Comprehensive Workplace Injury Legal Services
Our attorneys represent injured workers in all types of workplace injury cases. We understand that workplace injuries often involve both workers' compensation claims and potential third-party liability, and we explore all available avenues for compensation.
Types of Workplace Injuries We Handle
- Construction Accidents: Falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, equipment malfunctions
- Industrial Accidents: Machinery injuries, chemical exposure, factory accidents
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries from lifting
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Workplace hazards causing falls
- Vehicle Accidents: Crashes involving company vehicles or during work duties
- Electrocution: Electrical shocks and burns
- Burns: Chemical burns, thermal burns, electrical burns
- Falling Objects: Head injuries and other trauma from falling materials
- Toxic Exposure: Asbestos, chemicals, hazardous materials
- Caught-In/Between Accidents: Machinery entrapment, crushed by equipment
Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims
Workers' Compensation Benefits
Workers' compensation provides no-fault benefits including medical treatment, wage loss benefits, specific loss benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. However, workers' comp doesn't compensate for pain and suffering. Learn more about our workers' compensation services.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims
You may have a separate personal injury claim if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer, such as:
- Equipment Manufacturers: Defective machinery or tools
- Subcontractors: Negligent work by other companies
- Property Owners: Unsafe conditions at job sites you're working
- Vehicle Drivers: Third-party drivers who cause accidents
- Product Manufacturers: Dangerous products or inadequate warnings
Third-party claims allow recovery of full damages including pain and suffering, which aren't available through workers' compensation.
Common Workplace Injuries and Their Legal Implications
Construction Site Injuries
Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces. Common hazards include falls from scaffolding or ladders, being struck by falling objects, electrocution, machinery accidents, and trench collapses. Multiple parties may share liability, including general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. Our workplace accident attorneys can navigate these complex cases.
Manufacturing and Industrial Injuries
Factory and industrial settings present unique dangers including machinery entrapment, chemical exposure, repetitive motion injuries, and burns. OSHA violations often contribute to these injuries, which can support both workers' comp and third-party claims.
Office and Retail Injuries
Even office environments pose injury risks including slip and fall accidents, repetitive stress injuries (carpal tunnel), ergonomic injuries, and violence in the workplace. These injuries may qualify for workers' compensation and potentially third-party claims depending on circumstances.
Maximizing Your Compensation
Our workplace injury lawyers employ a comprehensive approach to maximize your recovery:
Thorough Investigation
We investigate all circumstances surrounding your injury, including OSHA violations, safety protocol failures, equipment defects, and third-party negligence.
Medical Documentation
We ensure your injuries are properly documented and work with medical experts to establish the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
Multiple Claims Strategy
We pursue both workers' compensation benefits and third-party personal injury claims when applicable, maximizing your total compensation.
Expert Witnesses
We retain safety experts, medical professionals, economists, and vocational rehabilitation specialists to strengthen your case.
Pennsylvania Workplace Safety Laws
OSHA Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety standards for workplaces. Violations of OSHA regulations can be strong evidence of negligence in personal injury claims.
Employer Responsibilities
Pennsylvania employers must provide safe working conditions, proper safety training, appropriate safety equipment, regular equipment maintenance, and adequate supervision. Failure to meet these obligations can result in liability.
Your Rights as an Injured Worker
- Right to workers' compensation benefits
- Right to choose your own doctor (after 90 days)
- Right to pursue third-party claims
- Protection from retaliation for filing claims
- Right to vocational rehabilitation if unable to return to your job
Why Choose GLS Injury Law?
Dual-Track Representation
We handle both your workers' compensation claim and any third-party personal injury claims, ensuring you receive all available compensation.
Proven Results
We've recovered millions for injured workers, including substantial third-party settlements that significantly increase total recovery beyond workers' comp benefits.
We Only Represent Workers
We never represent employers or insurance companies, so our loyalty is exclusively to injured workers.
No Fee Unless You Win
We work on contingency, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer for my workplace injury?
Generally, Pennsylvania's workers' compensation system prevents lawsuits against employers. However, you can sue third parties whose negligence contributed to your injury, and you can sue your employer in rare cases involving intentional injury.
What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, so your fault doesn't affect your benefits. For third-party claims, Pennsylvania's comparative negligence law allows recovery as long as you're less than 51% at fault.
How much is my workplace injury case worth?
Value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent impairment, whether third-party claims exist, and available insurance coverage. We provide personalized case evaluations.
Can I receive both workers' comp and third-party compensation?
Yes, but your employer may have a lien on third-party recoveries for workers' comp benefits already paid. We work to minimize this lien and maximize your net recovery.
Contact Our Lancaster Workplace Injury Lawyers
If you've been injured at work, contact GLS Injury Law today for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case, explain all your legal options, and fight to secure maximum compensation.
Call (717) 394-3004 now or contact us online. Available 24/7.