Posted By Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz || 9-Jul-2015
An unexpected work accident in Pennsylvania or elsewhere can affect a person’s life on many levels, including both physical and financial challenges. Unfortunately, three workers in a recent out-of-state case recently suffered serious workplace injuries. The work-related accident that led to their injury took place at an electrical substation.
The accident occurred when a construction crew was attempting to install one ground rod inside a substation. Apparently, their equipment caused an electric arc coming from a power line underneath the ground. Authorities said the accident at the substation ended up knocking out power in the local area, affecting almost 10,000 utilities customers.
One worker on a ladder fell 20 feet and was taken to the hospital in serious condition. A second worker, 63 years old, suffered first-degree burns. A third worker, between the ages of 20 and 30, also suffered injuries and was transported to the hospital. None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening. It was not reported if the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident.
Companies in Pennsylvania are required purchase workers’ compensation insurance for the benefit of their workers. This has a two-fold benefit. First, it enables people with workplace injuries to obtain monetary benefits as well as needed medical treatment no matter who was at fault in the accident. Second, employers are protected from being sued by their employees following workplace accidents. It is within the rights of workers who have been injured or fallen ill on the job to seek all applicable workers’ compensation insurance benefits and to retain legal counsel to help process claims for financial relief.
Source: q13fox.com, “Three workers hurt in accident at Seattle electrical substation”, July 8, 2015
Categories: Workplace Injuries