SEPTA and Transit Worker Injuries in Philadelphia: Workers’ Comp Rights

SEPTA and transit employees are essential to keeping Philadelphia moving. Whether you are driving a bus, operating a train, repairing a vehicle, or inspecting the tracks, jobs as a transit worker often involve demanding work, making it critical to understand your rights as a Philadelphia transit worker during the workers’ compensation process.

If you were injured while working for SEPTA or another public transit employer in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.

This guide outlines some of the injuries most common to SEPTA and transit workers, the types of Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits available, and the steps you should take after suffering a work-related injury.

Who Works for SEPTA?

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) employs more than 9,000 workers throughout the Philadelphia area. Some of these integral positions include:

• Conductors and drivers
• Bus operators
• Electricians
• Mechanics
• Safety officers
• Engineers
• And many more

Common Injuries to SEPTA and Transit Workers

Working in public transit can expose employees to a wide range of unique injury risks. SEPTA and other transit employees frequently work alongside trains, buses, trolleys, subways, and other moving vehicles. Many positions also require repetitive lifting, operating heavy machinery, and daily interactions with thousands of passengers, some of whom may be aggressive or violent.

As a result, some of the most common injuries suffered by SEPTA and transit workers include:

• Back and shoulder injuries from repetitive lifting and physically demanding work
• Assaults, both verbal and physical
• Slips, trips, and falls in work areas
• Electrical burns
• Falls from ladders, platforms, or other heights
• Stress-induced injuries from traumatic workplace events
• Contusions and lacerations from equipment or machinery

What Should You Do Following a Workplace Injury While Working in Public Transit?

If you are injured on the job, the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to provide you with both medical and financial support.

To protect your right to benefits, it is essential that you:

(1) Provide Notice as Soon as Possible

The Pennsylvania workers’ compensation process generally allows up to 120 days to report a workplace injury to your employer. However, to best protect your rights as an injured employee, you should provide notice to your employer as soon as possible. Prompt notice helps speed up the workers’ compensation process and avoid factual disputes.

When you provide notice to your employer, make sure it is documented in a report that is ideally:

• In writing
• Describes exactly where, when, and how the injury occurred
• Explains the nature of the injury in detail

(2) Treat Your Injury

After suffering a workplace injury, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. When speaking with your provider, be sure to provide a detailed description of exactly how the injury occurred, as well as all of the symptoms you are experiencing. Accurate and thorough medical documentation can play an important role in protecting your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim.

(3) Contact an Attorney

Once you report your workplace injury, your employer should notify its insurance carrier to begin the workers’ compensation process. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are often contested by employers and may be delayed or outright denied. If your claim is denied or certain benefits are refused, you should immediately contact an experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney for assistance.

What Benefits Are Available to Injured SEPTA and Public Transit Workers?

In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation benefits are available to injured employees regardless of who was responsible for the work accident. Depending on the specific circumstances of your injury, injured SEPTA and transit workers may qualify for the following:

• Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation covers the cost of treatment for job-related injuries or illnesses. This could range from a one-time visit to ongoing care, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Lost Wages: Injured workers in Pennsylvania generally receive wage-loss benefits equal to about two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
• Funeral and Death Benefits: If a fatal workplace accident occurs, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation pays funeral expenses and provides survivor benefits to the deceased worker’s spouse or dependents.

Injured While Working as a SEPTA or Public Transit Employee? Let Us Help.

If you or someone you know has been injured while working for SEPTA or another public transit employer in Philadelphia, don’t wait to get legal advice. Partnering with one of our experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys can make all the difference, especially if your claim has been delayed or denied.

At Stern & Cohen, we represent injured workers across Pennsylvania and offer free consultations for injured SEPTA and transit workers. We will help guide you through the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation process and pursue the full workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to under Pennsylvania law.

If you were injured while working as a SEPTA or transit employee and have questions about your rights, contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation.

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