Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & FrantzPfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantz2024-03-11T09:26:55Zhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1400763/2019/10/cropped-favicon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483622024-03-06T10:27:33Z2024-03-11T09:26:55ZPersonal protection equipment (PPE) is very important in the workplace. In most cases, your employer has to give you certain types of equipment to keep you safe. Examples include hard hats, dust masks, gloves, high visibility vests, eye protection and much more.
If your employer doesn’t give you any PPE and you get injured on the job, you may need to seek workers’ comp benefits. But there are also situations where you may be given PPE that is not correct for the task that you’re performing. This could still lead to complications, injuries or illness.
Asbestos dust masks
One example of this is if you’re working around asbestos. You need to be given a mask so that you don’t inhale the microscopic particles, which can lead to a type of cancer called mesothelioma.But if your employer just gave you a cheap dust mask, made for working in a woodshop, then it’s not going to help with asbestos particles at all. They are simply too small to be filtered out by this type of mask. You need to have a P100 mask that is rated specifically for asbestos.In other words, your employer may claim that they gave you everything you needed to stay safe, but you could still face severe levels of exposure and develop an illness like mesothelioma in the future. This could be an accidental oversight by your employer, not something done maliciously, but the negative ramifications for you are still the same.If you have been diagnosed with a serious illness that is related to your occupation, then it’s important for you to look into all of the legal steps you can take moving forward.
]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483582024-02-21T05:45:03Z2024-02-26T05:44:43ZYou probably don’t think that much about your knees – until they hurt or refuse to support your weight.
Unfortunately, knee joints can be particularly prone to on-the-job injuries, and meniscus tears can be common among construction workers, factory employees and warehouse workers.
What’s a meniscus and how does it get injured?
The meniscus is a piece of curved cartilage in each of your knees that acts like a sort of combination “shock absorber” and stabilizer for your knee joints. Meniscus tears commonly result from sudden stops or twisting movements that put too much strain on the joint for the meniscus to hold. Symptoms include:
Sudden, severe pain in your knee
Intense pain when trying to bend, twist or walk
Swelling and stiffness around the affected knee
Limited range of motion
A feeling that something in your knee is “catching”
Often, a torn meniscus can heal on its own if given time. Other times, it may take surgery. Either way, that means being off your feet for a while, which may mean some time off work.
What are some common causes of meniscus tears?
Most of the time, a meniscus tear happens very suddenly as the result of a single, traumatic event – although your odds of having a meniscus tear may be increased if your work requires you to do a lot of walking on hard floors or over uneven ground, or you’re constantly kneeling or squatting (both of which put pressure on your knees). Slips and falls and straining with your knees while lifting or carrying heavy objects can also cause a torn meniscus. It’s important to understand that “bad knees” are not just a result of aging. If your torn meniscus happened on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if you have other age-related issues with your knees. If your claim is denied, it may be time to learn more about your legal options.]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483532024-02-08T05:29:50Z2024-02-13T05:29:38ZIf you are injured at work, consider seeing a doctor as soon as possible. This ensures you get treatment on time, preventing the condition from worsening.
However, it's vital to be informed about certain matters to avoid making costly mistakes, including:
The first 90 days
When you report a work injury/illness, your employer will provide you with a list of healthcare providers. You need to visit a doctor from the list for your employer to pay for the treatment. You must seek medical treatment within 90 days after the first visit to your chosen provider. Note that you can go to any healthcare provider if it’s an emergency case. Further, if one of the listed providers suggests surgery, you can seek a second opinion from any provider. If the second opinion differs from the initial one, you can seek the treatment option of your choice. However, even if you choose the treatment suggested in your second opinion, you must receive treatment from a provider on your employer’s list.
After 90 days
In some cases, you may not complete treatment within the first 90-day period. Does this mean your employer will no longer cover your treatment? If your treatment is reasonable and necessary and your work injury/illness was properly documented by your doctor, you have the right to receive ongoing care from any licensed healthcare provider, whether or not they are on your employer’s list. And your employer should pay for this treatment. If you choose a healthcare provider who is not on your employer’s list, you must notify your employer within five days after your first visit.A work injury/occupational illness can affect your life considerably. Learn more about your case to understand how your employer can cover your medical expenses and other damages.
]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483502024-02-01T05:47:18Z2024-02-06T14:37:48ZSame-level falls can cause major injuries
Someone does not need to fall multiple stories for a fall to cause significant injuries. A fall at the same level can lead to numerous significant injuries. For example, someone could break an arm or shoulder blade while trying to stop a fall in progress.
Others might hit their heads and suffer traumatic brain injuries. The physical response to falling could also lead to soft tissue injuries. Particularly if someone's job requires physical effort or many hours on their feet each day, the consequences of a same-level fall could leave them unable to work temporarily. Same-level falls are a leading source of work injury in many different professions.
How workers' compensation helps
When someone gets hurt on the job, they may apply for workers' compensation benefits. The program can offer both medical coverage and disability benefits to qualifying employees. Someone who experiences a same-level fall on the job might require medical treatment for their injuries.
If they cannot do their job until their condition improves, they may also qualify for disability benefits. In the rare scenario where someone has life-altering injuries, possibly stemming from major broken bones or brain injuries, long-term disability benefits may also be available.
Provided that there are medical needs and a requirement to take time off from work, an injured employee could potentially qualify for workers' compensation after a same-level fall. Filing a benefits claim can reduce the financial impact that on-the-job injuries have on Pennsylvania workers.]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483482024-01-22T11:05:09Z2024-01-25T11:04:42Zthe risk of repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), which can lead to discomfort, pain and long-term health issues. If you’re a nurse, it’s crucial to learn actionable strategies you can employ to mitigate the risks of RSIs. This way, you can continue providing top-notch health care without compromising your own health.
How can nurses prevent the overuse of specific nerves and muscles?
In nursing, tasks such as lifting patients and prolonged standing can contribute to the development of RSIs. Therefore, nurses should learn proper lifting methods to reduce strain on their back and muscles. Exercise and conditioning can also go a long way in strengthening the core muscles nurses use to lift.
Nurses should also proactively take short breaks to stretch and relax their muscles to help prevent muscle stiffness and overall body discomfort. It would also help to take the lift when aiding in patient transfers. This can potentially minimize the physical strain on nurses.
Aside from assisting patients around the hospital, nurses also have administrative duties that involve typing on computers. To help ensure they are not overwhelmed by these mundane and repetitive tasks, nurses should leverage technology to minimize their workload. For instance, voice recognition software can reduce typing strain by allowing nurses to use dictation for documentation.
As a nursing professional, prioritizing your well-being isn’t enough; you should also know the accommodations your facilities should provide to minimize injuries. This knowledge can help you pursue workers’ compensation if you get injured on the job.]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483462024-01-11T05:41:59Z2024-01-16T05:41:21Zserious finger injuries and now want to expand on that to address occupational hazards that can affect your entire hand.
High-risk occupations
Like many people, you may associate hand injuries with assembly lines and manufacturing facilities that use heavy automated machinery. However, these are not the only occupations that can threaten your hands. Here are some others:
Meatpacking and slaughterhouse jobs: Meat processing equipment may lead to severe cuts or amputations.
Machinists and metalworkers: Metalworking machinery like drills, lathes and presses can pose amputation and crush injury hazards.
Construction workers: Power tools, sharp implements and heavy materials put workers at risk of punctures, amputation and crush injuries.
Repair technicians: Sharp implements and high-speed moving parts may increase the risk of amputation or deep punctures and cuts.
Understanding your options and rights can be crucial if you suffer severe hand injuries on the job.
Workers' compensation can be a lifeline
The physical and emotional toll of disabling workplace injuries can be immense and overwhelming. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and the inability to work increases financial hardship.
A successful workers’ compensation claim can minimize economic obstacles. It provides coverage of injury-related medical expenses and partial replacement of lost wages. Total disability benefits may also be possible for as long as the injury keeps you from working.
Much is at stake in the aftermath of catastrophic work injuries. Having experienced legal guidance can help you understand your benefits and ensure you receive fair compensation.]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483422023-12-28T05:58:32Z2024-01-02T05:58:08Zhypothermia’s dangers is vital.
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. The average body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia sets in when it drops below 95 degrees. This condition can affect brain function, leading to clouded thinking and poor coordination, posing a significant risk in work environments.
Causes of hypothermia for outdoor workers
In Pennsylvania’s winter months, temperatures can plunge dramatically. Outdoor workers, such as construction workers, emergency responders and utility workers, are particularly at risk. Factors contributing to hypothermia include:
Prolonged exposure to cold weather or water
Inadequate clothing and gear for the weather conditions
Wetness, either from precipitation, sweat, or immersion
Fatigue, which can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature
Early symptoms include shivering, fatigue and loss of coordination. As it progresses, symptoms may include slurred speech, confusion and a decline in motor skills.
In severe cases, shivering stops, and the person may show signs of paradoxical undressing. Paradoxical undressing occurs when they remove clothing despite being cold. It’s an indicating factor for critical heat loss.
Employers in Pennsylvania are obligated to provide a safe working environment. This includes taking measures to prevent hypothermia in winter months, like providing appropriate gear, allowing for frequent breaks in warm areas and educating workers about the signs of hypothermia. Failure to do so can lead to workers suffering from hypothermia. Workers’ compensation claims may result from the development of this condition.]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483392023-12-13T05:22:52Z2023-12-18T05:22:16ZSome workers just accept back pain as part of the job. Maybe they just think that they’re getting older, so they’re going to experience some pain and discomfort.
But what these workers may not realize is that they may deserve workers’ comp benefits if they are suffering back pain due to their job. Maybe a worker was directly injured in the course of their employment, or maybe they can connect the back pain that they’re feeling to their working conditions. Below are three different ways that workers may suffer back injuries.
Sitting at a desk
For many office workers, the biggest risk is just sitting at a desk for long hours. This is especially true when workers do not have ergonomic chairs, desks or computer systems. Months or years of this activity can take a cumulative toll.
Repetitive motion
Similarly, workers who have to make the same motion over and over again may be more likely to suffer back pain. An example of this could be a worker on an assembly line who has to bend over, pick up an item, and then set it down in another location. Doing it once won’t cause them pain, but it can when they do it thousands of times in a row.
Heavy lifting
Finally, workers are sometimes injured when they lift heavy items inappropriately. This could be because a worker is instructed to lift something on their own that should actually take two employees. It can also happen if the worker bends and lifts with their back, rather than lifting with their legs.Back pain can be debilitating and can have a significant impact on someone’s quality of life. Workers who have been hurt on the job need to know how to seek workers’ comp benefits.
]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483362023-12-01T07:57:47Z2023-12-06T07:57:11ZWhen there are suspicions of fraud
Some workers would like to take a leave of absence from their jobs and may put themselves in a situation where they get hurt intentionally. If an employer can show based on conversations that a worker had or the circumstances leading to their injury that they hurt themselves on purpose to fraudulently claim benefits, that could impact their eligibility for coverage.
When workers violate company policy
It is generally necessary for employees to follow the law and any rules imposed by their employers to keep their jobs and be eligible for certain benefits, including workers' compensation. If a worker's injury is clearly the direct result of a violation of company rules, businesses can sometimes use a worker's misconduct as a reason to deny their claim when they seek workers' compensation coverage.
When intoxication causes an injury
Sometimes, the reason that a worker gets hurt on the job is because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Employers often perform chemical testing after an incident in the workplace. If a worker fails a drug or alcohol test and the company can show that intoxication played a role in their injury, they may be ineligible for benefits.
In almost any other scenario, a worker's contributions to the cause(s) of their injury will not affect their ability to obtain workers' compensation coverage. With all of this said, every claim is unique. As a result, seeking legal guidance before filing a claim is generally wise.]]>On Behalf of Pfeiffer Brown DiNicola & Frantzhttps://www.pbdfcomplaw.com/?p=483342023-11-30T04:50:54Z2023-12-06T04:50:15ZWhat repetitive stress do truckers experience?
Repetitive stress can impact any part of the body someone uses frequently at work. Some truck drivers will hurt their backs, hips, shoulders or knees doing loading and unloading work. The repetitive stress that comes from lifting items to unload a trailer can add up over time and lead to significant symptoms.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is also a common issue among truck drivers. Spending hours gripping the steering wheel will strain the hands, wrists and forearms. Workers may then have pain or numbness, as well as reduced grip strength.
Repetitive stress injuries can be very difficult to treat and often require that people take a leave of absence from work. Sometimes, repetitive stress injuries will require surgery. Thankfully, workers' compensation can help semi-truck drivers and other employees dealing with repetitive stress disorders. Filing a workers' compensation claim can help someone obtain disability pay and medical benefits when they cannot work.]]>