Top Industrial Accidents in Pennsylvania and How Workers’ Compensation Can Help

Disasters occurring in industrial facilities are rare. When they do occur, the outcome is often catastrophic in terms of significant property and the loss of human life. Employees of these facilities who survive a traumatic accident could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

The nature of these incidents can vary dramatically, from exposure to harmful chemicals to large explosions. With the help of experienced legal counsel, an employee harmed in these accidents could pursue the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve.

Most Common Types of Industrial Accidents

There are a variety of factors that can lead to a large-scale industrial accident. Although these incidents are uncommon—particularly in Pennsylvania—the risk is always present. Often, these accidents are avoidable except for the presence of negligence.

Explosions

Explosions are one of the most common types of industrial accidents. They can occur in a variety of facilities, from oil refineries to factories. While human error frequently plays a part in these incidents, they can also occur due to faulty or defective machinery or equipment.

Pennsylvania has been home to this kind of catastrophic accident. In 2019, the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in Pennsylvania experienced a fire and multiple explosions. The accidental release of hydrocarbons ignited, resulting in three distinct explosions that led to a large-scale fire, sending debris flying thousands of feet into the air. There were no fatalities, with five employees suffering injuries.

Mining Accident

Incidents at mining facilities can have severe consequences, making it one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. These accidents can come in the form of cave-ins or fires, and the close quarters within a mine frequently lead to fatal injuries. In 1962, the Centralia mine fire grew out of control that the entire borough was evacuated permanently.

Chemical Spills

Exposure to toxic or hazardous chemicals can have long-lasting consequences in the area surrounding an industrial plant. Likewise, the workers impacted by these disasters might not experience the harmful effects of that exposure right away. Instead, it could take months or years to develop symptoms of cancer or other serious illnesses.

Building Collapse

The collapse of a factory or other type of industrial structure can result in severe or fatal injuries for all within. These accidents usually involve some kind of defect or design error in the construction of the building. However, they can also occur as the result of a secondary event like an explosion. When these incidents result in an injury, Lancaster hurt at work lawyers can help.

How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can Help Following an Industrial Accident

When it comes to employees injured in an industrial accident, workers’ compensation claims can be life-changing. These benefits are available regardless of fault, and they can provide quick relief to workers in desperate need of medical care.

The specific benefits available depend entirely on the nature and severity of your injury. While some people are able to heal up and return to work, others may live with permanent disabilities caused by the accident.

You Could Have Your Medical Bills Paid

Industrial accidents often result in catastrophic, long-lasting injuries. The need for medical treatment is usually immediate and substantial. One of the major positives of the workers’ compensation system is that the insurance company will pay your medical bills directly, even in cases where you are to blame for the accident.

Unlike a civil lawsuit which can take years to resolve, these benefits are paid immediately. Workers are typically able to get the care they need without dealing directly with the cost. There is no need to pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement in the future.

The cost of medical care related to an industrial accident can continue for the rest of your life. This is the case as long as a doctor determines the treatment is medically necessary and reasonable.

In addition to the direct cost of treatment, you could also recoup any expenses related to transportation to and from the doctor. The purpose of these benefits is to allow you to get the treatment you need at no cost to you.

Your Benefits Could Replace Your Lost Wages

The workers’ compensation system also provides for lost wages in cases where an employee is too hurt to work. For those expected to return to full health eventually, they can recover temporary benefits. Long-term benefits are available for anyone who will never fully recover.

These benefits are made up of a percentage of your previous weekly wage. The amount is less than what you might recover through a successful personal injury lawsuit, but it can provide you with support after the sudden loss of income after your injury.

Workers Compensation Covers Death Benefits

In the case of a fatal accident, workers’ compensation also covers death benefits for surviving relatives. These payments start with up to $3,000 in reimbursements for funeral costs. They will also replace a worker’s lost wages with a surviving spouse for a set period. Children under the age of 18 are also entitled to benefits or their own. These payments can extend until age 23 if they are enrolled full-time in an accredited school.

Talk to an Attorney About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you are considering a workers’ compensation claim, let a Lancaster workplace injury lawyer help. The right legal counsel can go a long way toward helping you get the outcome you deserve. Industrial accidents are traumatic events, but our team of attorneys will work with you to handle the stress of a workers’ compensation claim.

Vanasse Law is here to help you get the most out of your workers’ compensation claim. Our team of attorneys can assist you with navigating the claims process from start to finish. Contact us as soon as possible to learn more.