A Law Firm Simplifying Complex Construction Site Accident Claims
Construction sites are dangerous places. Construction workers face the most persistent hazards, but they aren’t the only ones at risk. Anyone visiting or even passing by a construction site can suffer serious injury in the event of an accident.
If you were hurt in a construction-site accident in the Philadelphia area as a worker, visitor or passerby, you likely have options for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But it is important to work with a knowledgeable attorney. My name is Virginia King, founder of ViKing Law. I am ready to explain your options and utilize nearly two decades of legal experience to help you hold the at-fault party or parties accountable for negligence.
Common Injuries And Accidents At Construction Sites
The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to construction site mishaps. The most common include:
- Trip-and-fall accidents caused by objects or debris left in common walking areas
- Being struck by falling or swinging objects, resulting in traumatic brain injuries and other serious harm
- Falling from heights due to unsecured scaffolding, lack of safety equipment and missing guardrails
- Electric shocks
- Burn injuries from fires and explosions
- Trench collapse
- Getting pulled into machinery, resulting in crushing injuries and/or lost limbs
- Worksite crashes involving trucks or heavy machinery
- Crane collapses
Accidents on construction sites can easily result in permanent disability or death. For these reasons and more, it is important to understand your rights and legal options by consulting with an experienced attorney like me.
Can You Sue Your Employer If You Are Injured While Working On A Construction Site?
In Pennsylvania, you typically can’t sue your employer for construction injuries. That is because the commonwealth follows no-fault workers’ compensation laws. So, if you suffer a workplace construction injury, you can pursue workers’ compensation to cover a portion of your weekly wages and medical costs associated with your recovery.
However, there may be instances where you can sue for your construction injury through a third-party liability claim. To learn more, call my firm at 267-703-0144.
Assessing Liability And Sources Of Compensation
Your options for compensation will depend on whether you were injured on the job or as a visitor/passerby. They will also depend on the negligent party and their relationship to you. A basic overview is provided below:
Options for injured construction workers: In many cases, you can seek Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits without needing to prove fault. However, if your injuries were caused by someone other than your employer or a coworker for the same employer, you may be able to file what’s known as a third-party liability claim. This is essentially a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, which could be a sub-contractor, product manufacturer or other negligent third parties.
Options for injured visitors and passersby: You are obviously not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but neither are you subject to its rules and limitations. Instead, you would likely file a premises liability claim against the property owner or manager. If your injuries were caused by construction worker negligence, you may be able to sue the company employing that worker. If the accident involved a dangerous and defective product, you can pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
Is There A Statute Of Limitations For Pursuing A Construction Injury Claim?
For workers’ compensation claims, you have up to three years from the date of your injury to file a claim. For third-party liability claims, you have up to two years.
There can be exceptions to the rule for both of these instances. Contact my firm today to learn if your circumstances apply under those exceptions.
What Type Of Damages Can You Recover After A Construction Injury?
If you can successfully obtain workers’ comp or third-party liability payouts for your construction injury, you can use these funds to cover things like:
- Lost wages
- Medical costs for your recovery
- Education or job training for a new occupation
- Emotional distress or pain/suffering caused by your injury
Don’t let your employer or insurance company offer you a lowball settlement. I can step in and help you seek a fair level of compensation.
Explore Your Legal Options With A Lawyer For Free
As you can see, construction site accident claims can be complex. There is no substitute for case-specific advice from an attorney. At ViKing Law, I offer free initial consultations to clients in Newton and throughout the Philadelphia area. To schedule yours, you can contact me online or call 267-703-0144.