Philadelphia Manufacturing Injury Lawyer

Factory workers and others in the manufacturing industry work in some of the most dangerous occupations. Manufacturing jobs are fast-paced and typically involve the use of heavy machinery. Combined, this creates a very hazardous workplace, and Philadelphia manufacturing injuries are common. If you worked in the manufacturing industry and were injured on the job, the dedicated Philadelphia manufacturing injury lawyers at MyPhillyLawyer are here to help. We have decades of experience representing injured workers, helping them obtain the compensation they need to begin moving on with their life after a serious workplace accident.

Manufacturing Injury Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Services keeps track of all reported workplace accidents. It should not come as a surprise to anyone who works in the manufacturing industry that manufacturing is routinely ranked as the single most dangerous occupation. For example, according to the most recent data, there are 22,700 manufacturing injuries in Pennsylvania each year. These incidents resulted in nearly 6,000 employees missing at least one day of work and another 7,500 workers requiring a job transfer or work restriction.

Type of Manufacturing Occupations

The manufacturing industry represents a broad range of occupations, all of which are focused on creating goods from raw materials. Just under ten percent of all Pennsylvania workers are employed in the manufacturing industry. This amounts to about 570,000 workers. The most common manufacturing jobs in the state include:

  • Chemical manufacturing
  • Food, beverage and tobacco manufacturing
  • Metal fabrication
  • Machinery manufacturing
  • Petroleum and coal product manufacturing
  • Plastic and rubber manufacturing
  • Paper manufacturing
  • Electrical equipment manufacturing

Causes of Manufacturing Injuries

Warehouses and manufacturing facilities are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the state. Every day, workers are confronted with many hazards, both known and unknown. Some of the most common causes of Philadelphia manufacturing injuries include:

  • Contact with an object or piece of equipment
  • Overexertion
  • Falls, slips and trips
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Exposure to harmful substances
  • Burns

A manufacturing accident is not always due to an employer’s negligence, however. In some cases, you may have made a small mistake that resulted in a serious injury. In other cases, a fellow employee or another third party may have negligently caused your injuries.

Recovering After a Philadelphia Manufacturing Accident

When you get up and go to work, you take care to ensure your safety. Whether it be donning protective gear, taking your time performing your job or following your employer’s recommended safety protocol, you would assume that your employer also has your safety in mind. However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. While employers have an obligation to workers to create a safe workplace, too often, an employer’s desire to pad their bottom line takes priority over workplace safety.

If you have been injured in a Philadelphia manufacturing workplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation, either through a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim.

Manufacturing Workers’ Compensation Claims

The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system allows injured workers to obtain limited benefits after an on-the-job accident. One of the benefits of a workers’ comp claim is that you do not need to prove anyone else was at fault for your injuries to obtain compensation. For example, if you were injured due to your own negligence, you could still recover workers’ compensation benefits. Because of this, these claims typically result in a quicker approval process.

However, there are also drawbacks to filing a workers’ compensation claim. Most notably, you can only recover compensation for your economic damages, meaning your employer will not compensate you for any pain and suffering you experienced due to your injuries.

Personal Injury Cases After a Philadelphia Manufacturing Injury

A personal injury case is different from a workers’ compensation claim in that you must prove another person was at fault for your injuries. This means you must show that the at-fault party breached a duty of care that they owed to you and that their breach of this duty resulted in your injuries. While this makes proving your case more difficult, you can obtain a fuller damages award through a personal injury lawsuit, including damages for your pain and suffering.

However, you cannot pursue a personal injury claim against your employer in most situations. Thus, a personal injury case stemming from a Philadelphia workplace accident is typically brought when your injuries were caused by a third party’s negligence. Examples of third parties who may be responsible for a manufacturing injury include:

  • Workers of another employer
  • Manufacturers of equipment or material
  • Contractors and subcontractors
  • Vendors
  • Truck drivers

If you have been injured in a Philadelphia manufacturing workplace accident, it is important you discuss your case with an experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyer to determine which type of case best fits your situation.

Contact MyPhillyLawyer for Immediate Assistance With Your Manufacturing Injury Claim

Suffering a workplace accident interrupts your life on a profound level. Not only are you missing time from work and spending quality time with your family, but you are also confronted with significant medical expenses. You may not know when you can return to work and if you will ever be able to perform your job duties. This is undoubtedly a stressful experience. At MyPhillyLawyer, we can help you identify who may be at fault for your injuries and how to best pursue a compensation claim. We have decades of experience working with injured workers and their families and can help you effectively pursue a claim for maximum compensation. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 215-227-2727. You can also reach us through our online contact form. Calling is free, and because we take all cases on a contingency basis, you will never be required to pay for our services unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.