I Slipped and Fell at Work in Harrisburg, PA. What Should I Do?

September 3, 2021 | Workers’ Compensation

Workplace accidents are more common than many people think. According to recent research from the National Safety Council, falling accidents are the third leading cause of injury-related deaths in the workplace.  

Some working environments present more hazards than others. For instance, construction workers and other employees with strenuous jobs face many dangers. Although these workers confront high risks each day, office workers can also be the victims of workplace accidents.

If you have been hurt in a workplace accident, speak with an accomplished attorney. A trustworthy legal professional can help you pursue any compensation that you are owed.

Below, we’ll cover some of the most important issues related to the causes and outcomes of workplace fall accidents in Harrisburg, PA.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Employers and businesses are required to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. OSHA offers companies and businesses useful training resources to help employers maintain healthy and safe working environments. 

If you suffered an injury due to your employer’s OSHA violations, you can pursue compensation for resulting losses.

Some of the most common OSHA violations that lead to workplace fall injuries include the following:

  • Cracked and uneven surfaces and flooring
  • Wet floors caused by spills and uncontained liquids
  • Inadequate or dim lighting in the workplace
  • Debris, electric cables, tools, and other objects blocking a walkway
  • Missing, broken, or inadequate railing on stairs
  • Failure to post required signage in hazardous conditions

Sometimes, negligent employers fail to notify their workers of hazardous conditions on the job site. For instance, they may fail to post signage alerting employees to slick surfaces, dangerous walkways, and more.

There are many situations that can make falling accidents more likely. If you have been hurt because of a negligent employer’s actions, it is crucial to speak with a trusted personal injury lawyer.

Typical Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents

Some falling accidents and injuries are only minor. Oftentimes, people think of slip and fall accidents as simple yet embarrassing incidents.

But slip and fall injuries are often serious. In some cases, they can result in catastrophic and long-lasting consequences.

According to the most recent data from the National Security Council, more than 47,000 employees needed time off after a slip and fall injury in a single year. Time off means lost wages. Many workplace accidents also result in significant physical and economic damage.

Some of the most common injuries resulting from workplace slip and falls include:

  • Lacerations, cuts, and scrapes
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Back and spinal cord damage
  • Partial or total paralysis
  • Soft tissue injuries, including bruises and contusions
  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions

Sadly, falling accidents can sometimes be fatal. In these cases, the decedent’s family has the right to pursue compensation.

If you slipped and fell at work, you have the right to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation benefits can repay you for medical expenses and lost income resulting from your injury.

You should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. You have 120 days from your accident date to notify your employer. Reporting your accident within 21 days will make your benefits effective as of your accident date. Otherwise, your benefits will be effective as of your reporting date. If you don’t report your accident by the deadline, your claim will be dismissed.

Once you report your accident, you have three years from your accident date to pursue your claim.

A skilled Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer will carefully examine the facts of your workers’ compensation case. They will help you determine the best path forward so that you can secure the financial recovery that is rightfully yours — whether through workers’ compensation or a negligence claim.

If you’ve been injured at your workplace in Pennsylvania, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Harrisburg
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in York, PA
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Wyomissing, PA
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Chambersburg
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Carlisle
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Carbondale
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Lancaster
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Lebanon
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963