Construction Accidents in Pennsylvania

A construction site

Workers’ compensation is not the final and only remedy for construction accidents in Pennsylvania. There are other ways you can recover from a construction accident. Construction accidents typically take place on the construction site. These types of accidents can occur more often if proper safety is not maintained by the property owners and other parties (i.e., site managers and contractors). If the proper safety conditions are not met, construction accidents become more likely and can cause a worker serious injury. Some of the most common construction accidents include:

  • Falls (trips or slips),
  • Explosions (demolition),
  • Vehicles (cranes, trucks, forklifts, etc.),
  • Defective product or machinery,
  • Struck-by, and
  • Caught-in or caught-between.

The list above is non-exhaustive as many other injuries can be defined as construction accidents. Construction accidents are very common in the U.S. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) usually inspects properties and sets regulations and standards for safe work environments. Unfortunately, it usually takes a workplace accident for additional safety conditions to be implemented by the property owners and management.

Who is Liable?

For construction accidents, there are many different persons and businesses that can be considered liable. Typically, workers’ compensation would cover it. Construction accidents can lead to site managers, general contractors, subcontractors, and more being held liable. The owner of the property may be liable as well. Each of these parties may be liable because of a failed duty to maintain a reasonably safe work premises.

What Should You Do?

After the accident occurs, you should immediately inform the site manager, contractors, and others of the accident. Seek medical care for your injuries. Take pictures of the accident site and file a report. Also, make sure you write down your account of how the accident occurred. If there is an eyewitness, testimony from them can be beneficial. Afterward, contact a personal injury attorney, like the ones at Cornerstone Law Firm, to help start the legal process to start recovery. Under Pennsylvania law, you have up to two years to file an injury claim (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524).

What Remedies are Available?

The remedies available for construction accidents vary based on the degree of the injuries sustained. Typically, the first remedy is workers’ compensation providing lost wages, rehabilitation, medical expenses, and more. However, if there is a third party (manager, contractor, etc.) at fault for failing to maintain a safe work environment under OSHA standards, remedies can be recovered from these parties. Lost wages for time spent out of work are recoverable. Moreover, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering due to the injuries.

Contact Cornerstone Law Firm for help.

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, the attorneys at Cornerstone Law Firm can help. We’ll negotiate with insurance and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free personal injury consultation to discuss your construction accident.

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