Steppacher LawSteppacher Law | Social Security Disability Attorney2026-07-01T13:06:42Zhttps://www.steppacherlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Can you get workers’ comp for accidents while driving to work?]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476272026-07-01T13:06:42Z2026-07-01T13:06:42ZFor many people, the majority of the driving that they do during a week is just driving to and from work. That is why having reliable transportation is so important. That commute is a requirement for their career.
It is also the time when they are exposed to significant accident risks. If 75% of a person's driving is just commuting, the odds are fairly high that they could be injured in an accident during that commute. If this happens, would they then be able to seek workers' compensation benefits?
Not in most cases
Generally speaking, the answer is no. Workers are not considered to be acting as employees during their commute, whether they are driving to the office or going home in the evening. It is true that the only reason they are making that drive is because they are employed, but it is still seen as their personal time, before they have signed in or begun performing any duties related to that employment. As such, they do not qualify for workers' compensation benefits.But it is important for employees to remember that there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, some employees are given work-related tasks during their commute, like picking up supplies. If they are performing work-related duties, then they may deserve workers' compensation benefits after an accident.Another exception is if the driving is being done specifically for work, such as when an employee has to drive between different locations during the day. They would likely qualify for workers' compensation benefits, as that driving is separate from their daily commute.If you have been injured in a car accident while you were acting as an employee, it is crucial that you know what legal steps to take to seek appropriate workers' compensation benefits.
]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Hearing injuries are a risk in manufacturing facilities]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476262026-06-19T13:44:53Z2026-06-19T13:44:53ZMachinery at manufacturing facilities creates considerable noise, particularly when multiple machines are being used at the same time. This exposure to high levels of noise can lead to permanent hearing loss for employees who work in the area.
Occupational hearing loss is often gradual, so the worker may not notice it right away. In some cases, they think everything is fine until loved ones start to notice that they have to speak louder on the phone or that the television is turned up at a higher volume than what’s normal. Some employees may also notice tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in their ears.
Hearing loss in manufacturing is preventable
On-the-job hearing loss is preventable, so employers must provide adequate hearing protection for any employee who’s exposed to noise that’s 85 decibels or higher regularly. Preventing hearing loss starts with measuring noise levels and keeping track of hazardous areas. Employers can use a variety of measures, such as barriers, quieter machinery, or hearing protection programs, to ensure that hearing conservation is a priority within the company.
Hearing loss affects more than just communication
Many people think that the difficulty communicating is the primary effect of hearing loss. For individuals who continue to work, there’s another issue that comes into the picture. It creates safety concerns because the worker may not be able to hear alarms or warning signals. They may miss notifications during the manufacturing process. Those can lead to them or their co-workers being involved in events that lead to injuries. By the time a worker notices the work-related hearing loss, it’s usually progressed significantly. Getting the medical care they need can be costly, particularly if they need hearing aids. Workers’ compensation should cover these costs, and other benefits might also be possible.]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Can a third-party property owner be liable for a workplace injury?]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476232026-06-09T08:07:20Z2026-06-09T08:07:20ZDid the property owner know about the hazard that caused your injury?
Property owners should be aware about hazards on their property and address them before someone gets hurt. Regular inspections and communication with tenants can help identify hazards before they cause injuries. If a property owner ignored reports about a hazard or failed to inspect the property for an extended period, they may share responsibility for your injury.
Does the property owner control the area where the injury happened?
Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions in their premises, especially if they expect regular foot traffic. However, some owners rent out their property and give tenants control over certain areas, which might lessen their responsibility for your injury.
For example, a lease may require the tenant to handle repairs and maintain safe conditions in parts of the property. A lawyer can review the property records and agreements to determine who may be responsible.
Was there a dangerous condition on the property?
While the building may be up to code or complies with safety standards, even small hazards like wet floors or uneven walkways can cause serious injuries. To support a third-party claim, you will need evidence that a dangerous condition contributed to your injury, such as:
Unsafe floors
Broken or unstable stairs
Poor or absent lighting
Neglected maintenance areas
Property owners may also look for evidence that the responsible party failed to fix the hazard or warn visitors about it. Proof of their negligence in this aspect strengthens your claim.
Protecting your rights
A workplace injury on someone else's property does not always end with a workers' compensation claim. Depending on the circumstances, the property owner or another responsible party may also share liability. Understanding who controlled the property, whether a hazard existed and whether someone knew about it can help your case.]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Understanding tendonitis symptoms and long-term health risks]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476222026-06-08T15:56:38Z2026-06-08T15:56:38Zworkers' compensation claims.
Common symptoms of tendonitis
Recognizing the warning signs of tendonitis may help you seek treatment before the condition becomes particularly severe. Common symptoms include:
Pain: Pain is often the earliest symptom and may worsen during lifting, gripping, reaching or other repetitive work activities.
Swelling and tenderness: The affected area may feel sore to the touch and appear swollen due to ongoing inflammation within the tendon.
Stiffness and reduced mobility: Many workers notice difficulty moving the affected joint normally, particularly at the beginning of the workday or after periods of rest.
Crackling sensations: Some people experience a clicking, popping or crackling feeling when moving the affected tendon.
These symptoms may seem minor at first but can become more disruptive if left untreated.
Long-term risks of delayed treatment
Ignoring tendonitis can allow the condition to progress and create lasting problems that affect both work performance and daily activities. Potential complications include:
Chronic pain: Persistent inflammation may lead to ongoing discomfort that interferes with work duties and quality of life.
Reduced strength and function: Damaged tendons can weaken over time, making it more difficult to lift, carry or perform repetitive tasks.
Increased risk of tendon rupture: A weakened tendon may become more susceptible to tearing, which can require extensive treatment and recovery.
Degenerative tendon damage: Long standing inflammation can contribute to tissue deterioration, making future healing more difficult.
Work-related tendonitis may qualify an employee for workers' compensation benefits when the condition results from job duties or repetitive workplace activities. Early reporting, medical treatment and documentation are often important in these cases. If questions arise regarding benefits, claim denials or workplace injuries, seeking legal guidance may help you better understand your rights under the workers' compensation system.]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Machinist safety must be a priority in shops]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476202026-05-26T14:33:36Z2026-05-26T14:33:36ZMachinists make metal components for a variety of objects, from bits that cut straw holes in lids to parts for space shuttles. The nature of this work puts machinists at risk of being injured by many hazards. It’s up to the employer to ensure that the machine shop is a safe place. This means addressing hazards that come from cutting tools, rotating parts, metal chips, heavy materials, hot surfaces, chemicals and noise.
Ongoing training is necessary
In a machine shop, safety isn’t limited to a one-time training or a single rule. Instead, employers must properly train the machinists and have ongoing training to instill safe habits. Even one small misstep can lead to catastrophic results in this line of work. Many injuries that machinists face stem from being expected to work in unsafe conditions, such as when they’re being rushed or distracted. Another common issue is unsafe equipment. Proper upkeep, maintenance and repair are critical. Missing guards or broken components are safety hazards. Machinists, even ones who are experienced, should be taught how to properly use the equipment, and refresher sessions are often necessary.
Protective equipment can mitigate risks
Flying metal debris and chemicals like coolant are hazards that can be mitigated with proper protective equipment. Machinists should always have eye protection. If they’re working with coolant, gloves and protective sleeves can help to prevent contact with skin, and eye protection can reduce the risk of splashes to the eyes. Hearing protection is another primary consideration. Machine shops are loud, so it’s not unusual for machinists to be exposed to decibels over 85 for prolonged periods. Hearing protection should always be worn, and periodic hearing checks are also critical. Machinists who suffer injuries at work should seek medical care. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover those expenses, and others may be possible. ]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Dangers warehouse workers face on the job]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476172026-05-11T15:22:03Z2026-05-11T15:22:03ZWarehouse workers are often incredibly busy during each shift, but this doesn’t mean that they should have to deal with lax safety. It’s up to employers to ensure that these workers aren’t facing unnecessary dangers.
These workers often work quickly and with machinery. They may deal with tight schedules and heavy materials. These conditions create injury risks, even if there are training and safety protocols in place. Many of the hazards warehouse workers face have to do with the working conditions. The spaces are often tight, which makes it challenging when machinery such as forklifts is being used. Ultimately, the conditions can mean that even a small issue can lead to major injuries.
Common hazards warehouse workers deal with
Slip and falls are common in warehouses because there might be loose packaging, uneven flooring, spilled liquids, cluttered aisles, poor lighting and cords strewn around. Raised surfaces are also common in warehouses. These mean that falls from those surfaces, such as ladders, loading docks or raised platforms, are possible. Since those falls are from heights, they can lead to significant injuries. Forklifts and other power equipment are also risks. It’s possible that workers might be crushed or run over by equipment. The chance is higher when visibility is blocked by stacked items or when pedestrians share lanes with the equipment. The onus is on the company to keep workers safe. When that doesn’t happen, workers suffer injuries. An on-the-job injury requires immediate medical attention and should trigger the workers’ compensation process. Injured employees have specific benefits, such as having their medical bills paid and partial wage replacement. It’s not always easy to get these benefits, so working with someone familiar with these situations may be beneficial.
]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[What if you were issued defective PPE?]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476122026-04-24T21:44:13Z2026-04-24T21:44:13ZIn many professions, it is necessary for workers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves safe. This is often issued by the employer, but there are also cases where workers will buy the equipment on their own and bring it to the job site.
One potential problem that can occur is if a worker is given defective or inadequate PPE. They may think they are being protected from workplace hazards, but they later suffer long-term harm.For example, say that workers are issued defective earmuffs or earplugs that do not actually protect them from excessive noise levels in the workplace. They may fully believe that the equipment they have is preventing hearing loss, but the cumulative effect of long-term exposure can cause irreversible damage. This can change the course of a person’s life, as hearing loss is often permanent.
A third-party lawsuit
In cases like this, because defective products are involved, employees may want to consider their rights to both workers’ comp benefits and a third-party lawsuit.If they miss time at work because of their injuries, or if they need medical treatment, workers’ comp can cover some of those costs – lost wages and medical bills. But a third-party lawsuit may also give them the option to sue the manufacturer of the defective equipment, seeking further compensation. This is also true for defective machinery, power tools, harnesses and safety systems, and much more.
Seeking full compensation after an on-the-job injury
PPE for hearing loss is just one example of defective equipment that could cause injury on the job. Employees need to know exactly what legal options they have.
]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[The dangers of a noisy workplace]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476112026-04-12T03:11:01Z2026-04-12T03:11:01Zconsistency of noise. While it might never be extremely loud, if it is consistently too loud, that can take its toll over time.
Employers must try to protect you from the dangers of noise
There are many techniques companies can use to reduce the threat of noise to their workers. One example is sectioning off loud machines, or at least the parts of them that make the most noise. Just like a ship has an engine room, a manufacturing plant can build a room around the motors of noisy machines to reduce how much sound reaches the ears of most workers.
Hearing protection is another thing employers should provide for their employees when noise can be an issue. The right headphones can make a big difference when worn consistently.
Distance and good planning can also help. While employers might be tempted to cram everything and everyone into as small a space as possible to reduce operational costs of the facility, a larger premises may allow more employees to be further from the sources of most of the noise and protect their hearing. Upgrading equipment to less noisy versions can also help.
Your hearing is precious. Once you lose it, you likely won’t get it back. If you are concerned, you may want to get it checked out promptly. If it is already too late, you may be able to seek workers’ compensation if you believe it was damaged at work. Having experienced legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Proving repetitive strain injuries in workers’ comp claims]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476102026-04-06T07:40:06Z2026-04-06T07:40:06ZHow do RSIs qualify for workers’ comp?
Workers’ compensation covers injuries or conditions that develop from work tasks or occur while performing job duties. Since RSIs are not always tied to one specific incident, you need to demonstrate a connection between your job duties and the development of your injury.
Even if the pain develops gradually, showing that symptoms started and worsened while performing these tasks is essential to your claim.
How should you track and record your symptoms?
Before filing a claim, it is critical to have a clear record of how your symptoms developed. By keeping a personal log, you can show which work tasks contribute to your condition. Keep track of the following:
Dates and times of when symptoms appear and the duration
Specific job tasks that cause or aggravate pain
Severity and nature of symptoms
Logging your symptoms consistently and notifying your employer about them early can help create a clear timeline of when and how your injury developed.
What evidence can support your claim?
Besides a log of your symptoms, you will need relevant evidence to prove a repetitive strain injury is work-related. The following can provide further context for your symptoms and how these relate to your job tasks:
An outline of your daily tasks, tools or machinery you use and the repetitive motions involved
Doctor’s reports showing how the injury limits your ability to perform specific job tasks
Physical therapy or treatment records showing your pain and treatment plan over time
X-rays, MRIs or other tests that reveal inflammation or damage
Combining supporting evidence with your personal logs helps create a comprehensive overview of your injury and its cause.
Act fast to secure workers’ comp benefits for an RSI
After gathering initial evidence, a worker must officially notify their employer of the injury. Under Pennsylvania law, failing to provide notice to an employer within 120 days of knowing about an injury like RSI can result in a total loss of the right to compensation.
Proving that an RSI is work-related can be challenging since it is not tied to a single event. Seeking professional guidance can help you gather the documentation you need to fight for the full compensation you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Steppacher Law<![CDATA[Can you claim workers’ compensation for mental health issues?]]>https://www.steppacherlaw.com/?p=476092026-04-01T08:33:56Z2026-04-01T08:33:56ZWhat mental health issues qualify?
Not every work-related stress qualifies for workers' compensation. You will need to demonstrate that your condition resulted from specific workplace circumstances.
Here are mental health issues that workers' compensation might cover:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Frequently affects emergency personnel, healthcare workers or employees who experience traumatic incidents on the job
Depression and anxiety: When caused by extreme workplace stress, harassment or a hostile work environment rather than normal job pressures
Stress-related disorders: Resulting from extraordinary work conditions beyond typical job demands
Mental injuries from physical trauma: Psychological conditions that develop following a workplace physical injury
Adjustment disorders: Difficulty coping with significant workplace changes or events
Understanding your options
If you are experiencing mental health issues that you believe stem from your job, consider documenting everything carefully. You may want to keep records of incidents and communications. You may also want to document how your condition affects your work performance. This documentation could prove valuable if you decide to pursue a claim.
It might be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can accurately diagnose your condition and potentially connect it to your work environment. Medical evidence is crucial in these cases.
Remember that mental health claims face more scrutiny than physical injury claims. You might need to prove that your condition resulted from circumstances beyond normal workplace stress. You might also need proof that your employment was a substantial contributing factor.
Each state has different requirements for mental health workers' compensation claims. Some states only allow claims when mental injury follows physical injury. Others permit "mental-mental" claims where psychological trauma causes psychological injury. If you are considering filing a claim, speaking with an attorney familiar with your state's laws might help you understand your options and strengthen your case.
Your mental health matters, and you deserve support when workplace conditions compromise your well-being.]]>