Bensalem Workplace Accident Attorneys

A serious workplace injury can change your life in an instant. In addition to the physical pain and medical treatment, you may be facing financial stress from lost wages and uncertainty about your future. At MyPhillyLawyer, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be and are ready to help. Our Bensalem workplace accident attorneys represent injured workers across Bucks County, providing experienced guidance and aggressive representation when it matters most.

Workplace Accidents Can Happen in Any Industry

Bensalem is one of the largest municipalities in Bucks County. Its diverse economy includes construction, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and logistics. Grocery chain Giant Food Stores LLC is the largest employer in Bucks County. Other top employers in Bensalem include Walmart, Wawa Inc., and Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital.

As of 2023, 21 percent of Bucks County’s workforce is employed in healthcare and social assistance, 12.8 percent in retail, and 10.2 percent in manufacturing. Major roadways like I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Route 1 run through Bensalem, making it a hub for transportation and warehouse jobs. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are common in these industries.

Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers accounted for 10.9 percent of work injuries and illnesses among occupation groups nationwide in 2023. This was followed by stockers and order fillers with 8.3 percent. Registered nurses rounded out the top three injured occupations with 8.2 percent, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Nonetheless, workplace accidents can happen in any setting, whether on a busy construction site or in a quiet office environment. Pennsylvania had 115,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of those, 64,300 cases were serious and required days away from work, job transfer, or restrictions while the worker recovered. The major sectors of education and health services, along with trade, transportation, and utilities, accounted for 57 percent of work injuries and illnesses in the state that year.

Types of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can vary widely, from minor cuts and bruises to severe incidents like falls from heights or machinery accidents. In 2023, nearly 90 percent of the cases that OSHA received involved injuries, while 4.3 percent comprised respiratory conditions and 1.4 percent involved hearing loss. Around 20 percent of work injuries were so severe that they were treated in the ER. No matter the severity, understanding the implications of various work injuries is vital, both for your health and your legal recourse.

Some work injuries happen suddenly, such as a machinery malfunction or being hit by a falling object. Others develop over time, like repetitive stress injuries or illnesses caused by chemical exposure. Common types of workplace accidents in Bensalem include:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or other heights
• Forklift, machinery, and equipment accidents
• Exposure to hazardous materials or chemicals
• Electrocutions
• Vehicle accidents during work-related duties
• Being struck by an object

No matter how your injury occurred, you may have a right to workers’ compensation benefits if it happened on the job. Additional damages may be possible if a third party is involved, such as the manufacturer of defective machinery or a contractor who failed to provide workers with proper safety equipment.

Understanding Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

In Pennsylvania, most employees are covered by workers’ compensation. This system is designed to provide medical care and wage replacement benefits for workers hurt on the job, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In 2023, 38,900 work injury cases required Pennsylvania workers to take days off work.

However, the workers’ compensation process is not always straightforward. Employers and insurance companies may challenge your claim, downplay the severity of your injuries, or offer a settlement that falls far short of covering your expenses. Having an experienced Bensalem workplace accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.

In severe cases, injuries may result in long-term disabilities, preventing an employee from returning to work in their previous capacity. This not only affects their livelihood but may also impact their quality of life. Bensalem workplace accident attorneys can help calculate potential future losses and argue for compensation that reflects these ongoing challenges.

At MyPhillyLawyer, we help injured workers in Bensalem navigate every step of the workers’ compensation process, from filing the initial claim to appealing denied benefits. We also handle cases where injured employees are pressured to return to work before they are medically ready or struggle to receive the proper medical treatment.

The Process of Filing a Work Injury Claim in Bensalem

Filing a work injury claim in Bensalem is a multi-stage process that requires careful attention to detail. The goal is to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs resulting from the injury. Let’s explore the steps involved.

• Report the accident: Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Pennsylvania law requires that workplace injuries be reported within 120 days of the incident, though sooner is always better. Prompt reporting ensures a formal record of the incident, which can be crucial for your claim.
• See a doctor: After reporting the injury, seek medical treatment immediately. This not only safeguards your health but also provides documentation of the injury and its severity. Some workplace injuries may not present symptoms immediately. It is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident to document your condition and avoid complications with your claim.
• File a claim: Following these initial steps, a workers’ compensation claim should be filed. Having a Bensalem workplace accident attorney by your side during this process is invaluable. They will ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner, minimizing the risk of denial.
• Appeal denials: Should your claim be disputed or denied, your attorney can represent you in hearings before the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. They will present evidence and argue on your behalf, striving to overturn the denial and secure the benefits you are entitled to.

Can You Sue for a Workplace Injury?

While workers’ compensation provides important benefits, it does not cover everything. Workers are not compensated for damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress. In some cases, injured workers may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party whose negligence contributed to the accident.

For example, if you were injured due to defective equipment, unsafe property conditions, or the actions of a subcontractor, you may be able to pursue additional compensation through a third-party claim. Our attorneys can evaluate your case and determine whether you may have grounds to file a lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim After a Workplace Accident?

In Pennsylvania, you have 120 days from the date of the injury to report it to your employer. You have three years from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. Once reported, you should file your workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible to avoid any complications or delays. Consulting a Bensalem workplace accident lawyer can help ensure all deadlines are met and all necessary documentation is submitted accurately.

Can I Handle a Workplace Injury Claim Without an Attorney?

While handling a claim without legal representation is possible, having a skilled workplace accident attorney can significantly enhance your chances of a successful outcome. They can navigate complex legal processes, advocate for your rights, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Moreover, Bensalem workplace accident lawyers are skilled in interpreting Pennsylvania’s labor laws. They understand the nuances of state-specific legislation and can provide insights that can help ensure a successful claim. 

Why Choose MyPhillyLawyer?

Workplace injury cases can be complicated, especially when employers and insurance companies focus more on protecting their bottom line than supporting injured workers. At MyPhillyLawyer, we have built a reputation for standing up for people who have been hurt through no fault of their own.

When you work with us, you’ll have a team committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve, whether through workers’ compensation benefits, a personal injury lawsuit, or both. We offer personalized attention, straightforward advice, and aggressive representation from start to finish. We can help you:

• File a workers’ compensation claim and make sure it is done correctly
• Challenge a denied claim or a reduced benefits offer
• Fight back if you are being pressured to return to work before you are medically ready
• Ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment

Contact a Bensalem Workplace Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured on the job in Bensalem, do not wait to get the legal help you need. Contact MyPhillyLawyer for a free consultation to discuss your case and the possibility of obtaining workers’ compensation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you understand your options moving forward. Let us handle the legal challenges while you focus on your recovery.