It has been said that teaching is more of a calling than a profession. Teachers work incredibly hard to prepare the next generation to take their place in the world, but in the process, they face serious injuries and dangers that have unfortunately become a part of the job. When a Philadelphia teacher is injured during the course of their working day, they may be entitle to collect workers’ compensation benefits that include a partial wage replacement disability payment and all medical expenses related to injury.
Teacher injuries in school buildings and on school grounds
Teachers can be exposed to many different types of hazardous situations in their workplace. They can suffer serious injuries in the classroom while they are doing their jobs. Here are some examples of how a teacher might sustain an injury at work:
- A teacher is walking down the stairs, slips and falls, and receives a serious injury as a result.
- A teacher gets hit by a car while supervising the school bus and drop-off line.
- Standing on a stepladder to hang decorations, a teacher falls and suffers a back and hip injury.
- After a heated confrontation, a student assaults a teacher placing him in a chokehold and punching him in the head and face.
- While monitoring recess, a teacher gets hit in the face with a softball.
Types of injuries teachers can suffer on the job
Depending on whether the injury occurs due to a single incident such as a fall on the playground, or over the course of time as in carpal tunnel or chronic back pain, teacher injuries can include the following:
- Back injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Shoulder and wrist injuries from repetitive stress
- Broken limbs
- Sprains and strains
- Cuts and abrasions
Injured public school teachers and state benefits programs
Teachers are state employees. As such, they have access to several different medical benefit programs and short and long-term disability benefit programs that are separate from workers’ compensation programs. Each program has its rules and regulations and if the teacher is approaching retirement, there are other issues to consider as well. This is why it can be helpful to schedule a consultation with a Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney at the Philadelphia law firm of Larry Pitt & Associates. We can evaluate the different programs you qualify for given the nature of your injury and advise you as to what next steps make sense in your case.
At Larry Pitt & Associates, we can assert your right to claim workers’ compensation when you are a teacher who has been injured at work. You are welcome to call 1.888.PITT.LAW or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer today. We proudly serve clients in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.
