Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer
Our Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help
Are you a construction worker who has been injured on the job, or has a member of your family died as a result of a worksite incident? If so, you are not alone.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), every year, more than 5 million workers are injured on construction sites, and on average, 16 workers across the United States die every day as a result of these accidents.
At Leonard Hill Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers, our Philadelphia construction accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for construction accident victims and their families.
Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction work is one of the top 10 most dangerous types of occupation, as reported by CBS News. Because it is so dangerous, it essential that worker safety procedures are in place for construction workers to avoid injuries and deaths on the site. However, construction site accidents can still happen.
Known as “the fatal four,” the most common construction accident types are:
- Falls
- Being struck by an object
- Electrocutions
- Caught-in/between accidents
Many times, when workers are injured, it is discovered OSHA violations existed on the project. Safety violations that cause construction incidents often result from these common safety standard violations standards:
- Fall protection violations
- Failure to communicate location of hazards to workers
- Unsafe scaffolding
- Failure to provide respiratory protection
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Unsafe operation of trucks and heavy construction equipment
- Unstable ladders
- Lack of control of hazardous energy
- Defective machinery; power tools, and equipment lacking appropriate safety guards
- Unsafe handling of materials being lifted overhead
- Lack of barricades at trenches or excavations
Failure to institute these safeguards may constitute negligence. Leonard K. Hill, found partner of Hill & Associates – Leonard Hill Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers and an experienced Philadelphia construction accident attorney, is able to negotiate on behalf of an injured party to recover compensation damages.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction sites are inherently dangerous workplaces, and injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. At Leonard Hill Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered various types of construction-related injuries.
Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often caused by falls or being struck by objects, TBIs can have long-lasting cognitive and physical effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis and are often due to falls from heights or heavy equipment accidents.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Common in falls, crushing accidents, or impacts from falling objects.
- Burns: Electrical burns, chemical burns, and thermal burns from fires or explosions are not uncommon on construction sites.
- Amputation: The loss of limbs or digits can occur due to machinery accidents or crushing injuries.
- Eye Injuries: Flying debris, chemicals, or welding accidents can lead to vision impairment or loss.
- Respiratory Issues: Long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos or silica dust can cause serious lung conditions.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis can develop from repetitive motions over time.
- Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud machinery or sudden explosions can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Often caused by sharp tools or materials, these injuries can range from minor to severe.
- Crush Injuries: These can occur when workers are caught between heavy equipment or materials.
- Heat Stroke and Exhaustion: Working in extreme temperatures without proper breaks or hydration can lead to serious heat-related illnesses.
- Psychological Injuries: While not physical, conditions like PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic accident on a construction site.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries on a construction site, it’s important to seek both medical attention and legal representation.
Our experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyers will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Identifying Third-Party Liability for Larger Awards
A person injured in the course of his or her employment is usually covered by workers’ compensation, which is a type of no-fault insurance that protects the employer from being sued for an on-the-job, workplace injury.
If you are injured on a work site, you may make a workers’ comp claim to receive medical care and lost wages, but worker’s comp doesn’t pay benefits for non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Although receiving workers’ comp benefits will preclude you from suing your employer for negligence, in many cases there are other parties that may be held liable if their actions contributed to your accident. These may include a:
- Subcontractor
- Manufacturer of defective equipment
- An architect
- Or others.
A highly skilled Philadelphia construction accident lawyer at our law firm can investigate your accident to determine if third parties, other than your employer, were instrumental in causing your accident through their negligence.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. At Leonard Hill Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers, we fight tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve. Here are the types of damages you might be able to recover:
1. Medical Expenses
- Current medical bills
- Estimated future medical costs related to your injury
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Costs of medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, prosthetics)
- Prescription medication costs
2. Lost Wages
- Income lost due to time off work for recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
- Future lost wages if you’re unable to work long-term or permanently
3. Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain endured due to your injuries
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
4. Disability and Disfigurement
- Compensation for permanent disabilities resulting from the accident
- Damages for significant scarring or disfigurement
5. Loss of Consortium
- Compensation for the impact on your relationship with your spouse
6. Punitive Damages
- In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party
7. Wrongful Death Damages
If you’ve lost a loved one in a construction accident, you may be entitled to:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
8. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Travel costs for medical treatments
- Home modifications to accommodate disabilities
- Other expenses directly related to your injury
9. Vocational Rehabilitation
- Costs associated with job retraining if you can’t return to your previous occupation
It’s important to note that while workers’ compensation can cover some of these damages, it typically doesn’t cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering. However, if a third party (someone other than your employer) is responsible for your injuries, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover these additional damages.
Every case is unique, and the compensation you’re entitled to will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries. Our experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case to ensure we pursue all available avenues of compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Construction Accident Cases
Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly due to workers’ compensation laws. However, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against other parties responsible for your injuries, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a construction accident claim in Pennsylvania?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania. However, it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible so you don’t miss any important deadlines.
How much does it cost to hire a construction accident lawyer?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, and our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long will my construction accident case take?
The duration of your case can vary depending on the severity of your injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more.
What if my injury doesn’t show up immediately after the accident?
Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. This is why you need to get medical attention promptly after an accident and to report any new symptoms to your doctor and lawyer as soon as they appear.
Talk to Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer Today
As a victim of a construction incident caused by someone else’s careless or negligent act, you may have the right to recover money as compensation for your injuries. This will require having an experienced construction accident lawyer working for you who has the resources to investigate and determine who could be held liable for the injury.
At our Philadelphia injury law firm, our construction accident attorneys have an excellent record of bringing in high-value recoveries for their clients who have been injured in worksite accidents.
Our legal team will leave no stone unturned to identify third parties responsible for the safety violation that led to the accident, and we bring in experts whenever necessary to help prove your case. We understand the devastation that a severe injury can cause and will work tirelessly to get you the fair compensation you need to move forward with your life.
For help with your Philadelphia construction accident case, call our office at (215) 567-7600 today to arrange a free initial consultation.
Philadelphia Office Location
1700 Market St Suite 3150,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-567-7600