, we may be able to help. It is essential to act quickly as you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages due to a workplace injury. Contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Filing a Claim Based on Psychological Injury

The vast majority of work-related injuries will result in a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is usually the exclusive remedy for losses related to workplace injuries and illnesses. 

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act recognizes that not all work-related injuries are physical. Therefore, the Act allows workers to file a claim based on psychological or mental injuries that occur while at work.

If you have suffered a mental injury while at work, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. You might be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits as a result of your condition.

Types of Psychological Work Injuries

Pennsylvania divides compensable workplace psychological injuries into three distinct areas. Each category has its own burden of proof. Because of the complex nature of proving psychological or mental injuries, it is generally in your best interest to consult with an attorney before filing a claim.

Categories of potentially compensable work-related mental injuries:

• Physical/mental - Physical/mental injuries are conditions that occur as a result of a physical event. 
• Mental/physical - Mental/physical injuries are mental health issues that manifest themselves in a physical way or physical conditions that result from mental stress or trauma.
• Mental/mental - Mental/mental injuries are purely psychological injuries that are not caused by a physical event and do not result in a physical condition. 

Because mental/mental injuries are solely psychological without a related physical condition, they can be the most difficult to prove. To receive compensation for a mental/mental injury, you must usually show that there was either a specific traumatizing event that caused the mental health disorder or there was a prolonged “abnormal working condition” resulting in the injury. 

Hiring an Experienced Attorney

Whether your psychological injury was the result of a physical injury or stressful working conditions, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free consultation. All case evaluations are confidential and without obligation to retain our firm. 

At Freeburn Law, we have recovered over $100 million for our clients. Let us fight for you and your family to receive the recovery you deserve. Call now to discuss your case directly with an attorney. 

Understanding Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

Many people feel the pressure to return to work quickly after an accident. Unfortunately returning to work too early can prolong your recovery and even make certain conditions worse. In order to protect yourself, it is important to know your rights after an injury on the job, including if and when you should return to work.

At Freeburn Law, we are here for you. If you have suffered a workplace injury, our attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your case. We represent individuals in both workers’ compensation and personal injury matters. If you were injured on the job, contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. 

Returning to Work After Being Injured on the Job

If you are injured on the job, you may be eager to return to work, but you should wait until you have been cleared by a doctor. Returning to work before you are ready can have a detrimental impact on your health and well-being. It may make it more difficult for you to recover from your injuries. 

You should not feel pressure from your employer to return, and you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits while you are recovering. The best way to ensure that you receive full benefits is to contact a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can make sure that you receive the compensation you need so that you do not have to return to work before you are physically or mentally ready.

Things to Consider Before Returning to Work

There are several things you should consider before returning to work after an on-the-job. First and foremost, it is essential to be cleared by your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you return to work with restrictions. Follow these recommendations. Do not try to take on more than you can handle.

If your doctor cleared you to return to work, but you do not agree that you have sufficiently recovered from your injuries, you can seek a second opinion. You should not return to work if you feel that you are unable to perform your job because of your injury. Workers’ compensation is designed to allow you to take off the time you need to fully recover.

What Should I Do Before Returning to Work

You should always consult with an attorney before returning to work if you were injured on the job. An attorney can help you understand your rights and file a claim for workers’ compensation. If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or you do not believe that you are receiving your full benefits, an attorney can help you pursue legal remedies. 

When you do return to work after being cleared by a doctor, you should always follow all recommendations and restrictions. It is within your power to request reasonable accommodations based on your injuries and your needs. 

Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Were you injured on the job and are being forced to return to work before you are ready? Contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. At Freeburn Law, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured parties throughout Pennsylvania. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.