Construction Accidents Lawyers in Media, PA
Workers in Pennsylvania are fortunate to be protected by a robust and expansive workers’ compensation system. In this state, nearly all workers receive workers’ compensation coverage. Most workers – including most construction workers – are covered by workers’ compensation insurance if they are hurt on the job, need medical treatment, and can no longer work temporarily or permanently. Workers’ compensation also offers some benefits to surviving close family members after a fatality.
Our personal injury lawyers are ready to evaluate your case if you or your loved one has been hurt on a construction job site or while working in the construction industry. We approach construction injury and fatality cases strategically. Our founding partner, Mark Schmidt, is certified as a specialist in practicing workers’ compensation law by the Pennsylvania Bar Association as authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Causes of Construction Accidents; Sources of Compensation
The construction sector’s most frequent injury and fatality events are falls, slips, and trips. Other common reasons for accidents at construction work sites include:
- Contact with objects or equipment – Job site workers frequently work near large, powerful machines and equipment. Workers can get caught on, under, or between pieces of equipment. This scenario can lead to serious crushing injuries.
- Negligence by other workers – While all construction workers try to do their best, there are certain days when a person feels detached from the world around them. Distracted or disengaged workers are more likely to make mistakes or otherwise engage in negligence that causes death or injury.
- Exposure to harmful substances and environments – Construction workers are often harmed through contact with dust, mold, fumes, gases, and human-made mineral fibers. Injuries may be sudden or cumulative.
- Electrocution injury – When structures are being built, extreme care must be taken to avoid live wires or electrical systems coming into contact with other conductors, including water.
- Falling object injuries – When roofers perform their work or a multiple-story structure is being built, and objects can fall onto individuals working below. When these objects strike construction workers, injuries can be severe or fatal.
Regardless of how you or your family member may have suffered a construction accident at work, there is a strong likelihood that you are covered for wage loss and other benefits through workers’ compensation. If you have lost the use of an arm, leg, or another body part, you may also qualify for specific loss benefits. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your benefits claim, including for next of kin after a fatal workplace accident.
Besides workers’ compensation claims, some workers and surviving family members may also bring third-party liability claims. A personal injury claim or lawsuit against a subcontractor, an inspector, a delivery service, or another responsible party other than the employer may bring additional compensation to injured workers and families whose loved ones have been killed.
Construction Workers Suffering Injuries in Pennsylvania
Workers in the construction industry, including builders, roofers, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installers, plumbers, carpenters, and other tradesmen and women, are more likely to suffer serious injuries and fatalities than workers in many other professions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the entire state of Pennsylvania, there were 172 fatal workplace fatalities in 2017 and 163 fatal workplace fatalities in 2016. In both years, the construction industry accounted for about 18% of all workplace deaths that occurred in the state – almost one-fifth of the total concentrated in this single industry.
When one further breaks down the statistics, it is clear that the vast majority of fatal construction injuries are clustered in “specialty trade work,” with more than half of deaths at construction sites affecting construction workers such as:
- Masonry workers
- Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
- Roofing contractors
- Building equipment contractors
- Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors
- Site preparation contractors
- Carpenters
Male workers accounted for 94% of all fatal work injuries in all professions in Pennsylvania in 2016 and 2017, and construction workers are approximately 90% male, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. No matter who you are, you deserve compensation after suffering injuries or losing a loved one through a construction accident.
Turn to Our Experienced Construction Accident Injury Attorneys
The personal injury attorneys of Schmidt, Kirifides, Rassias, & Rio evaluate all construction accident cases thoroughly to help injured workers and their families. We pursue maximum workers’ compensation benefits and third-party liability claim outcomes for our clients.
Please call or email an inquiry today to schedule a free and confidential consultation at one of our Pennsylvania law offices.