From maintenance crews to truck drivers to baggage handlers, airports require various workers to ensure that air travel runs smoothly. Unfortunately, many occupational hazards in the aviation industry put employees at risk of injury.
If you have a work-related injury or illness, you may qualify for workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania. An airport workers’ lawyer with Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. can help you navigate your claim. Our attorneys can fight for the full and fair benefits you deserve so you have the resources you need to protect your health and future. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation.
What Airline and Airport Employees Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, commonwealth law requires most employers to provide employees with workers’ compensation insurance. Therefore, if you work for an airline or airport in Pennsylvania, you most likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if you suffered a work-related injury.
Workers’ compensation is a type of no-fault insurance, meaning you do not need to prove your employer acted negligently. However, you will need to establish that your injury occurred at work while you were performing work-related activities.
Workers at Risk for Airline/Airport Injury
Anyone who works at an airport may be at risk for an airline/airport injury. Our airline workers’ lawyers represent a wide range of employees, including:
- Pilots
- Flight attendants
- Baggage handlers
- Cleaning and maintenance workers
- Mechanics and technicians
- Hanger workers and ground crew members, including shuttle and bus drivers
- Food service workers
- Gate workers and ticketing agents
Common Injuries Suffered by Airline/Airport Workers
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that the most common causes of occupational injuries that result in days off work include exposure to harmful substances, overexertion, and slips, trips, and falls.
Injuries suffered by airline/airport workers may include:
- Exposure to hazardous substances – Jet fuel, engine oil, and flame retardants are just a few of the harmful substances used in and around airports. Exposure to dangerous substances and chemicals can cause rashes, burns, eye injuries, respiratory problems, and other medical issues.
- Slip and falls – Slip, trip, and fall accidents can happen inside airports or on the tarmac. Some employees may also be at risk for falls from heights, including falls from ladders.
- Musculoskeletal injuries – Musculoskeletal injuries can occur when lifting heavy objects, such as luggage, cargo, or equipment, or when bending or twisting to perform tasks in tight places.
- Repetitive stress injuries – These kinds of injuries develop due to the repeated use of a body part to perform a task. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common repetitive stress injury.
- Hearing loss – Aircraft engines, ground equipment, and power tools are noisy. Workers repeatedly exposed to loud noises can suffer hearing loss.
- Motor vehicle accidents – Airports and airlines use motor vehicles to shuttle passengers, load baggage, fuel airplanes, and more. Workers can suffer injuries from workplace auto accidents.
- Struck-by/against accidents – Struck/by against accidents can happen when workers get hit by vehicles, equipment, or falling objects.
- Workplace violence – Airline and airport workers may experience violence in the workplace.
Our law firm’s airport accident lawyers handle various types of workplace injuries. If you sustained an injury related to your employment, we can review your case and discuss your legal options. Contact us today.
What to Do When Injured at Work
If you suffer an injury at work, there are several things you should do to protect your health and claim for compensation, including:
- Get medical treatment – You should immediately seek medical treatment from a healthcare provider approved by your workers’ compensation insurance. Make sure you follow the doctor’s orders, attend future appointments, and maintain your medical records.
- Notify your employer about your injury or illness – You must notify your employer about your workplace injury within 21 days. Failure to do so could result in losing your workers’ compensation benefits. Follow your employer’s procedures for providing notice.
- File a workers’ compensation claim – You should file a claim with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. You must submit the necessary documentation with your claim, including your medical records.
- Consider consulting an attorney – Our airline and airport workers’ compensation lawyers can prepare and file your claim. We can also assist with any problems that may arise, including unfair claim denials, incorrect medical assessments, or the early discontinuation of your medical coverage or wage replacement benefits.
Why Do I Need an Attorney for an Airport Worker Injury?
Insurance companies profit by denying claims or offering the lowest possible settlement. Therefore, your employer’s workers’ compensation provider may not have your best interests at heart, but our airline lawyers do.
Our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys have recovered over $221 million for injured workers. We can seek the benefits owed to you, which may include:
- Medical expenses – Workers’ comp should pay for all your reasonable and necessary medical treatment until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point at which continued treatment will not improve your condition. Keep in mind that a doctor who works for the insurance company will perform your independent medical examination (IME). If you disagree with their assessment, we can fight to get the healthcare you need.
- Lost wages – If you cannot work for seven or more days due to a work-related injury, workers’ compensation provides a partial replacement for your lost wages. The maximum allowable weekly benefit can be up to two-thirds of your pre-injury weekly wage, subject to annual caps. We can pursue the highest compensation possible.
- Specific loss benefits – You may qualify for this type of compensation if you have a work injury resulting in hearing loss, vision loss, or loss of the use of a limb or digit.
- Disfigurement benefits – If you suffered an injury resulting in serious or permanent disfiguration to the head, face, or neck, we can seek disfigurement benefits.
- Death benefits – If your loved one died from a workplace injury, we can pursue death benefits for eligible family members.
Call Our Pennsylvania Airplane & Airport Worker Accident Lawyers Today
Get help from a knowledgeable airport worker injury lawyer serving Pennsylvania. Contact Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. online or call today for a free consultation. We can guide you through your workers’ compensation claim and help you recover the benefits you need to get back on your feet. We have over 20 years of legal experience. There is never a fee unless we win your case.
