Question: I got hurt at work. I collected some benefits under workers comp. My employer kept a very messy shop which is part of the reason I got hurt. Can I now sue my employer for failing to keep the workplace up to standards? Anonymous, Nescopeck, Pa.
Answer: In Pennsylvania, workers compensation is generally the exclusive remedy when you are hurt at work. This exclusivity provision bars civil suits against your employer for a work injury. There are other means of addressing a workplace that is dangerous or otherwise falls below standard. These include contacting OSAH or other governmental agencies to investigate the problem.
If you’ve suffered a work injury and have questions about your claim, contact me at tcummings@dlplaw.com or call (570) 347-1011 for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The above article is for instructive purposes only and each case is fact sensitive. Consultation with an attorney should be obtained instead of reliance upon the legal issues discussed in this column.
