Pittsburgh Industrial Accident Lawyers
Fighting For Western Pennsylvania’s Laborers
If you or a loved one has been injured in an industrial accident, you know how devastating and life-altering the experience can be. You may feel overwhelmed with medical bills, lost wages due to your injury, and the physical and emotional pain of experiencing a traumatic event.
At Friday & Cox LLC, we understand what you are going through and are here to help. We have decades of experience handling workers’ compensation claims for industrial accidents, so you can rest assured that your case is in the hands of experienced professionals who have seen it all before.
Our Pittsburgh industrial accident attorneys will endeavor to win you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, allowing you to focus on getting better without worrying about financial hardship caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact us today for more information about how we can help with your claim!
Give us a call at (412) 900-8250 to schedule a free case evaluation with our industrial accident lawyers in Pittsburgh.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Industrial Worker
As an industrial worker, it's important to understand your rights if you've been injured on the job. Our team of industrial accident lawyers in Pittsburgh is dedicated to helping Western Pennsylvania's laborers navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for industrial injuries. We are committed to providing the support and guidance you need to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
We can help protect your rights as an injured worker, which may include:
- Workers' compensation benefits
- Potential third-party liability claims
- Protection from employer retaliation
- Access to medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Possible eligibility for disability benefits
We handle all types of industrial accident cases, including those that involve:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Machinery malfunctions
- Chemical exposure
- Falling objects
- Repetitive motion injuries
At Friday & Cox, LLC, we are here to advocate for you and ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Specific Industries in Pittsburgh
Common industries where industrial accidents occur include the following:
- Steel and Manufacturing: Pittsburgh’s steel industry remains active, with workers frequently exposed to heavy machinery, high temperatures, and hazardous chemicals.
- Construction: Industrial construction sites are filled with potential dangers, like falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and electrical hazards.
- Oil, Gas, and Energy: The region's energy sector, including natural gas extraction, poses risks related to explosions, toxic exposure, and equipment failures.
- Warehousing and Logistics: Workers in distribution centers and warehouses face risks from forklift accidents, repetitive strain injuries, and falling objects.
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Exposure to toxic substances, burns from chemical spills, and respiratory injuries are common in these facilities.
Third-Party Liability for Industrial Accidents
While workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, certain industrial accidents involve third-party liability. This means another party, separate from the employer, may be responsible for the injury. Examples include:
- Defective Equipment: If a machine or tool malfunctioned due to a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be held liable.
- Negligent Contractors or Subcontractors: On multi-employer worksites, another company’s negligence could have caused the accident.
- Property Owners: If unsafe conditions on a property contributed to an injury, the property owner may be responsible.
- Vehicle Accidents: Industrial workers injured in crashes involving company vehicles or third-party drivers may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
What Compensation is Available for Pennsylvania’s Injured Industrial Workers
Industrial accidents are typically defined as those that occur while an employee performs activities related to the job or workplace. Injuries due to hazardous conditions or equipment in the workplace also qualify as industrial accidents; however, workers who sustain injuries due to personal negligence or misconduct are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
When an industrial accident occurs in Pennsylvania, workers are entitled to receive wage replacement at two-thirds of their average weekly wage up to a maximum amount determined by the state’s workers’ compensation board. Workers can also receive coverage for reasonable medical expenses incurred due to the injury or illness caused by the accident, including hospital visits and prescription medications. In some cases, death benefits may be available if a worker dies due to an industrial accident in Pennsylvania.
In addition to wages and medical coverage, workers who experience industrial accidents in Pennsylvania may also be eligible for additional benefits such as vocational rehabilitation services and permanent impairment awards. Vocational rehabilitation services help injured workers develop skills necessary for returning to work after a workplace injury or illness, while permanent impairment awards provide financial aid when a worker has suffered long-term disability due to an industrial accident.
Local Support and Resources for Industrial Accident Claims in Pittsburgh
Navigating an industrial accident lawsuit in Pittsburgh can be overwhelming due to the emotional and financial burdens it places on families. At Friday & Cox LLC, we understand the intricacies of the Pittsburgh community and are well-versed in the resources available to assist you through this difficult period. Our deep local knowledge ensures we offer personalized legal representation that meets the unique needs of our clients in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh residents facing industrial accidents can benefit from a range of local government entities and resources tailored to provide support during such challenging times:
- The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry offers guidance on workplace safety regulations and can assist in investigating industrial accidents to determine liability.
- Residents can also turn to the Allegheny County Department of Health for medical assistance and resources related to occupational health hazards.
- Additionally, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services plays a crucial role in responding to industrial accidents promptly, ensuring the safety of residents and workers.
Friday & Cox LLC, a personal injury law firm in Pittsburgh, can also provide valuable assistance in understanding rights, navigating workers' compensation claims, and seeking legal recourse in cases of negligence or misconduct. By leveraging these local government entities and resources, Pittsburgh residents can access comprehensive support, advocacy, and guidance in industrial accident cases to safeguard their well-being and seek appropriate recourse for any damages incurred.
Coping with a complex industrial accident claim in Pittsburgh can be an overwhelming experience. At Friday & Cox LLC, we stand by you, ready to steer you through the legal complexities and help you secure the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you with your industrial accident claim in Pittsburgh.
Call (412) 900-8250 to set up a consultation as soon as possible!
What Evidence is Needed to Win an Industrial Injury Lawsuit?
To build a strong case, collecting evidence is critical. Important evidence includes:
- Medical Records: Documentation of injuries, treatments, and prognoses.
- Incident Reports: Official reports filed with the employer or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from coworkers or bystanders who saw the accident.
- Photographs and Videos: Images of the accident scene, equipment, and injuries.
- Employment and Safety Records: History of employer violations, training records, and prior accidents.
- Expert Testimony: Testimony from medical experts, engineers, or workplace safety specialists.
How to Prepare for Negotiation
This may include:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injury, medical treatments, doctor visits, and any communication with your employer or the insurance company.
- Know Your Needs: Understand the financial support you need moving forward, including medical expenses, lost wages, and future care.
- Get Medical Opinions: Independent medical evaluations may help strengthen your case by providing additional insights into the long-term effects of your injury.
- Assess Your Future Needs: If your injury will require long-term care or cause permanent disability, it’s important to ensure that the settlement accounts for these ongoing needs.
- Be Ready to Walk Away: If the initial settlement offer isn’t fair, be prepared to reject it. Sometimes, a trial may be necessary to obtain a fair settlement, though this is often a last resort.
What Happens After the Settlement
Once you’ve agreed to a settlement, you’ll receive your compensation, typically in a lump sum or structured payments. However, keep in mind that this settlement is usually final, and you won’t be able to request additional compensation if complications arise later unless fraud is involved.
Why Choose Friday & Cox LLC?
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Unparalleled Client ServiceYour inquiries are returned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call for a free case evaluation at (412) 900-8250.
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Excellent Track RecordWe bring more than 100 years of combined experience and results to helping injured people obtain the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
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We Are Willing To Go All The WayOur lawyers are trial tested and our firm has won many verdicts and countless settlements.
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"You all were wonderful, and I would tell anybody to come to you for help."- Joseph L.
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Dear Paul & Ivexis, thank you both for all of the hard work that you spent on my case! I truly appreciate you helping me in my time of need - it is a great help to me! Your professionalism and abilities have enabled me to get my life back on track after my injury. Thank you again for representing me - I am forever grateful!- Christian B.
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“They went out of their way to help me.”- David M.
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“They where up front and that means a lot. They worked hard!”- Aaron D.
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“If your serious about hiring a lawyer for personal injury call here first.”- Former Client
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“Everything was done in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend their services to people.”- Stacey
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“Handled my mother’s fall/ injury litigation with compassion, empathy and professionalism”- Carl L.
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“If you are serious about hiring a lawyer for personal injury call here first.”- Former Client
Common Industrial Injuries
Pennsylvania is home to an impressive range of businesses and industries. While this is generally a good thing, an unfortunate side effect of hosting so many different industries is the potential for various workplace injuries. From manufacturing to energy production, industrial workers are often exposed to environments with hazards and unfortunately, they do not always walk away from their jobs unscathed. Because of this, our attorneys at Friday & Cox, LLC make sure that we are deeply familiar with the legal process surrounding a wide range of possible industrial injuries.
Some of the more common industrial injuries that we see include:
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Musculoskeletal injuries are caused by damage to the muscles, tendons, bones, nerves, and ligaments of the body. These injuries can be caused by many factors, such as repetitive motion, overexertion, falls, and industrial machinery accidents. Sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures, and nerve damage are common musculoskeletal injuries.
- Broken Bones: Broken bones are common industrial injuries that typically derive from physical situations. Slips and falls, industrial machinery accidents, and overexertion can all lead to broken bones.
- Burns: Chemical, thermal, electrical, and even radiation burns can be incurred depending on the industry in which you work. Working with heat, electricity, volatile chemicals, or radiation puts you at risk of getting burned if your workplace has improper safety protocols and procedures in place.
- Cuts and Lacerations: These can range from simple cuts that require a few stitches to deeply traumatic wounds. Compensation is awarded based on the severity of the cut or laceration and the length of time needed to recover fully.
- Hearing Loss: Depending on the industry in which you work, you may experience a gradual or sudden loss of hearing. Working in loud environments without safety gear, being near an explosion, and exposure to certain chemicals could all lead to hearing loss.
- Vision Loss: Vision loss can also be sudden or gradual. Examples of situations that could lead to vision loss include exposure to intense light—such as from lasers or welding—industrial machinery accidents, and exposure to chemicals.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal Cord injuries are severe and could either put you out of work for a long time or lead to paralysis. Similar to broken bones, these injuries come from highly physical situations, such as slips and falls, overexertion, industrial machinery accidents, vehicle collisions, and more.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the industrial injuries a worker can suffer. If you have sustained an injury that is not listed above, you may qualify for compensation. A reliable way to determine your eligibility for compensation would be to set up a case evaluation with our team. We will meticulously go through the case details, communicate your options to you, and then handle the rest of the legal process. After all, we do not want to add stress to your life during this painful and troubling time.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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$12.8 Million Work Injury
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$7.5 Million Defective Product
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$4 Million Work Injury
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$2.6 Million Motor Vehicle Accident
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$1.3 Million Medical Malpractice