Key Takeaways: Heavy Equipment Injuries at Work in Pennsylvania
- Heavy equipment accidents can lead to serious injuries such as crush injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Pennsylvania workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, including medical coverage, wage loss, and specific loss benefits.
- You may be eligible for a personal injury lawsuit and workers’ comp if a third party or defective equipment caused your injury.
- Common employer and insurer tactics include denying claims, minimizing injuries, or pressuring early return to work—legal representation helps protect your rights.
- Report your injury promptly, seek medical care, document everything, and contact a workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible.
- Mooney Law offers experienced legal support across Central Pennsylvania to help injured workers secure full benefits and long-term protection.
Heavy equipment is vital to many jobs in construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors across Pennsylvania. From forklifts and bulldozers to cranes and excavators, this machinery helps workers get the job done but also poses serious risks. The consequences can be devastating when an accident involving heavy equipment happens at work.
If you have been injured in a heavy equipment accident, it is critical to understand your rights under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws. At Mooney Law, our experienced work injury attorneys in Pennsylvania help injured workers secure the benefits they are entitled to and guide them through every step of the legal process.
Common Types of Heavy Equipment Accidents
Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery are often severe and may include:
- Crushed limbs or body parts due to rollovers or caught-in/between accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falling objects or collisions
- Severe back or neck injuries from heavy lifting or equipment malfunctions
- Burns or electric shock from equipment failure
- Amputations due to machinery with unguarded moving parts
These injuries often result in long-term disability, extensive medical treatment, or even permanent loss of earning capacity. That’s why working with an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer who knows how to handle serious injury claims is crucial.
Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law
If you were injured while operating or working near heavy equipment, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits—regardless of who was at fault. Pennsylvania workers’ comp laws are designed to provide financial support and medical care to injured workers without the need to prove negligence.
Your rights may include:
- Full coverage of all reasonable and necessary medical expenses
- Wage loss benefits for temporary or permanent disability
- Specific loss benefits for the loss of a limb, vision, or hearing
- Death benefits for surviving dependents if the accident is fatal
Why You Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer After a Heavy Equipment Injury
Workers’ compensation claims involving serious injuries and heavy machinery are often complex. Insurance companies may attempt to downplay your injury, deny treatment, or push for a premature return to work. An experienced attorney can help with:
- Ensuring you get the full range of medical evaluations needed to document your injuries
- Fighting for fair wage loss and disability benefits
- Challenging denied claims or misclassified injuries
- Protecting your job and rights if your employer retaliates
Our legal team at Mooney Law knows the tactics insurance companies use—and we do not back down. Learn more about how we handle denied workers’ comp claims and represent injured workers throughout Pennsylvania.
Can You Sue After a Heavy Equipment Accident?
While workers’ comp covers most job-related injuries, there are certain situations where additional legal action may be possible. For example, if your injury was caused by defective machinery or a negligent third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer), you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit alongside your workers’ comp claim. Mooney Law can evaluate your case and help you pursue all possible legal avenues.
What to Do After a Heavy Equipment Accident at Work
If you have been injured by heavy equipment, follow these steps:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately—this protects your right to file a claim
- Seeking medical treatment from an approved provider
- Document everything—take photos, gets witness names, and keep all records
- Contact a Pennsylvania workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights
Delays or mistakes in this process can hurt your chances of receiving full benefits, especially in cases involving life-changing injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy Equipment Injuries in PA
Can I get workers’ compensation if the heavy equipment accident was my fault?
Yes. Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault, meaning you can still receive benefits even if you made a mistake—as long as you were not under the influence or acting intentionally to cause harm.
How long do I have to report a workplace injury in Pennsylvania?
You must notify your employer within 120 days of the injury, but the sooner you report it, the better. Prompt reporting helps protect your rights and speeds up the claims process.
What if I need surgery or long-term rehab after my injury?
Your workers’ comp benefits should cover all necessary medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care. Our attorneys will fight to ensure your care is not denied or cut off prematurely.
What if my employer tries to force me back to work too soon?
You should only return to work when a doctor has cleared you. If you are being pressured or facing retaliation, Mooney Law can take legal action to defend your rights and ensure your recovery is not jeopardized.
Do I need a lawyer even if my claim is approved?
In significant injury cases involving heavy equipment, having a lawyer is essential—even if your claim is approved. We ensure your benefits are calculated properly, and we are prepared to fight if they are ever reduced or terminated.
Call Us for Help with a Heavy Equipment Injury at Work Claim
At Mooney Law, we have helped thousands of injured workers across Pennsylvania recover the benefits they deserve. We understand the impact of a severe injury on your life, family, and future.
With offices throughout Central Pennsylvania and decades of experience handling workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, we fight hard to ensure justice is served.
