Logging workers do a great deal of physical labor and work with specialty equipment every day they are on the job. With these responsibilities, there may be a significant risk of injury. This is especially likely if employees are not adequately trained, are inexperienced, and do not work under the appropriate supervision. Thorough employee training helps crew members understand safety procedures and properly execute a detailed logging plan, reducing the likelihood of property damage and legal liabilities. But if a logging worker is injured on the job, will this individual be forced to face these issues alone? It is necessary to learn and understand your rights when you are injured.
Whether you work in logging or generally keep employment with some physical risk, we recommend you make an effort to understand your rights. If you want a brief breakdown of your fundamental rights at work, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., can offer some helpful insight and information. We dedicate ourselves to working toward our clients’ successes, and they impart significant trust so we can support them and help them win the compensation they deserve. Our team also has access to many helpful resources, strategies, and tools that may benefit you.
What Rights Do Injured Pennsylvania Logging Industry Workers Have?
Any risks associated with work are the responsibility of the employer. This means loggers are entitled to sufficient safety equipment, training, supervision, and assistance. Additionally, logging workers are entitled to compensation for at least a portion of their medical bills when injured at work. Recent amendments to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act offer a 5 percent premium discount for employers who establish and maintain a workplace safety committee.
Your right to safety at work is legally enforceable. If you are facing a dispute with your employer regarding your safety or due compensation, contact a Pennsylvania workplace lawyer for advice and representation.
Workers Compensation and Benefits
Workers’ compensation is a crucial benefit for loggers who sustain injuries on the job. In Pennsylvania, employers are mandated to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. This insurance offers financial assistance to loggers who are injured or fall ill due to their job. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
To qualify for workers’ compensation, loggers must report their injury to their employer within a specific timeframe, typically 120 days. The employer is then required to notify the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, which will review the claim and determine the benefits the logger is entitled to receive.
Beyond workers’ compensation, loggers may also be eligible for other benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These benefits can provide additional financial support to loggers who are unable to work due to their injury.
Logging Site Safety and Liability
Logging sites are inherently hazardous, with risks of injury or death from equipment malfunctions, falling trees, and other accidents. Employers have a duty to ensure that their logging sites are safe and that employees are adequately trained and equipped to perform their jobs.
OSHA standards require employers to provide a safe working environment, which includes proper training, equipment, and safety protocols. Employers must also conduct regular safety inspections and address any identified hazards or concerns.
In addition to adhering to OSHA standards, employers may be held liable for injuries or accidents that occur on their logging sites. This liability can stem from negligence, such as failing to provide proper training or equipment, or from intentional acts, such as ignoring safety protocols.
Loggers who are injured on the job may have the right to file a lawsuit against their employer or other responsible parties. A personal injury lawyer can assist loggers in navigating the legal process and seeking compensation for their injuries.
Who Is Responsible for Injuries at Work in Pennsylvania Workers Compensation?
In most circumstances, the employer is responsible for injuries in the workplace. That being said, there are circumstances in which another party is liable, such as:
- Equipment and safety gear manufacturers
- Coworkers
- Premises owners or renters
- Miscellaneous third parties
Handling logs can be particularly dangerous, with logging sites being among the most hazardous workplaces in America. Neglecting safety standards and regulations on these sites can lead to serious injuries, and there is potential for third-party liability claims in the event of accidents.
We recommend you work with a lawyer to determine who is liable for your injuries and any compensation. Most often, you will need to identify who is responsible for your losses and take legal action against them to receive the compensation you need. In some cases, more than one party may be liable.
Common Injuries and Next Steps
Logging is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, with a high risk of injury or death. Common injuries in the logging industry include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Hearing and vision loss
If a logger is injured on the job, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Loggers should also report their injury to their employer and notify the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
In addition to seeking medical attention and reporting the injury, loggers should consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help loggers navigate the legal process and seek compensation for their injuries.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
We recommend you work with a lawyer for assistance if you choose to take legal action against the responsible parties. Your personal injury attorney can help in several ways throughout the legal process, including speaking on your behalf, avoiding mistakes, completing and filing paperwork, and much more.
Please refrain from representing yourself during legal circumstances, as this can introduce unnecessary risks that may harm your opportunity to succeed. You may misrepresent yourself and lose a portion of the compensation you would otherwise receive. A lawyer is far more likely to represent you fairly and favorably, helping you win the recovery you need. We suggest speaking with an attorney as quickly as possible to improve your chances of favorable results.
Injured at Work in Pennsylvania? Get the Support You Need With Lawyers From Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.
If you suffer injuries due to workplace issues, please reach out to us at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., for assistance. Our lawyers are talented, compassionate, and dedicated, and our team has over 65 years of experience in personal injury and criminal defense law. We can offer you the vital support you need to succeed.
If you want to discuss your case, protect your rights, prioritize your recovery, and hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us by calling (215) 822-7575 or completing our contact form at your earliest convenience, whichever you prefer. We look forward to working with you toward your success.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
December 24, 2024
