Slip and Fall Accidents in the Trucking Industry
Truckers face a variety of hazards while working, including the risk of slip and fall accidents. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, our slip and fall lawyers will guide you through the process of seeking workers’ compensation. Here is more information about slip and fall accidents in the trucking industry and how Philly Slip and Fall Guys can help you receive compensation:
Slip and Fall Hazards
A slip and fall usually happens when your shoes lose traction with a wet or damaged surface. Wet and icy sidewalks are slippery, forming a slip and fall hazard for truckers. In the trucking industry, one hazard is ramps and gangplanks without anti-skid or slip-resistant surfaces. Other potential slip and fall hazards for truckers include:
Metal surfaces: Metal dock boards, platforms, metal rungs, or steps on equipment and ladders could form slip and fall hazards. Shoes have a lower force of traction and friction on these types of surfaces. Metal surfaces can become extremely slick with mud, dirt, grease, or oil. As the surfaces wear, they can become smooth and slippery.
Wet and slick surfaces: Wet surfaces on equipment and platforms form dangerous slip hazards since slipping from a wet running board or step could mean falling from a greater height.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Our clients’ slip and fall injuries have ranged from bruises to spinal cord damage. Some injuries are evident right away, while latent injuries such as whiplash or disc problems may appear days, months, or years later. Visiting a doctor and reaching out to a lawyer immediately after your accident may reduce the chance of lasting effects of injuries and help you receive compensation.
If your injuries impact your ability to drive, Philly Slip and Fall Guys will assist you in calculating the current and future damages related to your injuries. Emotional and financial damages are also taken into account when completing the calculation. Psychological injuries such as trauma or PTSD are also possible after an injury, requiring additional expenses for therapy visits. Calculating the damages helps you determine a settlement amount with the insurance company.
Reducing Slip and Fall Risk
To reduce the chances of an accident, truckers are expected to follow the three-point contact rule when exiting or entering a vehicle. This refers to having either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the truck. Jumping from the truck bed or from another part of the equipment could result in landing on an uneven surface and falling. Using unauthorized handholds or stepping on the tires or wheel hubs could also result in a slip and fall injury.
Other safety measures that can be taken to reduce slip and fall risks include replacing worn surfaces to maintain good traction. Anti-slip surfaces may also be added to help increase the friction beneath shoes. Since wet or icy surfaces could create hazardous walking spaces, watch for rain or cold temperatures.
Even after safety precautions have been taken, accidents can still occur. Injured employees have the option to sue for damages but often waive their right to sue in favor of workers’ compensation. With workers’ compensation, the employee receives benefits whether the accident was the employer’s or employee’s fault. To help you determine a fitting course of action after a slip and fall accident, we offer free consultations with a slip and fall lawyer.
Workers Compensation
If you have been hurt during your job, let your employer know immediately and file an injury report. Since the slip and fall happened on the job, you will likely be filing for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability payments
- Rehabilitation charges
One of our experienced attorneys at Philly Slip and Fall Guys will assess your case to determine if you are eligible for workers’ compensation and determine liability. An assessment includes looking over witness statements and medical reports and examining the conditions of the accident site. To assist in the investigation process, have all accident-related documents on hand for our team to use for evidence. Your medical reports show the insurance company the reality of your injuries.
After we determine whether you are eligible or not, Philly Slip and Fall Guys will negotiate with your employer’s insurance company on your behalf to help you receive fair compensation. If the insurance company denies your claim, we will also handle the appeals process.
Slip and Fall Lawyer at Philly Slip and Fall Guys
Our firm has over thirty years of experience helping clients throughout Pennsylvania County. The attorneys at Philly Slip and Fall Guys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay an attorney fee until after a settlement or a verdict is reached. We invite you to fill out our online form or call us to schedule a consultation with a slip and fall lawyer.
