Slip and fall accidents are common across all industries. Many people do not associate the office environment with the risk of a slip and fall; however, office workers are 2.5 times more likely than non-office workers to sustain injuries from a slip and fall accident. The most common causes of office slip and falls include:
- Reaching for something from an unstable chair
- Slipping on wet floors
- Tripping on electrical cords, loose carpeting, or uneven flooring
- Using a chair instead of a ladder to reach high storage areas
Additional reasons for office slip and falls are poor lighting, lack of warning signage, clutter or objects in pathways, and icy parking lots and entrance ways.
Injuries from Office Slip and Fall Accidents
While an office environment may seem relatively non-threatening, many office employees work within tight and confined spaces. This means that in the event of a slip and fall accident, they are at risk of hitting metal furniture or sharp desk corners and computer equipment. Injuries from a slip and fall can be serious and result in large hospital bills, the need for rehabilitation therapy, and missed days at work. The following are typical injuries from slip and fall accidents:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Sprains and strains
- Bruises
Compensation for Office Slip and Falls
Office workers might not necessarily think of their injuries from a slip and fall as compensable. However, under Pennsylvania law, employers are required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance to cover work-related injuries. Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system, so even if the employee was partially responsible for a work accident, they can still apply for benefits. Cases involving horseplay, intentional self-harm, or the use of drugs and alcohol are not covered.
A successful claim can provide the following benefits:
- Medical benefits, including treatment, therapy, supplies, and prescription medications
- Wage loss benefits, including partial or total disability payments
- Specific loss benefits for loss of permanent use of all or part of a toe, foot, leg, thumb, finger, hand, arm, sight, or hearing
If you are injured in a workplace slip and fall accident, be sure to report your injury to your employer and seek medical care right away. Let your medical professional know that your injury happened at work. If your employer or the insurer tries to deny your claim for Workers’ Compensation, consult with an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer for help filing a claim for benefits. Injuries from a workplace slip and fall are compensable.
Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Advocate for Injured Office Workers
If you were injured in a work-related accident, you may be eligible for compensation. At AlpernSchubert P.C., we provide personalized representation to each of our clients. Call us at 800-243-6095 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation lawyer about your case. Located in Pittsburgh, we advocate for injured workers throughout western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Lawrence County, and Washington County.