People who work at construction sites often face hazards and dangerous situations. On average, construction workers are involved in 20% of workplace fatalities in the United States alone. Additionally, many more suffer serious injuries each year. Construction accidents occur from a variety of causes, and when they occur due to someone else's carelessness, negligence, or intentional misconduct, injured parties may seek compensation for their losses.
If you are a construction worker injured on the job--or you are a site visitor or bystander who sustained injuries or losses because of a construction accident--you need an experienced Philadelphia construction accident attorney to explain your options and help you navigate the claims process.
The personal injury attorneys at The Rothenberg Law Firm have more than 50 years of collective experience helping individuals and families who are suffering through no fault of their own. We can review your case at no cost and advise you on the best course of action. You can also rely on us to fight diligently to help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Types of Construction Accident Cases We Handle
We represent clients in personal injury lawsuits in Philadelphia when they have suffered serious injuries at construction sites as a result of the carelessness or negligence of others. Our ability to handle all types of construction accident cases is based on our in-depth knowledge of the personal injury laws that protect workers and visitors to construction sites. We augment that knowledge with our familiarity with the dynamics of a modern construction site and the planning, tools, building techniques, project management processes, and architectural designs that combine in ways that often expose construction workers to risks of injury. Consider, for example:
- Construction sites are populated by multiple contractors who need to coordinate their tasks and actions without harming other parties at the site.
- Site managers are under pressure to meet tight deadlines and to keep projects under budget, which might incentivize those managers to cut corners and create unsafe conditions.
- Construction equipment is often leased from vendors that might not inspect or maintain them properly, leading to enhanced risks from malfunctioning machinery.
- Construction vehicles and third-party material delivery services enter and leave the site with little or no familiarity with how the site is organized and where workers might be traversing those pathways.
We handle lawsuits involving workers who have suffered injuries from falls and falling objects, electrocutions, collapsing walls and trenches, vehicle and equipment collisions, collapsing scaffolds, and all other serious construction site mishaps. More critically, we distinguish ourselves in those lawsuits by applying our knowledge of the construction industry to recover the largest available damages award for our injured clients. This distinction is important because Pennsylvania applies a modified comparative negligence rule to personal injury cases. A person injured in a Philadelphia construction accident can recover compensation only if they are deemed less than 51 percent at fault for causing it. Negligent parties and the insurance companies liable to pay damages will inevitably argue that the injured person's carelessness was a significant factor. Our lawyers, who handle cases for injured construction accident victims, use their knowledge to demonstrate how a negligent party's actions were the primary or sole cause of the accident. We push back against insurance company arguments about how the negligence of our clients contributed to it. Further, we will make sure to name all responsible parties and those who failed to adhere to the safety standards that apply to every Philadelphia construction site.
Typical Construction Accident Injury Benefits
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In most cases, construction workers may not sue their employers if they are injured on the job. That doesn't mean a third party can't be sued for negligence. It's also worth noting that even construction workers who may have been injured as a result of their own carelessness can still be entitled to some compensation, thanks to the Workers Compensation Act (WCA). An injured worker will typically be awarded benefits like weekly payments and medical expenses.
Unfortunately, rarely do workers' compensation benefits cover the pain and suffering that result from a workplace injury. Weekly payments typically represent a percentage of the employee's weekly earnings. Calculating them also involves factoring in the severity of the disability, whether it's a temporary total disability or a permanent partial disability. Additionally, only treatments that are deemed necessary and directly related to the injury are covered by this compensation. To determine what you'd be entitled to after an injury on the job, discuss your case with a Philadelphia construction accident attorney.
Third Party Liability in Construction Accidents
Again, there are circumstances in which it's possible to assign liability for a construction site accident to a third-party. That's why it's so essential to contact an experienced construction accident lawyer in Philadelphia. The architects, contractors, owners, and equipment manufacturers may be found liable if the accident resulted from improper safety measures or from any other form of negligence. Both general contractors and subcontractors have a responsibility to provide necessary safety provisions and ensure a work site is safe for all employees. Their obligations include:
- Warning about any and all potential hazards on the site
- Hiring employees who exercise caution
- Coordinating job safety
- Ensuring all safety specifications have been followed.
Equipment manufacturers also have a responsibility, as they must design and maintain safe products for construction work. It's not uncommon for a construction accident to result from a defective or dangerous product. In circumstances like these, an experienced Philadelphia construction accident attorney can be essential. Manufacturers may be found liable if a problem with their equipment results in an accident. To further understand third-party liability, speak with a Philadelphia construction accident lawyer. Equipment used on a construction site may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- harnesses
- lanyards
- anchorage points
- scaffolding
- power tools
- hoists
- derricks
- cranes
- conveyors
- woodworking tools
- ladders
- winches
- trucks
- graters
- scrapers
- tractors
- bulldozers
- forklifts
- back hoes
- heavy equipment
- boilers
- pressure vessels
- gas detectors
- other types of construction equipment
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Third-Party Construction Accident Claim?
If you are injured in a construction accident caused by a third party (someone other than your employer or co-workers), you may be eligible to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to any workers' compensation benefits. The types of compensation you can pursue typically fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These compensate you for the financial costs directly related to the accident and injury.
Medical Expenses
- Emergency medical treatment.
- Hospitalization, surgeries, or other procedures.
- Medications and medical devices (e.g., crutches, braces).
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs.
- Future medical expenses related to the injury.
Lost Wages
- Compensation for income lost while recovering from your injuries.
- If you are unable to return to work temporarily or permanently, you may receive damages for lost future earnings or diminished earning capacity.
Property Damage
- If personal property (e.g., tools, equipment, vehicles) was damaged in the accident, you may recover repair or replacement costs.
Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Travel expenses for medical appointments.
- Costs of hiring help for tasks you can no longer perform (e.g., cleaning, childcare).
Non-Economic Damages
These address the intangible, personal impacts of the injury.
Pain and Suffering
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
Emotional Distress
- Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- If the injury prevents you from engaging in hobbies, activities, or general enjoyment of life.
Disfigurement or Permanent Disability
- Compensation for scars, amputation, or other long-term physical effects.
Loss of Consortium
- If your injury negatively impacts your relationship with your spouse or family, they may claim damages for loss of companionship or support.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the third party’s behavior was particularly reckless, intentional, or grossly negligent, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Steps to Maximize Your Claim
- Document the Accident: Take photos, collect witness statements, and file an incident report.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Ensure your injuries are thoroughly documented.
- Preserve Evidence: Retain defective equipment, damaged property, or other physical evidence.
- Consult a Construction Accident Lawyer: A skilled attorney can investigate liability, handle negotiations, and help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Understanding your rights and pursuing all avenues for compensation with the help of an attorney can greatly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you need to recover from the financial and emotional toll of a construction accident.
Hiring a Philadelphia Construction Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured at a construction site in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia construction accident lawyers at The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP can help. Call us at 1-800-624-8888 or submit a free online case evaluation at InjuryLawyer.com. The consultation with a construction accident lawyer in Philadelphia is FREE of charge. If our team of Philadelphia construction accident attorneys decides to take on your case, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means we won't charge you any legal fees unless we are able to successfully secure compensation for you. It's important to know that you may need to file your lawsuit by an expiration date, known as the Statute of Limitations. If you think you have a case, contact a Philadelphia construction accident attorney at our firm right away to avoid foregoing your right to damages and additional financial benefits.
Philadelphia Office Location
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP
1420 Walnut Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
What Our Clients Say
“Great firm with strong moral ethics and communication, I would definitely recommend using them!"
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