Most workers who operate machinery or work with hazardous equipment or materials know that a workplace accident can happen at almost any time. For that reason, most workers and employers in Pennsylvania keep safety as their number one concern every day on the job. Still, work-related accidents happen even in the safest industries. When they do, an injured worker is legally entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim to obtain benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Recently, two men working with a mulch elevator in Manor Township were injured when machinery malfunctioned, trapping one of the workers inside the elevator. Coworkers quickly used a front-end loader to free the man trapped inside. He was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were described as serious. The other worker suffered an injury to his arm but was otherwise in good condition.
At least one of the injured workers will need time to recover from his injuries. He may need extensive medical treatment and perhaps surgery, which can be costly. Fortunately, a successful workers’ compensation claim will provide funds to allow injured workers to cover their financial losses.
The great majority of employees can file workers’ compensation claims to cover financial losses from workplace injuries. Every claim must be validated, however, before it can be approved by the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Claims also need to be filed in a timely manner. In the event a claim is rejected, a worker can file an appeal. A court hearing will follow if the appeal is approved.
Source: WGAL, “Two workers injured in elevator accident at Kreider Mulch,” April 18, 2014