Union Member Injuries

Injured Union Worker Attorney in York: Know Your Rights

Pennsylvania has a strong union workforce- about 900,000 unionized workers ply their trades in the Commonwealth. Unions provide many benefits other workers don’t have, like higher pay, better working conditions, and job security. While they experience many benefits other non-union workers don’t have, they can, and still do get hurt on the job. 

When it comes to workers’ compensation for union workers, filing a claim can often be more complicated. A union may steer you towards certain lawyers who are overtaxed and who fail to provide you with the individual attention your case demands. 

They may also be motivated to keep the employer and union on good terms, at your expense. You may be entitled to better benefits as a union worker, but you need to advocate for yourself and you need an attorney who can make sure you receive those benefits.

If you or someone you love is an injured union worker, contact an attorney at Dale E. Anstine to answer your questions, free of charge. 

We’re here to take the burden off you, and to assist with the insurance calls, the doctor’s appointments, medical bills and more. 

Common Union Worker Injuries

Union workers face a number of potential risks on the job that can lead to:

• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Strains and sprains
• Knee injuries
• Burns
• Hand injuries
• Crush injuries
• Electrocution
• Asbestos
• Carbon Monoxide
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Occupational illnesses
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Fall injuries

Here are some recent statistics on traumatic workplace injuries, provided by the CDC: 

• Last year, more than 900,000 U.S. workers ended up with non-fatal work injuries which required time away from work 
• Of those workers, 27% were related to slip, trips, and falls
• 26% of the injuries were the result of coming into contact with objects on site or equipment 
• 1,276 U.S. workers died in work-related crashes involving motor vehicles (accounting for 24% of all work-related deaths) 
• An estimated 2.5 million workers sustained work-related injuries severe enough, they required immediate ER treatment
• The rate of emergency department-treated, work-related injuries was estimated at 160 per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers
• The three leading causes of work-related injuries treated in an emergency department are consistently:

1. 1. Contact with objects and equipment
   2. Overexertion and bodily reaction
   3. Falls, slips and trips without a fall

How Long do I have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Time is critical following a union worker injury. An injured worker should report their injury immediately, even if the injury does not require missed work. It is good practice to give that notice in writing, when possible. 

In Pennsylvania, you must report your injury to your employer within 120 days. If you wait until after that, you may be ineligible to receive benefits. If you act quickly, and report your injuries within 21 days, you can be awarded benefits as of the actual date of the incident that caused your injury. Beyond those 21 days, you can only be awarded benefits as of the date you report your injury.

The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is three years from the date of the injury. What does that mean? If you’ve been injured at work and denied medical benefits or wage loss benefits, you must file a claim petition within those three years. Failure to act within three years means you will not be able to collect benefits for your injuries. 

If your case involves long term injuries, like hearing loss or occupational disease, there are other time restrictions. A claim for hearing loss must be brought within three years of the last exposure to hazardous noise. For occupational disease, the disability must occur within 300 weeks from the last exposure to the toxins that caused the disease.

The workers’ compensation system in our state is complex, and can be even more complicated when it comes to union worker injuries. It is imperative to call an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who specializes in injured union worker cases in York, PA as soon as possible. 

Injured? Contact a Union Worker Injury Attorney in York, PA Right Away!

Pennsylvania is home to more than 1,000 different unions. Some, like the Teamsters, AFL-CIO and others, have their own set of restrictions and workers’ compensation funds. Because of collective bargaining, there will be differences between injured union workers’ compensation cases and other workers.

Sometimes, a personal injury lawsuit against a third party will be necessary to receive your just compensation. For that, you will certainly want an experienced attorney, dedicated to you and your case.

Workers’ compensation has its own set of rules and even its own court system. Don’t try to navigate that system alone. An experienced Union Worker Injury Attorney at Dale E. Anstine will make sure you get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve. 

Have our attorneys take a look at everything before you take action, FREE OF CHARGE.

Our law firm has been practicing personal injury law in York and Adams counties for decades. Let us focus on your office injury case while you recover from your injuries. We do not charge a fee for representation unless we win your case for you, so reach out today for help.