Construction is an inherently dangerous industry, despite stringent government safety regulations. If you have been injured in a construction accident in Philadelphia, you may benefit from the guidance of a construction accident lawyer.
In Philadelphia, we are a hive of construction activity between new commercial, office projects, and new housing. While the construction industry propels growth throughout the area and the nation, these projects can be dangerous places, primarily for those
who work there.
At Silver & Silver, we are experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyers who diligently protect the rights of injured construction workers and their families. If you have been injured on a construction site in Philadelphia, you have important legal rights. Our team of injury attorneys can help you navigate the complex terrain of state and federal regulations and help you get the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
The Dangers of the Construction Industry
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry in Pennsylvania saw the highest number of fatalities for workers in the private sector for the year 2020. Nationally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that in 2019 alone, one in five reported worker fatalities were in the construction industry.
And these statistics only deal with fatalities. Considering the number of serious and often catastrophic injuries suffered by workers on construction sites, the numbers are even more alarming.
The most frequently cited violations by OSHA during the fiscal year 2021 include:
- Fall protection
- Respiratory protection
- Ladders
- Hazard communication
- Scaffolding
- Fall protection training
- Control of hazardous energy
- Eye and face protection
- Powered industrial trucks, and
- Machinery and machine guarding
OSHA has put out a list of what it refers to as its “fatal four” as it relates to the construction industry, with an astounding 60 percent of all construction deaths attributed to these hazards on construction sites:
- Falls
- Struck by object accidents
- Electrocutions, and
- Caught in-between accidents
While accidents can be prevented on construction sites with proper training, safety protocols, site coordination, and good communication, it can be difficult to establish who is responsible when an accident happens. Property owners, site managers, contractors, and subcontractors are all responsible for keeping workers safe and enforcing safety practices.
If you have been injured on a construction site in Philadelphia, you owe it to yourself to get skilled legal advice from a Philadelphia, PA, construction accident lawyer. At Silver & Silver, we can establish who may be liable for your accident and help you get fairly compensated for your injuries.
How a Philadelphia, PA Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
In Philadelphia, PA, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured on the job. But this limits your ability to hold your employer accountable through an injury lawsuit. Furthermore, you may also be able to seek compensation for your injuries from other liable third parties.
At Silver & Silver, our experienced team of Philadelphia, PA, construction accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your accident. We can look at any previous OSHA or building department violations against your employer. We can look at prior claims, police records, first responder records, and other evidence that may establish liability. We will also investigate contracts with outside contractors and subcontractors to understand who owned and controlled equipment to establish any other liability. This evidence, in addition to witness testimony, can help us determine who was liable for your injuries and go on to seek compensation from these parties.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Philadelphia, PA Construction Accident?
If you have been injured in a construction accident in Philadelphia, you may be able to recover compensation for your:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs if you require ongoing medical care
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Lost wages if you are unable to work after your injury
- Loss of future earning capacity if you can no longer return to your line of work
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Impaired quality of life, and
- Emotional distress and counseling
If the accident resulted in a fatality, a construction worker’s surviving family members might be entitled to wrongful death benefits.
Getting the Skilled Legal Advice of an Experienced Philadelphia, PA Construction Accident Lawyer
It is important to get experienced legal advice to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. Contact our seasoned construction accident attorneys at Silver & Silver to understand what options you have for compensation and discuss your legal rights. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
