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The most recent annual report from Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) indicates more than 170,000 cases of work injuries and illness were documented. Sprains and strains were the most common injuries—injuries that usually occur because of overexertion or hard contact with other objects.

Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation Act compensates for almost any type of workplace injury. From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to amputations, you are probably covered. Illnesses caused by various workplace conditions are also covered by workers’ compensation benefits. The Philadelphia work-related injury attorney at Gross & Kenny, LLP is here to fight for the right of the worker.

Breaking Down the Numbers

According to the DLI’s annual report, the businesses that accounted for more than 50% of the injuries reported were:

• Trade
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Education
• Health Services
• Other workplaces that saw a significant number of injuries reported were:
• Leisure and Hospitality
• Public Administration
• Professional and Business Services

Most of the work-related injuries in the Philadelphia area occurred in the trade and transportation sector with almost 19,000 strains and sprains reported. Most of the reported injuries by Philadelphia workers were caused by overexertion, and around a third of the reported injuries were to the upper torso and limbs.

Injuries occurring in public administration and service jobs in Philadelphia led the state with a combined 15,000 injuries. In Philadelphia, the median age of injured workers is 41 years old.

Education, health services, transportation, and utility jobs accounted for 100,000 injuries statewide, and the median ages of these workers ranged from 41 to 43. However, the average age of statewide injured workers was 25-29.

Men had most of these cases with 52%, and women reported 48%.

Sprains and strains resulted in 36.8% of the injuries with 63,646 cases. Other injuries included:

• Contusions and bruising injuries
• Cuts, lacerations, and punctures
• Fractures

Most of these injuries were suffered in upper extremities, including:

• Arms
• Fingers
• Hands
• Shoulders

Other areas of the body that were injured included:

• Ankles
• Back
• Chest
• Knees

Nearly 17,000 workers suffered injuries to multiple parts of their bodies.

The cause of these injuries ranged from:

• Overexertion (26%)
• Being struck by an object (21%)
• Falls (12%)
• Motor accidents at work (3%)

This report is released by the DLI annually and filed with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

When should I contact a lawyer?

The Philadelphia work injury lawyer at Gross & Kenny, LLP is here if you are worried about reporting your injury, or if you were denied benefits. We can also help if you did not receive the appropriate care from the doctor, or if your employer is pressuring you to return to work too soon.

We can represent you, fully investigating the incident, intervening when necessary. We can guide you through filing appeals and attending appeal hearings. If you feel like your claim is not taken seriously, employers are more likely to take notice of an official letter from a legal office.

Contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 215-512-1500.