Fell and Was Injured at My Retail Job

In 2023, 3.1 of every 100 workers was injured on the job in the retail industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Considering that retail supports 26% of the jobs in Pennsylvania, the number of people who are injured suddenly takes a dramatic turn. If you are one of those who has taken a nasty fall at a retail or food-service establishment, there are certain steps you can take to make sure you do not have to pay for a costly misstep.
What Types of Information Should I Gather?
Since employers in Pennsylvania are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, the good news is that an injury does not have to drain your bank account. And since most injuries that occur during work are entitled to Workers’ Compensation regardless of fault, it is important to make sure that you are able to prove that an injury, did, in fact, occur at work.
To do that, you must take certain steps to properly document the incident:
First, begin by notifying your immediate supervisor of the incident. Workers must report an accident within 21 days of the injury, according to the state’s Workers’ Compensation regulations, so moving quickly is paramount. It is also equally advisable that you seek medical attention. A slip-and-fall accident may not feel like it is particularly severe or life-threatening, but being able to show you sought treatment will open the door to being compensated for possible long-term complications.
Since documentation will be key in securing payment for lost wages and medical bills, create a paper trail to bolster your case. Obtain any reports filed at work or via the hospital where you were examined. Talk to anyone who may have seen the incident and get written statements if possible. In addition to statements and reports, document your injuries by taking pictures for as long as they persist. Photographs where the incident occurred that show the conditions may also be helpful.
What Are Common Slip-and-Fall Accidents?
So, what types of accidents qualify as slip-and-fall accidents? Here is a look at some of the most common scenarios:
- Wet floors. Spills that are not properly or promptly removed can cause dangerous conditions that can lead to anything from bumps and bruises to broken bones and even a concussion.
- Cluttered aisles or untidy areas. Leaving merchandise in disarray or piling it up to unsafe heights can result in objects falling down and striking individuals, which can lead to head trauma, cuts and scrapes, and other more serious injuries.
- Parking lots and uneven surfaces. Failing to clear snow or ice from parking lots can cause slip-and-fall accidents in a flash. Possible injuries include bruises, muscle strains, head injuries, broken bones, and a multitude of wounds that require treatment.
- Ladders or scaffolding. Improperly securing ladders or other climbing equipment could lead to individuals falling long distances to the ground, resulting in sprains, strains, lacerations, broken bones, punctures, and whiplash.
- Inadequate lighting. Dimly lit areas or failing to replace light bulbs can conceal tripping hazards or other landmines that can cause a slip-and-fall situation. Bumps and bruises, muscle tears, and neck strain are possible in trying to remain upright.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Provide?
When seeking compensation, here are some variables worth considering:
- Workers’ Compensation pays approximately two-thirds of an individual’s weekly rate of pay for the time the person is out of work.
- Medical expenses are covered for the duration of the injury. This includes hospital visits, doctor evaluations, tests to determine the extent of the injury, such as X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans or other imaging, and prescriptions.
- Special loss benefits are available to those who suffer complete or total loss of a specified body part, such as an arm or leg.
- Family members are entitled to death benefits if an accident results in a loved one’s death.
Call on the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. to Hear Your Story
If you suffer a slip-and-fall accident, do not try to sort out a complicated claim on your own. Request assistance from the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. For a free consultation, fill out our online form or call 888-999-1962. Our offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, proudly serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.