Experienced Workplace Injury Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh attorneys protect your legal right to compensation

Accidents can happen in any workplace, whether it’s a warehouse, factory, construction site, retail store or office. Injuries suffered by a worker may be compensable, but the sources of compensation vary depending on how and why the accident occurred. In many cases, workers' compensation insurance might be the sole remedy, but there can also be situations where the facts allow for filing a negligence lawsuit. If you have been hurt in a workplace accident, the dedicated attorneys at Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC will thoroughly investigate, determine whether there are grounds for legal action and pursue all compensation that you may deserve.

Common types of workplace injuries 

Workplace injuries can result from many types of accidents. Some of the most common ones are these:

• Slip/trip and fall — Slip and fall injuries can include broken bones, sprains or head trauma.
• Repetitive strain — Office and factory workers are at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis or other conditions.
• Construction injuries — Workers can fall from heights, be struck by falling or projected objects, be crushed in collapsing structures or be electrocuted.
• Vehicle accidents — Employees who drive as part of their jobs are at risk of car or truck crashes.
• Exertion injuries — Improperly lifting or carrying heavy objects can lead to back and muscle injuries. Overexertion, especially in heated environments, can put strain on the heart.
• Equipment failure – Injuries can be caused by defective machinery or other equipment that has not been properly inspected, maintained, or repaired.
• Occupational hearing loss – Exposure to loud noises or even certain chemicals can cause hearing loss.

Employees may also contract diseases due to exposure to toxins on the job, which may not manifest for months or even years.

When is workers’ compensation law your exclusive remedy?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to give employees injured on the job quick reimbursement for their medical costs and for some of the wages lost due to their conditions. However, the system generally bars employees from suing their employers or coworkers for workplace injuries, even if the employer or coworker was negligent.

When can an injured worker sue an employer directly?

There are exceptions to the rule that workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy. An employer can be sued for physical injuries that result from harassment, discrimination or retaliation. In addition, workers' comp does not bar lawsuits for occupational diseases contracted in the workplace, such as mesothelioma, that manifest outside the workers’ comp claim deadline. The employer can also be sued if it fails to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

When can you sue a third party for your injuries?

If someone other than an employer or coworker causes your workplace injury, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against that third party. This is often the case on construction sites, where multiple contractors are at work. Third-party lawsuits can also be brought for on-the-job accidents caused by defective products, maintenance failures and building conditions that imperil employee health. In suing a third party, you are not limited to recovering medical expenses and lost wages. You can seek more extensive damages, including pain and suffering.

How a personal injury attorney can help

If you've been injured at work, a personal injury attorney can guide you as to all legal remedies you may have available. We can assess your situation to determine whether you can file a lawsuit against a negligent third party or against an employer whose gross negligence or intentional harm caused your injury. If you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, we can assemble the evidence to present a compelling case. We will pursue fair settlements from insurance carriers. If necessary, we will take your case to trial. 

Contact our Pittsburgh lawyers for a free workplace injury consultation 

Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh provides determined personal injury representation to southwestern Pennsylvania workers who sustain on-the-job injuries. To schedule a free consultation, please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online.