Wayne Workplace Injury Lawyer

Experienced Delaware County Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Dedicated to Securing Fair Compensation on Behalf of Injured Employees

Getting up and going to work is something that you’ve grown accustomed to. However, given your level of dedication to your job, it’s fair to assume that your employer is equally dedicated to your safety. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. What’s more, some workplace accidents are the result of negligent third parties, making them unavoidable from both an employer’s and employee’s perspective. 

At MyPhillyLawyer, our dedicated team of Wayne workplace injury lawyers have decades of combined experience helping workers understand their rights and pursue fair compensation for what they’ve endured. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients, during which we will explain the recovery process, outline your options, and help you determine the best way to proceed with your case. 

Wayne Employment Statistics

Unemployment in Wayne, PA:

The unemployment rate in Wayne was measured at 3.3 percent in October 2023. This is a slight increase from 3.0 percent in September 2023 but is a significant decrease from the previous year’s rate of 4.4 percent. The current unemployment rate is considerably lower than the long-term average of 6.67 percent, indicating a relatively healthy job market in the city.

Income Levels in Wayne, PA:

The median household income in Wayne is notably high at $154,973. This figure places Wayne’s household income in the 99th percentile, suggesting that the city’s residents are generally well-off compared to the median income in the United States. Such a high median income is indicative of a prosperous local economy with potentially high-paying job opportunities.

Most Common Employers in Wayne:

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, the most common employers in Wayne, as well as throughout Delaware County, include the following organizations:

• The Boeing Company
• United Parcel Service Inc
• Wawa Inc
• Delaware County
• Villanova University
• Prospect CCMC LLC
• SAP of America Inc
• Federal Government
• Giant Food Stores LLC
• Upper Darby School District
• Elwyn
• Riddle Memorial Hospital
• ACME Markets Inc
• The State Government
• Mercy Catholic Medical Center

Most residents of Wayne work outside the home and spend the majority of their day at work. All else being equal, this fact alone suggests that workplace accidents would occur with some regularity. However, even taking this into account, there are still a surprising number of workplace injuries in Wayne, PA. 

After a Wayne workplace accident, injured employees have two options when it comes to pursuing a claim for compensation: a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury claim.

Common Workplace Accidents in Wayne, PA

Common workplace accidents in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, are similar to those elsewhere in the country but with a few local differences. The nature of these accidents often reflects the predominant industries in the area, including healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. 

Slips, Trips, and Falls: One of the most common workplace accidents, slips, trips, and falls, can occur in any environment. In Delaware County’s bustling healthcare and retail sectors, these incidents are frequent due to wet floors, cluttered workspaces, and uneven surfaces. Falls from height are also common in construction and maintenance sectors, where workers are often required to work on ladders or scaffolding.

Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries: Overexertion, often caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects, is a prevalent issue, especially in manufacturing and warehouse settings. Similarly, repetitive stress injuries result from continuous, repetitive motions and are frequent in office environments where workers engage in prolonged typing or assembly line work.

Machinery and Equipment Accidents: In Delaware County’s industrial sectors, accidents involving machinery and equipment are a significant concern. These include being caught in or struck by moving machinery, equipment malfunctions, or lack of proper safety guards. Such incidents can lead to severe injuries, amputations, or fatalities.

Transportation and Vehicle-Related Accidents: Transportation accidents are common, especially among workers who drive for business purposes, including delivery drivers and sales representatives. Accidents can occur due to distracted driving, poor weather conditions, or vehicle malfunctions. Delaware County, with its mix of urban and rural areas, sees a variety of these incidents on its roads.

Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments: Workers in Delaware County may be exposed to various harmful substances, including chemicals, gases, and particulate matter, particularly in industrial and healthcare settings. Such exposure can lead to acute injuries or long-term health issues. Additionally, working in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, poses risks, especially for outdoor workers in construction and maintenance.

Electrocution: Electrocution risks are present in many industries, from construction to office settings. These accidents often result from contact with exposed wires, faulty equipment, or during the repair and installation of electrical systems.

Violence and Other Injuries by Persons or Animals: Workplace violence, including assaults by coworkers or customers, is a growing concern across various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and education. Additionally, workers in certain roles may face risks from animals, particularly in rural parts of the county involved in agricultural activities.

Fire and Explosions: While less common, fires and explosions pose a significant risk, especially in industries dealing with flammable materials, like certain manufacturing processes. These incidents can lead to severe burns, inhalation injuries, and fatalities.

To mitigate these risks, Delaware County employers must adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and implement comprehensive safety programs. This includes regular safety training, proper maintenance of equipment, and the provision of appropriate safety gear. Additionally, fostering a culture of safety, where employees are encouraged to report hazards and participate in safety initiatives, is crucial.

Employees should be aware of their rights and the safety protocols in their workplace. In the event of an injury, workers in Delaware County have access to workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of fault, and possibly personal injury damages. 

Two Potential Claims for Injured Workers: Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury 

Employees who are injured on the job have two ways to secure compensation after an accident: a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. 

For example, the following may be types of situations in which a Wayne third-party personal injury lawsuit may be appropriate:

• While working, you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver;
• You were injured at work because of another’s negligence, such as a contractor, sub-contractor, customer, supplier, vendor or any other person or business that was not your employer; or
• You were injured at work as a result of a piece of dangerous or defective machinery or equipment. 

Damages Through a Wayne Workers’ Compensation Claim

Workers’ compensation claims provide specific types of damages for injured employees. While every case is different, the following damages are typically available:

Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to the work injury. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical treatments.

Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injury, workers’ compensation provides wage loss benefits. These benefits are usually a percentage of your average weekly wage, subject to certain maximums and minimums.

Specific Loss Benefits: If you suffer a permanent loss of certain body parts, hearing, or vision due to a workplace injury, you may be entitled to specific loss benefits. This is a lump-sum payment in addition to other benefits.

Death Benefits: In the unfortunate event of a work-related death, workers’ compensation provides death benefits to the dependents of a deceased worker. This may include a portion of the worker’s salary and funeral expenses.

Disfigurement Benefits: If an injury leads to permanent scarring or disfigurement of the head, face, or neck, you may be eligible for a special disfigurement benefit.

It’s important to note that workers’ compensation in Delaware County, as in the rest of Pennsylvania, is a no-fault system. This means that employees are typically eligible for these benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. However, these benefits do not include compensation for pain and suffering or punitive damages, which are typically pursued in personal injury lawsuits outside the workers’ compensation system. Those interested in learning more about the difference between workers’ compensation and personal injury claims should reach out to an experienced Wayne workplace injury lawyer for immediate assistance. 

Damages Available Through a Wayne Personal Injury Lawsuit

Pennsylvania law allows accident victims to recover two types of damages in a personal injury lawsuit: non-economic and economic damages. Economic damages refer to those out-of-pocket costs you face as a result of the accident. Economic damages permit you to recover any money you would have earned but couldn’t because of your injuries. Below are a few of the most common examples of economic damages in Wayne personal injury cases:

• Past medical bills,
• Future medical expenses,
• Lost wages,
• Decrease in earning capacity,
• Property damage, and
• Modifications to your home to accommodate any ongoing disabilities. 

Non-economic damages provide you with compensation for the emotional and psychological effects the accident had on your life. In this way, they are subjective because every accident impacts the victim’s life in different ways. Below are some of the most common types of non-economic damages found in Wayne injury lawsuits:

• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress,
• Disability or disfigurement, 
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Have You Been Injured in a Wayne Workplace Accident?

Workplace accidents interrupt your life in many ways. Not only will you miss time from work and spending quality time with your family, but you may also face mounting medical expenses and an uncertain future. To be sure, this is a stressful experience. At MyPhillyLawyer, we can help you identify who may be at fault for your injuries and how to best pursue a claim for compensation. If no one was responsible for the accident leading to your injuries, we can help you apply for workers’ compensation benefits. We have decades of experience working with injured workers and their families and can help you effectively pursue a claim for maximum compensation. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 215-227-2727. You can also reach us through our online contact form. Calling is free, and because we take all cases on a contingency basis, you will never be required to pay for our services unless we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.