YORK, Pa. - June is National Safety Month, and it focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in the community. Dave Pollick, with Dale E. Anstine Personal Injury Attorneys, shared with FOX43 ways that workers can protect themselves. Pollick says it's important to understand what workers' compensation is. In Pennsylvania, if someone gets a job injury or a work-related illness, the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, or Act, provides medical expenses and, in the event a person can't work, wage-loss compensation benefits until they're able to go back to work. But, Pollick says it's all "legal fantasy."
"The legislator created a tradeoff in exchange for the worker getting their time off and their medical expenses," he said, "they give away their rights to sue anybody."
Workplace injuries can occur for a variety of reasons and may include:
- Traumatic Injuries such as Strains, Beaks or Burns
- Repetitive Stress Injuries
- Diseases or Health Conditions Resulting from the Work Environment
- Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Condition
Pollick explained that only employees are eligible for workers' compensation and they must be doing something that furthers their boss' work.