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    Archive for October, 2019

    Why Do Retail Workers Face Job-Related Injuries?

    There are a variety of jobs in which workers can face both minor and major injuries. When we think of injuries, we usually immediately think of jobs in manufacturing or construction. However, our Lancaster hurt at work lawyers are often contacted by individuals who work in retail. To be clear, practically any job will be subjected to some type of injury risk and according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), retail ranks high among the list of industries where workers have sustained injuries while performing their job duties.

    What Are Some of the Causes of Retail Worker Injuries?

    In the retail industry, workers can be injured by the following:

    • Strains and sprains caused by injuries related to overexertion
    • Slip-and-falls, as well as trip-and-falls
    • Getting hit by an object at work
    • Falls from heights
    • Accidents that occur during transportation

    Of course, this list is not exhausting, as there are innumerable reasons as to why retail workers may sustain work-related injuries.

    Overexertion-Related Injuries

    Strains and sprains to muscles, tissues and bones can occur when a person moves improperly while performing a task. Such injuries can happen after one incident or they can accrue over a period of time. Some of the symptoms indicating that you may have sustained an overexertion injury include pain, stiffness, burning sensations and inflammation.

    More often than not, these injuries tend to happen when workers lift heavy boxes and/or other items, or they repeat certain motions throughout the day such that they feel the injuries in the neck, back, hands, arms and/or shoulders.

    So, how can these sorts of injuries be avoided and prevented? Our Lancaster hurt at work lawyers believe that employers have an obligation to properly train their workers on how to lift and carry heavy, bulky items. Employees should also be taught how to warm up their muscles before their shifts in order to prepare to lift and carry goods, and the importance of wearing protective gear, such as gloves and head protection (where necessary) should be emphasized.

    Slips and Falls

    One sure way to avoid slips and falls at work is for the employer to remove all known workplace hazards ahead of time. Parking lots and walkways leading up to the store should be free of debris and kept dry and clean. If a spill does occur, it should be removed immediately, much like snow and ice should be handled as quickly as possible.

    You, as the employee, can also do your part to help prevent your own injuries by wearing non-slip shoes and paying close attention at all times while working. Additionally, if you notice cracks in your work area or poor lighting, be sure to let your employer know as soon as possible.

    Speak to Our Lancaster Hurt at Work Lawyers Today to Find Out About Your Legal Options

    If you work in the retail industry and have sustained injuries related to your job, inform your employer immediately and contact our Lancaster hurt at work lawyers as soon as possible. You have certain rights under the law  — let us help ensure those rights are protected.

    Four Avenues for Recovery in a Construction Site Accident Lawsuit

    If you’ve been injured in a construction site accident, then you may be entitled to damages and/or benefits as compensation for your losses.  Recovery is not always straightforward, however, particularly as construction lawsuits may require a comprehensive evaluation and the subsequent pursuit of multiple different pathways for compensation.

    As it’s not always possible for inexperienced accident victims to accurately determine whether they have an actionable claim under the law, we encourage potential claimants to work with a skilled Lancaster workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about their legal rights and options under the law.

    Let’s explore the different avenues for recovery.

    Workers’ Compensation

    Workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania entitle construction workers who are actually in employer-employee relationships (not independent contractor relationships) to file a claim for benefits and receive compensation for their injuries.  It’s worth noting that these benefits do not cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.  As such, the compensation tends to be substantially lower than what would be available through a traditional lawsuit.

    Suing the Employer

    Though workers’ compensation regulations prevent injured workers from bringing a lawsuit against their employer for injuries caused by mere negligence, reckless and intentional misconduct can give rise to an actionable claim (thus overcoming the workers’ compensation barrier to a lawsuit).  Whether you can sue the employer directly therefore depends quite a bit on the circumstances of your case.  If you can show that the employer was grossly negligent or intentionally caused you to suffer injuries (perhaps they intentionally cut corners on the maintenance of equipment in order to save some extra money, violating construction industry regulations), then you will be able to sue and recover against the employer.

    Suing a Manufacturer

    Many construction site accidents occur due to product defects — design, manufacturing, or a failure to warn of inherent dangers.  If, say, a ladder collapses due to a design defect, then you may be entitled to directly sue and recover damages from the ladder manufacturer, giving you an avenue for compensation that might not have existed otherwise.

    Suing a Third-Party Individual or Company

    On any given construction site, there are often other workers who are not employees of the same company — third-party subcontractors, delivery workers, etc.  If these third-parties played a role in causing your injuries, then you may have an actionable lawsuit against said defendants entitling you to damages in proportion to their contribution of fault.

    For example, if a third-party delivery driver accidentally hits and injures you while turning into the construction site, then you might have an actionable claim against that driver and their employer.

    Let a Lancaster Workplace Injury Lawyer Help You Today

    Contact a knowledgeable Lancaster workplace injury lawyer today to discuss your legal rights and options.