Whether due to faulty equipment or a simple mistake, accidents in the construction industry are not uncommon. Though some accidents may be trivial, others can lead to severe injuries. Workers in Pennsylvania and other states who have suffered such injuries may choose to file workers’ compensation claims to gain financial assistance during and after their recovery. One worker may decide to file after a recent accident.
Witnesses said that the worker, who was on the phone with a vendor for the site, walked behind a dump truck as the driver was attempting to back up. The tailgate of the truck struck the man on the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. He then rolled under the truck and was trapped. The driver stopped the vehicle when other nearby employees banged on the truck to alert him.
Rescuers were able to free the worker by using jacks to lift the truck off of him. The rescue effort took about half an hour, and the man was then flown to the hospital by helicopter. Officials stated that though he suffered severe injuries, it could have been much worse had the truck been loaded. As it is, he will still likely be out of work for a few months while he recovers.
In accidents similar to this, those injured may be entitled to file workers’ compensation claims. When those claims are successful, the injured party is awarded monetary damages. These damages can be used to pay medical bills and to cover any lost wages a worker may incur over the course of his or her recovery. An experienced Pennsylvania attorney could provide information and assistance to anyone who has suffered a work injury.
Source: greenbaypressgazette.com, “County employee seriously injured in job site accident“, Kent Tempus, July 25, 2017