From electrical burns and fall injuries to trench collapses and equipment failures, utility work often leads to serious harm. If you’ve suffered an injury, you may be entitled to more than workers’ compensation. Depending on the situation, you could also pursue a claim against a negligent third party, such as a property owner, driver, or equipment manufacturer. The key is to contact a lawyer right away so you can understand your options and take appropriate steps.

Common Causes of Utility Work Injuries in Pittsburgh, PA

Some common causes of utility work injuries in Pittsburgh include:

Electrocution and Electrical Burns

Working around live wires or power lines puts utility workers at constant risk of severe shocks or burns, especially when they lack proper safety equipment or receive poor instructions from supervisors.

Falls from Heights

Many utility jobs require climbing poles, ladders, or scaffolding. A fall from even a short height can cause broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries.

Trench Collapses

Workers who dig or work in trenches can be buried or crushed when walls collapse because they aren’t properly reinforced.

Struck-By Incidents

Utility workers sometimes sustain injuries from falling tools, equipment, or vehicles, especially on roadways or crowded job sites.

Overexertion

Heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and long shifts can cause muscle strains, joint injuries, or chronic pain over time.

Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Gas, chemicals, or other toxic substances that utility workers often encounter can cause burns, respiratory problems, or long-term health conditions.

Vehicle Accidents

Utility crews often travel between sites or work on busy roads, exposing them to the threat of accidents resulting from careless or aggressive drivers.

What to Do After a Workplace Injury as a Utility Worker

Follow these steps if you sustain an on-the-job injury while working for or with a utility company:

• Get to Safety and Call for Help – If you’re in immediate danger – like near live wires or gas leaks – move to a safe area and call for emergency assistance.
• Report the Injury to Your Supervisor – Let your supervisor or employer know about the injury as soon as possible, ideally within 21 days. The final deadline to avoid losing your benefits is 120 days after the deadline but waiting too long to report an injury can complicate your claim or lead to avoidable delays.
• Seek Medical Attention – Even if the injury seems minor, see a doctor anyway. You might have hidden injuries with potentially life-threatening complications. Seeing a doctor immediately also helps you create a clear link between an accident and your injuries.
• Document the Scene – If you can, take photos of the area, equipment involved, or anything that might have caused the injury. However, don’t put off seeing a doctor or jeopardize your health by waiting at the scene if you have life-threatening injuries.
• Gather Witness Information – Get the names and contact info of any coworkers or others who saw the accident. Their testimony can support your claim later.
• Follow All Treatment Instructions – Keep your medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice closely to support your recovery and protect your legal rights.
• File a Workers’ Comp Claim – Let your employer know you intend to pursue benefits and ask about your next steps. You must submit your claim within three years to preserve your benefits.
• Contact an Attorney – An experienced lawyer can explain your rights, help you file paperwork to start your claim, and determine if you also have a legal case against a negligent third party.

Compensation for Injured Utility Workers and Contractors

Most injured utility workers qualify for benefits under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits can include full coverage for your medical treatments, partial wage-replacement benefits while you can’t work, and compensation for any lasting disabilities resulting from your injuries. Workers’ comp doesn’t require you to prove fault, but it also doesn’t cover pain and suffering or full lost wages.

However, if a third party – such as a property owner, driver, or equipment manufacturer – caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a separate personal injury claim against them. These claims can let you recover additional compensation for pain and suffering, the full amount of your lost income, and other losses that workers’ comp benefits don’t cover. Contractors and subcontractors who aren’t eligible for workers’ comp may also be able to pursue third-party claims. You must file a third-party injury lawsuit within two years of your injury.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Work Injury Lawyers Now for Help

DelVecchio & Miller, LLC, has over 60 years of combined legal experience and can guide you through every step of the legal process after an on-the-job injury. From filing a workers’ comp claim and collecting evidence to negotiating settlements and pursuing third-party injury claims, we can simplify your life and protect your interests. Trust us to fight for you during this challenging time.

Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.