Construction workers have one of the highest injury rates in the country, earning it a reputation as one of the most dangerous industries in the country. Workers, subcontractors, and general contractors are all aware of the inherent dangers in the construction industry, but it can be difficult to mitigate these risks when conditions on the job site are constantly changing. Slip-and-fall incidents, collapsed scaffolding, tipped ladders, and objects falling from above are all examples of accidents that can lead to liability for Pennsylvania construction company employers and contractors.

Construction workers who suffer on-the-job injuries are afforded legal protections, but only if they retain an attorney who is familiar with these protections. If you were injured while working in construction, you may be entitled to compensation, and there may be multiple parties at fault.

If you or a loved one are injured on the job as a construction worker in Pennsylvania, there may be companies, contractors, and others involved in the specific construction site that have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of employees. There are a number of laws that owners and contractors are expected to follow but sometimes disregard. As a result of workplace rule violations, accidents frequently occur.

This is when responsibility for these actions should be accepted. In some cases, Pennsylvania construction workers can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering, regardless of whether they file a workers' compensation claim or a third-party personal injury liability claim.

Our law firm has been the go-to for injured construction workers for nearly a decade. We are committed to assisting accident victims in obtaining justice, including the best possible outcome. We value open and honest communication with our clients at the law office of Brandon J. Broderick. We only receive compensation if we successfully resolve your case. It is in our best interest to obtain the best possible resolution for our clients, and we take pride in doing so. We are among the best Pennsylvania construction accident attorneys for this and many other reasons.

We pledge to give your case our full attention while pursuing the legal rights and compensation to which you are entitled. We've helped others just like you get out of difficult circumstances like this. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and consultation.

Can PA Construction Accident Attorney Brandon J. Broderick Help Me Recover After My Accident?

Frequently, construction accidents result in severe injuries. If medical expenses begin to accrue while you are attempting to recover, your life can rapidly alter in ways you could never have predicted. Frequently, workers' compensation benefits fall short of covering costs. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a personal injury attorney.

Trial Attorneys and Skilled Negotiators

Oftentimes, insurance companies will offer victims compensation that is insufficient to cover their losses, especially if no legal action is taken. Worse still, the insurer may decide not to fully cover your damages.

As your attorney for a construction accident, Brandon J. Broderick will handle all communications with your employer and other parties and aggressively pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. If a settlement cannot be reached during negotiations, the case will proceed to trial, where we will prevail.

We Stand By Your Side

While you recuperate from your injury, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, will manage and handle all aspects of your case, relieving you of your worries. When you retain our services, our experienced legal team will vigorously pursue the compensation to which you are entitled. We will do everything possible to defend your legal rights and stand by your side during this trying time.

Free consultations are available by contacting Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. We will turn the situation in your favor, as we have for many of our previous clients. We have a track record of success and have assisted numerous clients in similar circumstances as yours.

What is Negligence and Liability in a PA Construction and Worksite Accident?

Construction Liability: What Is It?

Personal injury law regulates accidents that occur on construction sites. In particular, the category of personal injury known as "construction liability." Due to the fact that construction accidents may involve both construction workers and innocent bystanders, the project owner, general contractor, and any subcontractors who may have contributed to the accident could all be held liable.

What Does Pennsylvania Law Say About Accidents in Construction?

Under Pennsylvania law, a general contractor is liable for an accident involving a construction worker if he was negligent, had authority over the project, or was responsible for project safety.

Additionally, a general contractor or project owner may be liable for injuries sustained by bystanders on the construction site.

According to OSHA, which tracks workplace accidents and fatalities across the nation, there were nearly 4,200 deaths in the private sector in 2020. The construction industry accounted for 738 of the nearly 4,200 fatalities. Falls were the leading cause of death on construction sites, followed by electrocution, being struck by an object, and becoming wedged between/between structures. In 2020, the "Fatal Four" were responsible for approximately three out of every five construction worker deaths.

Construction site injury litigation is difficult, so it is essential to retain legal counsel. Before consulting with a lawyer, it is strongly discouraged to accept any early settlement offers. These proposals are almost always designed to convince you to accept the smallest amount possible, which is not in your best interests.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we handle all three of these claims and advocate daily for construction workers injured in accidents that could have been avoided. For a free consultation, please contact us immediately.

What are the Most Common Types of Construction Accidents in Pennsylvania?

The most common fatal construction accidents are known as "The Fatal Four", based on statistical data gathered by OSHA. They include:

  1. Falls resulting in serious injury or death on Pennsylvania construction sites, including those involving roofers or painters who are not restrained by a safety net.
  2. Construction workers being struck by an object, such as falling scaffolding or moving machinery, resulting in serious injury or death.
  3. Electrocutions on Pennsylvania construction sites caused by improper wiring or live wires can result in life-threatening injuries or fatalities.
  4. Being caught-in or between machinery or structures or being crushed in a collapsing structure as a result of the incompetence or carelessness of another worker.

Other frequent injuries among construction workers include:

  • Malfunctioning ladders or scaffolding that results in injury
  • Slip and falls
  • Burns
  • Roof or porch collapse
  • Faulty safety equipment
  • Power tool injuries
  • Worker Negligence

In Pennsylvania, Can You Sue Your Employer for a Construction Accident?

In Pennsylvania, if you are injured due to your employer's negligence, your only recourse is to file a claim with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

You may only be eligible to file a workers' compensation claim if your construction-related accident was solely the result of employer negligence. However, when a construction accident results in injuries, additional parties are frequently to blame. There would be additional subcontractor workers engaging in the irresponsible conduct that led to your accident.

In addition, the presence of a general contractor is commonplace. Their responsibilities include supervising the construction site, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, and ensuring that the construction process is reasonably safe for all personnel.

Numerous construction jobs involve non-delegable, "inherently dangerous" responsibilities. This means that a general contractor cannot shift blame to another party, even if they were not present or had someone else in charge of overseeing job safety.

What does this mean? It means that if you suffered a serious injury in a Pennsylvania construction accident, you may file both a worker's compensation claim and a negligence claim.

What Do I Do If I Get Hurt at a Construction Work Site?

If you want to pursue legal action after being injured in a Pennsylvania construction accident, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Included are:

  • Document your injuries
  • Note the names and contact information for any witnesses
  • Seek medical attention right away
  • Consult with a construction accident lawyer

If you are aware of an OSHA violation, you should document it with photographs and jot down any additional information that could help identify it. An accident that results in injuries must be meticulously documented.

If you have been injured, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. This supports your case.

As a Pennsylvania construction worker, you must also be aware of any violations occurring on the job site. The law requires employers to protect both the workplace and their employees.

Who is Liable For My Construction Accident Injuries?

If your employer was not responsible for the accident that resulted in your injuries, you may be able to file a third-party claim against the responsible party. Your construction accident attorney can help you answer this question.

Common third parties involved in construction accidents include:

  • The owner of the property where the construction project is taking place may be responsible for your injuries. However, their liability will depend on how much authority they have over the site. In certain construction projects, the property owner or another party may grant the contractor possession of the site for the duration of the project. Because the landowner was not in control of the property when the accident occurred, he or she may not be held liable for any damages.

  • General contractors are accountable for ensuring that a construction site is secure and in compliance with OSHA regulations. The contractor or subcontractor is responsible for eliminating any potential hazards on the job site. Also, there needs to be signage warning workers and others of hazards at the site. Workers must be aware of any potential dangers in their respective work environments. All construction workers on the job site are supervised by the contractor and subcontractor, who are responsible for ensuring their safety.

  • Architects and engineers may be responsible for ensuring the safety and functionality of a structure. Typically, the obligation to ensure compliance with safety regulations at each phase of a construction project is stipulated in the architectural or engineering contract. The architect or engineer may be held liable for any accidents caused by insufficient design safety requirements.

  • Manufacturers of construction equipment and machinery: If a construction accident is caused by faulty equipment or machinery, the manufacturer of that equipment or machinery may be held responsible.

  • Scaffolding companies: Falls from scaffolding are often fatal. In cases of construction accidents involving scaffolding, the negligence of others is frequently to blame. The employer may be held liable for failing to comply with the relevant OSHA training requirements if an employee fails to receive the required scaffolding training, makes a mistake while constructing the scaffolding, and the scaffold collapses, causing injury or wrongful death. In other situations, the scaffolding business might be held accountable.

Every day, at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we advocate for construction workers who have been injured in preventable accidents. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim Following a Construction Accident in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5524. According to this statute, you have two years to file a personal injury action to recover damages for your injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one caused by the negligence or misconduct of another.

The two-year statute of limitations applies to the vast majority of personal injury claims, including negligence and intentional conduct claims.

The statute of limitations begins to run on the date the injury or accident occurred. If you have been injured as a result of the actions or negligence of a third party, you have two years to file a civil complaint and the other required documents to initiate a lawsuit. If you neglect the deadline, your lawsuit will be dismissed.

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, these deadlines may seem distant; however, you should always consult a lawyer immediately to learn the applicable statutes of limitations for your potential claim or lawsuit. To preserve evidence and initiate the preparation of a claim for compensation, prompt legal action is required. Contact an experienced Pennsylvania construction accident attorney, such as Brandon J. Broderick, as soon as possible.

We Represent Clients Involved in All Types of Construction Accidents

Our seasoned attorneys have handled all types of construction accident claims, such as:

  • Building collapses
  • Cement and concrete burns
  • Chemical exposure
  • Commercial Cleaning accident
  • Construction site car accidents
  • Construction site trip-and-falls
  • Crane accidents
  • Accidents caused by defective or unsafe equipment
  • Demolition accidents
  • Electrocution
  • Elevator accidents on construction sites
  • Eye injuries on construction sites
  • Falls from scaffolds and other heights
  • Faulty safety equipment
  • Forklift accidents
  • Fires and explosions
  • Hoist accidents
  • Ladder falls
  • Machinery accidents
  • Painting work accident
  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Site debris accidents
  • Struck by falling objects
  • Toxic exposure
  • Trench collapse accidents
  • Weather-related construction accidents
  • Welding accidents
  • Window washing accidents

CONTACT BRANDON J. BRODERICK IMMEDIATELY TO DISCUSS YOUR QUEENS CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT

Nobody anticipates becoming injured, particularly in a construction accident. Unanticipated incidents can have a negative impact on your health and finances. The total amount of compensation you may receive after an accident will depend on how you handle the case. You have the right to seek compensation for your losses if someone else's actions caused you to sustain injuries. It can be very difficult and time consuming to negotiate with an insurance company without an attorney, so we are here to assist you.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we place a high value on exceptional client service and demonstrate compassion for each client's situation. This distinguishes us as one of the leading personal injury law firms in Pennsylvania. You can rely on us, particularly given our extensive history of success. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in numerous personal injury cases, including slip-and-fall incidents, workplace injuries, and construction site accidents. We have assisted many individuals similar to you. Contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss your situation.

We have offices in numerous Pennsylvania cities, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Reading. We are available to help you.

Still have questions?

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