Erie Pennsylvania Legal Blog

Virtually no one works in a risk-free profession, but some people in Pennsylvania take on a much greater risk than others. Firefighters and ambulance workers must perform their work duties in what are often dangerous situations in which injury is a real possibility. Although workers' compensation benefits are available to these individuals, the Pennsylvania state workers' comp system has long left out volunteer workers.

Volunteer fire and ambulance workers put just as much on the line as those who are regularly employed in the profession. However, they are not eligible for workers' compensation benefits if they are injured on the job. Two state senators are hoping to change that.

If you are the type of person who takes great care with your own safety, who always wears a seat belt, gives animals a wide berth and keeps an eye out for slippery floors while shopping, suffering an injury because of another person's negligence can be devastating. But did you know that you can receive compensation for incidents caused by someone else? Although personal injury suits are often discussed in the context of car accidents, they are useful for a wide range of accidents and injuries.

The basis for a personal injury or wrongful death claim hinges on the negligence of another person. Was a driver looking at his or her cell phone instead of the road? Did a Pennsylvania shop owner fail to put out signs warning of a wet floor? A negligent act leading to an injury can occur in almost any situation, including the following and more:

• Car wrecks
• Dog bites
• Slip and fall accidents
• Swimming pool injuries
• Defective products

One man is dead and another is in critical condition after an explosion at a Pennsylvania gas station. One of the store's co-owners suffered fatal injuries in the explosion while one employee survived, but was last listed in critical condition. Injuries of this magnitude usually require ongoing medical care, which can complicate the financial lives of victims who are already short on cash from missing work. In most cases, workers' compensation can address these issues.

The co-owner of the gas station was using a Shop-Vac to clear out water in an underground vault near three tanks used for storing gasoline. It is not clear if using this type of tool in such situations is standard. While sucking up water, electricity feeding into the vacuum or its motor sparked gasoline fumes, causing the explosion. Witnesses described seeing fireballs shooting out of the underground vault and into the air.

Erie's proximity to one of the Great Lakes makes it a destination for people from all over Pennsylvania and beyond. Some people come to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Preque Isle State Park. Others enjoy the rides at Water World and Waldameer Park. There are plenty of other attractions and events that bring people to the area. One event that always brings in a lot of people is the annual Roar on the Shore.

Roar on the Shore is a week-long celebration of motorcycles that includes performances by live bands, a dozen different group rides and many more fun activities for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts. Every year, bikers celebrate Roar on the Shore during the third week of July. Sadly, people often end up getting hurt during this event. If you're planning on attending Roar on the Shore, be certain to protect yourself by following some simple safety rules.