Depending on an employee's workplace a worker fall can be devastating. While a trip and fall in an office can of course result in injury to an employee, falls that can occur in industrial settings can lead to even more catastrophic injuries. These occur throughout the nation including the in the Pittsburgh area.

Last month a Pennsylvania man was apparently hurt in a fall while working. He was reportedly in the process of unloading a piece of heavy equipment from a trailer when he fell from the trailer. After the fall he became lodged under the equipment. As would be expected, rescuers were called who attended to him.

Despite the alarming nature of the industrial accident, the man is reportedly expected to recover. When the rescue crews arrived he was alert and able to have a conversation with them. The nature of his injuries is not known.

The outcome of an incident like this could have been much worse. Often when a worker is trapped under a piece of heavy equipment the injuries suffered are so severe that they lead to death. When, as is the case here, someone survives, it is highly likely that there will be a period of recovery during which time the individuals will not be able to work. To help avoid financial strain, many file for workers' compensation benefits to bridge that gap.

The workers' compensation benefits available to an injured worker vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the nature and extent of injuries. In cases where benefits are initially denied, many find that working with a lawyer who handles such cases is beneficial.

Source: CBS 21, "UPDATE: Man trapped under piece of equipment expected to be okay," Brandie Meng, March 19, 2013