Trench Collapses
Philadelphia workers' compensation attorney who fights for your rights
Some construction jobs involve working below ground in deep trenches. Construction accidents can cause trenches to collapse, leaving workers buried under dirt and debris. This can result in serious injuries, and workers may be unable to return to the job for some time. Their medical expenses rise quickly, just as their income goes down while they can't work.
The workers' compensation system in Pennsylvania is supposed to help injured workers by paying for needed medical treatment and providing them with partial wages during recovery. But the claims process can be difficult to navigate, and claims can be disputed. The Law Offices of Richard A. Jaffe, LLC fights to get injured workers the benefits they deserve.
Trenches are dug for many reasons on construction sites - to lay down pipes, bury electrical conduit or pour foundations, for example. They can range anywhere from five feet to more than 20 feet deep. Failure to follow safety procedures or misjudging conditions can result in the trench collapsing, and workers are hit by heavy dirt and debris such as stones.
Workers who are caught in a trench collapse can suffer a range of serious injuries. These include cuts, bruises and broken bones. They can suffer oxygen deprivation and even drown if the trench fills with water. Burns are also a risk if the worker was near an electrical current.
Aggressive representation that gets results
When rescued from a trench collapse, workers may require extensive medical treatment. Recovery can take months, leaving them unable to work. Getting the workers' compensation benefits they need should be a simple process. But employers and insurance companies can challenge claims in an effort to minimize benefits and save money.
Attorney Richard A. Jaffe is a Certified Specialist in Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law and is familiar with the tactics they use to deny benefits for injured workers. That's because he used to represent insurance companies in workers' compensation claims. Now he fights on behalf of injured workers and helps them overcome the obstacles that employers and insurance companies put up.
Sometimes, an insurance company may question the extent of a work-related injury, or an employer may question whether a certain injury was related to a trench collapse. That's why attorney Jaffe investigates your accident to get the facts. He knows where to look for evidence that proves your injuries were work-related and require certain medical treatment.
If you were hurt in a trench collapse on the job, don't delay. Learn more about how attorney Jaffe can help you with your workers' compensation claim. Contact us online or call 866-800-3332 for a free consultation.