Jobs that require physical labor have the highest amount of workers' compensation claims. That's not to say that men and women who do those job aren't careful and safe, but the duties that they must perform can place them in harm's way. Even when all safety precautions are properly taken, there are still times when things go wrong people end up hurt. When you are hurt on the job there is a good chance that you will be eligible to receive workers' compensation. Many times, a company will try to fight their employees' claims; in that case, an experienced workers' compensation attorney is essential so that justice is served and you and your family are taken care of and compensated for your pain, suffering, and missed time on the job.
Several were injured today as they were working in a trench along George Junior Road in Grove City, PA. Police say that two men were working on a "sewer lateral" for a private home at around 2 p.m. when the trench caved in on them. Emergency operators dispatched first responders from Grove City, Mercer, and Pine Township to the scene.
A spokesperson from the Grove City Fire Department told reporters that one man was trapped and couldn't move from his knees down and that another man was trapped and buried in up to his neck. He said that the man was still breathing when they arrived and that they were able to remove dirt as far down as his waist before extracting him from the trench. Each of the victims was also accompanied by a brother. Both brothers were outside the trench when it collapsed.
The victim who was trapped up only to his knees was examined by medics and was able to walk away from the scene unscathed. The other victim had to be Life-Flighted to a local hospital with what medics were calling injuries to his shoulder and lower extremities.
The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating the incident. There is no update on the injured worker as of now, but he expected to survive. If you have questions about being hurt on the job and workers' compensation, call 800-777-4081 for a free consultation.
Source: WKBN, "2 workers injured in trench collapse" 8 October 2014