Construction Site Accidents In Philadelphia

Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the country. People who go to work on a construction site every day tend to forget about the dangers around them until someone gets injured or worse. Construction site accidents can result in serious injuries, requiring expensive medical treatment, and prevent an individual from returning to work for months. In some cases, a permanent disability may mean they will never be able to return to their job. If someone was responsible for causing the accident, they should also be responsible for compensating the injured individual for their pain, suffering, and loss of income.

Common Construction Site Accidents

Every year, nearly 4,800 people are killed in worksite accidents. Of those, almost 20% occur in and around construction sites. Four types of accidents account for a majority of those deaths, including electrocution, falls, being struck by a falling object, or getting caught between crushing objects.

Others common construction site injuries include chemical inhalation, chemical burns, lacerations, puncture wounds, eye injury, hearing damage, broken bones, back injury, sprains, and strains. These injuries can range from serious to minor; however, even a minor injury can mean losing time off of work and expensive medical bills.

Unfortunately, many of these types of accidents are preventable. A worksite is only as safe as the weakest link. Even if one person is doing everything right, following safety protocols, and taking every precaution, an inexperienced individual on-site can cause others serious injury or even death. In many cases, companies and managers focus on speed and production rather than safety.

Many managers and even inspectors know about safety issues on construction sites; however, they do not want to cause delays by pointing them out and may simply ignore them. Some common safety violations on a construction site include lack of eye protection, lack of ear protection, lack of respiratory protection, improper electrical control, improperly using construction equipment, and lack of fall protection.

If an injury was caused by a safety violation, lack of proper training, or failing to follow OSHA or other safety guidelines, the employer may be liable for the accident. If an injury results in expensive medical bills, lost wages, and future lost income, the party responsible for the accident should be held liable for the damages. Contact your Philadelphia construction site accident attorney with any questions about your right to compensation.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage

In many cases, Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation program will cover on-the-job injuries. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance paid by employers. Almost all workers in Pennsylvania are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act, including most construction site jobs. This provides for medical expenses for an injured worker, and if they are unable to work, also provides benefit payments for a portion of their lost wages until they are able to return to work. In the case of death, benefits may be paid to a spouse or children.

Injuries that occurred in the workplace and while in the course of employment are generally covered by workers’ comp. This includes single-occurrence accidents, such as a slip and fall or electrical injury. It may also include occupational injuries caused through regular exposure to hazards, such as repetitive stress injuries, and chemical or particulate exposure.

Workers’ compensation provides coverage for injured workers without having to show that the employer was liable for the injury. However, it may also limit the injured worker’s’ legal options to seek compensation through a lawsuit. Any injuries are to be immediately reported to a supervisor or employer and your employer reports the injury to the Bureau of Workers,’ Compensation.

However, some employers or their insurance companies may try and deny a workers’ compensation claim. The employer may claim the employee caused their own injury, was intoxicated at the time the accident occurred, or the injury was not caused on the job. If your claim is denied, you can file a petition to request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge.

In some cases, a construction site accident may not be covered by workers’ compensation, and the injured victim can file a lawsuit to recover damages. This may include independent contractors, inspectors, delivery personnel, or others. If you are injured in a construction site accident, talk to an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney about your rights. They will help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Construction Site Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia

If you were injured in a construction site accident, you should talk to an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney about being compensated for your injuries, including money for lost wages and pain and suffering. If a loved one died as the result of a construction accident, a wrongful death claim can provide for the family and help prevent future accidents. Your personal injury attorney will help guide you through the claims process and advise you of your options. Call Gilman & Bedigian today for a free consultation.