While working as the Lancaster County Coroner, Dr. G. Gary Kirchner, claims that he contracted a dangerous staph infection after he accidently cut his finger in the morgue back in December 2007. At the time, he was observing an autopsy. Kirchner, 75, filed a claim against Lancaster County shortly after discovering the infection. Unfortunately, Workers' Compensation Judge Michael Hetrick denied the request, stating that Kirchner was considered a public official when he was infected, making him unable to file a claim under the law.

No one doubts the horrible effects that the staph infection had on Kirchner. He had to be hospitalized shortly after he first contracted the infection, which led to the need for rehabilitative nursing care. All in all, Kirchner's medical bills cost over $500,000, which is the amount that he requested from Lancaster County.

According to Kirchner, the simple act of cutting his finger on the steel corner of a autopsy table has forever changed his life, causing permanent hearing and vision loss. If he chooses, Kirchner has 20 days to file an appeal of his case to the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Appeal Board.

Facing a debilitating injury at work can not only harm you physically, but emotionally and financially as well. Contact the Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 610-667-7511 for more information about our legal services.