Workers who are employed at industrial sites are most likely aware that the location can be dangerous. This is because there are often many machines, such as forklifts, being used in the area. While these pieces of equipment are extremely helpful at sites such as this it certain situations they can inflict harm.

Earlier this month a man working at an industrial site in Western Pennsylvania was hurt in an accident involving a forklift. The 51-year-old was injured when the forklift ran over his foot and got stuck. The incident reportedly happened when the driver of the forklift reversed the machine.

Once the man was freed from the forklift, he was taken to a hospital in Pittsburgh. There it was determined that the accident left the man with several breaks in one of his legs.

Compared to many workplace injuries a broken leg does not sound all that bad. The reality however is that bone fractures, especially when there is more than one, can be serious. It may lead to surgery and a long period of recovery during which the person cannot be on his or her feet, let alone work at an industrial worksite.

When a worker is unable to work while recovering, it is possible that the individual will seek workers' compensation benefits to help cover the expenses incurred during that time period. For most injured workers this compensation is necessary to make it through the recovery period financially. Should the injury make it impossible for the worker to ever go back to his or her job it is possible that the benefits could be more long-term.

Source: Sewickley Patch, "Man Suffers Injuries in Leetsdale Industrial Accident," Larissa Dudkiewicz, Jan. 10, 2013

• Workers' compensation cases are often complex. Our firm provides counsel in these types of matters. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pennsylvania industrial workers' accident page.