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Scaffolding collapse injures 5 roofers

On Behalf of | Jun 19, 2014 | Firm News

Authorities said that a scaffolding accident at a warehouse in the Pennsylvania township of East Deer left five workers with injuries. The June 16 workplace incident reportedly occurred at about 9:30 a.m. at a self-storage facility on Treadway Lane, where workers from a roofing company were replacing the facility’s roof.

Authorities reported that the scaffolding collapse caused the workers to fall some 20 feet to the ground. The reason for the collapse was not immediately clear following the accident. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting an investigation, authorities reported. According to an OSHA representative, investigators will analyze the scene and evidence to determine if there were deficiencies, and it could take several months to complete the investigation.

An ambulance transported one of the injured workers to a local hospital, reportedly. Two of the injured workers were airlifted to Pittsburgh hospitals, authorities said. None of the injuries suffered by the five workers was life-threatening, authorities said.

Employees who suffer workplace injuries are covered under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws, irrespective of the circumstances. However, the laws can be complex, and the claims process is often adversarial. Thus, it is important that injured workers, such as the individuals in this particular case, retain the counsel of a workers’ compensation attorney when filing a claim.

The benefits of a successful claim may include compensation for medical care, such as the cost of hospital treatment and prescription medication. Moreover, injured workers may receive compensation for lost wages while they are unable to work.

Source: TribLIVE, ‘5 roofers injured when scaffolding collapses at East Deer work site,” Mary Ann Thomas, June 16, 2014

Source: WPXI, “5 injured in apparent scaffolding collapse”, June 16, 2014

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