Many workers in Pennsylvania know that their jobs can come with significant risks, particularly if they work in an industry that involves the movement of heavy objects or the use of large machinery. Even so, no matter where you work, accidents can still happen and can often leave the employees involved with serious injuries. Depending on the severity of the incident, they may even be forced to take time off work while they recover.
In Ridgway, three contractors learned this the hard way one afternoon when the bridge they were working on suffered a partial collapse. At least two of the workers injured in the incident were walking on the bridge when the collapse occurred. It is unknown how or why the event occurred. However, the crew were said to be in the process of demolishing the structure.
The bridge, which was constructed over 100 years previously, in 1912, was undergoing a $2.2 million rehaul as it had been listed as structurally deficient. Now inspectors are questioning whether it will be safe to reopen the surviving portion of the structure. Meanwhile, traffic is to be rerouted. All three workers were hospitalized although only one is said to have suffered serious injuries.
Incidents like this are all too common yet it is often hard to prevent them and many employees have their lives permanently altered as a result. Fortunately, if you are harmed at work you may be entitled to workers' compensation. An attorney can advise you about your options and may be able to assist you if you decide to pursue justice and remuneration for your injuries.
Source: The Bradford Era, "3 hurt, one seriously in Ridgway bridge collapse," Colin Deppen and Marcie Schellhammer, June 18, 2015
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