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Teenage and Young Worker Injuries
Teenagers and young adults entering the workforce bring energy and a fresh perspective, but they also face unique risks. Young workers in Philadelphia often take jobs in fast food, retail, hospitality, warehouses, construction, and landscaping. These jobs can be dangerous if employers cut corners or don’t properly train their staff. When injuries happen, young workers and their families need help understanding their rights and how to get compensation. At MyPhillyLawyer, we are committed to helping you understand what to do if your teen or young adult child suffers a work injury.
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Common Causes of Teenage Worker Injuries
Teenage workers often lack experience and may not know how to spot unsafe situations. Employers sometimes fail to provide proper training or safety gear, making things worse. In Philadelphia, common causes of young worker injuries include:
- Slippery floors in fast food or grocery stores
- Cuts from kitchen equipment or box cutters
- Heavy lifting and resulting back injuries
- Exposure to chemicals or cleaning supplies without protection
- Falls from ladders or scaffolding
- Poorly maintained machinery in warehouses or construction sites
Teens may hesitate to speak up if they feel unsafe, or they might not know their rights under the law. This often leads to preventable accidents. Remember, Pennsylvania law protects young workers, and employers must keep them safe. If your teenager gets hurt at work, reaching out to a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney can be the first step in securing the help and compensation your family deserves.
Legal Protections for Young Workers in Philadelphia
The law treats young workers with extra care, especially those under 18. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act covers most employees, including teenagers, from their first day on the job. Employers must provide a safe workplace and carry insurance to pay for injuries that happen on the job. It doesn’t matter if your teen works part time, seasonal, or is in a summer job.
Under the law, employers must:
- Make sure the workplace is safe and free from known hazards
- Provide safety training and protective equipment
- Not allow teens to do certain dangerous jobs, like working with heavy machinery or toxic chemicals (per federal and state child labor laws)
- Have workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical costs and lost wages
If an employer breaks these rules and a teen is injured, the consequences can be serious. Sometimes, a work injury lawyer can hold the business responsible for extra damages. If you’re unsure whether your child’s injury is covered or if the employer is following all the laws, getting advice from a workers’ compensation attorney can make a big difference.
Steps to Take After a Teenage Work Injury
If your child is hurt at work, quick action matters. Here’s what to do:
- Get Medical Help Immediately: Your child’s health comes first. Seek medical care and keep all records.
- Report the Injury: Tell the employer about the injury as soon as possible. In Pennsylvania, you have up to 120 days, but reporting sooner helps.
- Document Everything: Write down what happened, who was there, and take photos of injuries or the accident scene if you can. Save medical bills, pay stubs, and any written communication with the employer.
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Employers should file a claim with their insurance, but sometimes they drag their feet or deny responsibility. If this happens, you may need to take legal action.
- Speak With a Philly work injury lawyer: An attorney can guide you through the process, deal with insurance companies, and make sure your family gets the benefits you’re entitled to.
Don’t let your child’s youth or inexperience prevent them from getting the care and compensation they need. Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be intimidating, but a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer can handle the red tape for you.
What Compensation Can Young Workers Receive?
Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania covers more than just medical bills. If your teen gets hurt on the job, benefits may include:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, medication, and any needed surgery.
- Wage Loss Benefits: If your teen can’t work for more than seven days, they may get a percentage of their lost wages. Even part-time or seasonal workers can qualify.
- Specific Loss Benefits: For injuries like losing a finger or suffering permanent scarring, extra payments may apply.
- Death Benefits: In tragic cases, if a young worker loses their life, families can get help with funeral costs and some financial support.
Employers or their insurance companies may challenge claims, saying the injury wasn’t work-related or that the teen wasn’t following safety rules. Having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side can help fight these arguments and secure a fair settlement.
How MyPhillyLawyer Helps Injured Teen and Young Adult Workers
Our team knows how stressful it is when a young worker gets hurt. You want answers, fair compensation, and to ensure this doesn’t happen to someone else. MyPhillyLawyer stands up for Philadelphia’s families. We know the details of state and federal laws protecting young workers and how to navigate both the legal system and insurance companies.
We take care of:
- Investigating accidents and gathering evidence
- Making sure employers and their insurance companies follow the law
- Fighting for full benefits, not just the minimum
- Pushing back against unfair denials or lowball settlements
- Explaining every step in plain English so you’re never in the dark
If you’re worried about the cost, know that we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. When your teen is hurt at work, you deserve a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer who puts your family first.
FAQs About Teenage and Young Worker Injuries in Philadelphia
Can a teenager really file for workers’ compensation after a work injury?
Yes. Pennsylvania law protects all employees, including teens, from their first day on the job. If your child is hurt at work, they have the right to medical and wage loss benefits, regardless of age or hours worked.
What if my teen’s employer says they aren’t covered because they’re part-time?
Part-time, seasonal, and full-time workers are all covered under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws. If an employer refuses to file a claim, contact a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney right away.
The employer says my teen was “goofing off” and refuses to pay. What now?
While employers may deny claims for horseplay or rule violations, many injuries are still covered. The details matter. A work injury lawyer can review your case and help challenge unfair denials.
How long do we have to file a workers’ compensation claim for a teenage work injury?
You should report the injury to the employer as soon as possible. In most cases, you must file a claim within three years of the injury date, but waiting can hurt your case. Early action is always best.
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