Philadelphia Work Injury Lawyer
Do you need help? Call Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan and let us guide and inform you of your options.
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As many as 123,400 private industry employers across Pennsylvania reported employees’ work-related injuries and illnesses in 2022, according to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This equates to a 2.9 rate compared to an overall U.S. one of 2.7.
The BLS maintains data for fatalities that occur on the job here. A 10-year analysis from 2009-2018 showed that there were anywhere between 45 (2017) and 77 (2012) annually. While that number may seem insignificant, if you account for all of the individuals in our state who suffered nonfatal injuries, a worker could have survived, albeit with life-altering injuries.
In a city as big as Philadelphia, with all the diverse employment opportunities it offers, there are undoubtedly a lot of injury incidents involving workers in various industries. Here at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we’re often the first point of contact for these injured workers or their surviving loved ones looking to recover compensation for their losses. We want to help you do the same if you’ve been hurt or a family member has died while on the job. Consulting with an experienced Philadelphia work injury lawyer is free of charge, so contact us for help now.
Which Employment Sectors See the Highest Rates of Occupational Diseases and Injuries in PA?
Previously referenced BLS data shows that the following job sectors show the most significant rate of injuries and illnesses in our state as a whole:
- Education and health services
- Manufacturing
- Trade, transportation, and utilities
- Goods-producing and state government roles
- Natural resources and mining
Perhaps surprisingly, construction work falls pretty far down that list. It apparently sees nearly half the injuries and illnesses individuals employed in the health services or education sectors in our state see.
Understanding Your Legal Options If You’re Hurt at Work in Philly
A common misconception about injuries that occur in the workplace is that employees are only able to file workers’ compensation claims after these incidents occur. However, that’s not the only option available to them. It’s also possible to file a third-party lawsuit, such as against the manufacturer of a defective product that harmed you, if appropriate.
In fact, if you suffered catastrophic injuries on the job at a Philadelphia construction site that caused you to incur significant losses, you could not only file a Pennsylvania workers’ comp claim but also sue any other responsible parties, such as the following, for damages:
- Real estate developers
- Product designers and manufacturers
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Equipment maintenance professionals
- Construction company employers
No matter the industry you work in and how you got hurt, consider reaching out to our Philadelphia work injury lawyer to discuss your unique case and legal options you may have. Just do so quickly, as you may lose your right to take action to recover compensation if you don’t.
Successful Results For Our Clients
We get results for our clients, because that’s what really matters. Over the course of four decades in combined trial experience, our dedicated work injury attorneys have secured hundred millions of dollars in compensation for injured workers. You deserve justice.
Understanding the Difference Between Workers' Comp and Third-Party Claims
When it comes to how workers’ compensation differs from personal injury, the category to which third-party claims belong, one primary distinguishing factor between these is that the former is no-fault whereas the latter is largely fault-based. How does this impact things?
Fault and Liability
Almost every employer in Pennsylvania must have workers’ compensation coverage, and generally, they must pay out regardless of who was to blame for the injury. This type of coverage is seen as a way to protect against employers being sued by their workers. Instead, they file a claim with their insurer. In contrast, with third-party claims, the injured party must generally produce evidence of another party’s liability for their injuries to secure any compensation.
Who You Can Be Treated By
Since most employers must have this insurance, many of them have a list of preferred health care providers you must see if you’re hurt or get sick on the job. Your employer’s policy allows you to see a designated physician from that list if you’re hurt on the job without paying out-of-pocket for that visit. That insurance coverage may also compensate you a portion of your lost wages if you miss work due to your injuries.
In contrast, in third-party lawsuit cases, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for medical care if you don’t have health insurance. Additionally, even if you do have coverage, you may find they initiate a subrogation process if you pursue a lawsuit. Additionally, you may find that there’s no way to recover lost wages without taking legal action, that is, unless you have some kind of short or long term disability coverage you’ve previously purchased.
How Payouts Occur
Compensation you may be eligible for when filing for workers’ comp benefits may be similar to what you can receive by filing a personal injury claim. However, any amount you’re entitled to may be paid out differently.
For example, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, aside from payments for medical care, lost wages, specific losses, and death benefits, the extent of your impairment, such as whether you’re classified as partial or total disability benefits status, can affect how long you’re eligible for payments and the amount.
While lump sum settlements do occur in workers’ comp cases, they’re much more commonplace in third-party liability ones.
Compensation That a Job Injury Lawyer Can Help You Get
While we can’t guarantee any particular outcome in your case, rest assured that if we take your legal matter on, we will do everything within our power to secure the best possible settlement or the benefits you’re entitled to — that’s something we can promise. Some examples of compensation we may be able to recover on your behalf include:
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Economic damages:
These are easily calculated losses like medical bills and lost wages but can also include vocational rehabilitation costs, renovations to your home (if you became wheelchair-bound), and transportation costs
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Noneconomic damages:
Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement
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Punitive damages:
These are ones that judges award when grossly negligent actions resulted in someone getting hurt
Also, if your loved one passed away while on the job, it may be possible to secure compensation for attempts medical providers made to provide your relative with life-saving care. In addition, death benefits may cover not only funeral and burial costs but also loss of future earnings, benefits (like an inheritance), and consortium (companionship).
Not all of the above-referenced damages are available to workers’ comp claimants. However, one kind of compensation, which is loss of use, is a type that is commonly awarded in these “no-fault” cases in our state. In this case, if a worker is unable to carry out their standard job duties, loss of use compensation may help bridge the gap between workers’ comp pay and the average pay they were receiving pre-accident.
“Work injury victims deserve strong, compassionate and devoted advocates who understand their pain. Our attorneys have the experience, background and skills necessary to pursue your case zealously and seek the best possible outcome.
Thousands of workers are injured throughout this country every day on the job. Many of them, like yourself, don’t understand that they have legal rights and remedies available to them beyond workers’ compensation.
You need a lawyer that understands not only the nature of the work that you perform but also the law that applies to it. We are those lawyers. If you’ve been injured on the job and you have any questions about your legal rights please contact us.”
Jeffrey Laffey, Founding Partner
Why You Need To Get in Contact With Our Philadelphia Work Injury Attorney Today
As you’re well aware, if you’ve suffered a workplace accident in Philadelphia, it doesn’t take long after you suffer an injury and no paycheck coming in for any savings; you had to become exhausted and for you to be unable to make ends meet. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we can advise you on the different options for securing compensation for your injury so you can remain financially afloat.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Philadelphia work injury lawyer to discuss the legal options available to you.
Meet Our Attorneys
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535Jeffrey Laffey Jeffrey LaffeyAreas of Practice
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536Paul Bucci Paul BucciAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
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539Sam Reich Sam ReichAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
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541Stewart Ryan Stewart Ryan -
6024Griffin Remick Griffin RemickAreas of Practice
- Car/Truck Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Premises Liability
- Products Liability
- Workplace Accidents
Legal Rights of Injured Workers
We represent victims in work-related injury claims, using our valuable experience and talented team to pursue maximum compensation on behalf of tradesmen injured on the job. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, New York, Illinois, Florida and West Virginia.
The vast majority of work place accidents are covered under workers’ compensation. However, there are a substantial amount of remedies that may be available to you that are not covered under workers’ compensation and that’s where we come in. Please call Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan so we can evaluate your claim and provide you with all of your options.