Philadelphia Construction Accident Attorney

We Represent Construction Accident Victims in Philadelphia and Throughout the Region

Construction is one of the most important industries in our region. It creates jobs and helps to build the residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure that we rely on. Unfortunately, construction can be a dangerous industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 1 in 5 workplace fatalities nationwide happened within the construction industry. Construction accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. Construction accidents are often the result of negligence by either the property owner, contractor, or employee. 

If you were injured in a construction accident due to someone else’s negligence, it is imperative that you have an experienced advocate on your side. Construction accident industry claims are often complicated. Contact a Philadelphia Construction Accident Attorney with Quinn Injury Lawyers to learn more about your rights and speak with an experienced professional who can help you receive the compensation you deserve. To set up your free, no-obligation initial consultation with a top-rated Philadelphia construction worker injury lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact us today. 

Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are one of the most dangerous places to work due to the size of the equipment, unpredictable weather conditions, and strict deadlines. There are many reasons a construction accident may occur, including:

Slips, Trips & Falls

Due to tight turnarounds and strict deadlines, construction projects can continue in poor weather conditions, making it difficult for workers to maintain their footing on unstable ground or slick surfaces. When accidents involving falls and slips happen, construction workers can sustain injuries, such as:

• Broken bones and fractures 
• Spinal cord and back injuries
• Paralysis or death from a fall off a high surface or platform

Crane Accidents

Working with large machinery always comes with its own dangers, but those risks are compounded when working with heavy machinery or equipment on a construction project. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has estimated that crane accidents are responsible for about ten deaths per year in the United States. Some of the most common causes of crane accidents include:

• Operator errors, such as misreading or misunderstanding information, can lead to a tipping or falling accident.
• A crane that is not adequately maintained and lacks necessary safety equipment.
• Crane damages are caused by weather events such as lightning strikes and tornadoes.
• Unsafe Equipment

Construction sites are not always kept clean and orderly, leading to dangerous conditions for workers who must work around the equipment. Unsafe equipment is extremely dangerous because it jeopardizes workers’ safety and puts nearby people at risk of harm. Some examples of hazardous construction equipment include:

• Scaffolds that are rusted or otherwise defective
• Heavy objects can easily fall off a truck and injure someone on the ground below
• Dangling power lines that could electrocute nearby workers

Lack of Protection

Construction workers often do not have the proper protection when it comes to falling objects. Most construction sites lack sufficient measures for protecting workers from falling debris, heavy equipment, and rainstorms. When accidents happen due to a lack of protection, injured parties are frequently left with severe injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Poor Safety Procedures

Construction accidents can also occur when a company or business fails to provide the proper safety procedures. Such accidents most often occur in situations where a construction company’s employees are expected to work long hours without adequate breaks and with little protection from potential hazards. Other improper safety procedures that often lead to injury include:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Inadequate training
• Enforcing strict deadlines without breaks or with exhausted or injured employees
• Lack of safety equipment, such as harnesses and helmets

Most Employers in Pennsylvania are Required to Provide Workers’ Compensation Coverage

With very limited exceptions, employers in Pennsylvania are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. The statute applies across industries, including construction. Construction employers must provide no-fault workers’ comp coverage to construction workers classified as employees. Construction companies do not have to provide workers’ comp coverage to independent contractors. That being said, there is a state law (Construction Workplace Misclassification Act) designed to ensure that construction workers in our state are not improperly classified and are not denied benefits like workers’ comp. 

Workers’ comp insurance provides no-fault workers’ compensation benefits to construction workers who were hurt on the job. In other words, you can claim workers’ comp benefits without proving that your employer was responsible for causing your accident through negligence. That being said, a workers’ comp claim is an exclusive legal remedy that they have against their own employer. In other words, there is a bargain. An injured construction worker can get benefits without proving fault, but they typically cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer. 

Understanding Third-Party Liability Claims and Construction Accidents in Pennsylvania 

Although construction workers hurt on the job in Philadelphia may not be able to sue their own employer, they can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against any and all negligent third parties that contributed to the accident. Some examples of third parties that may be liable for a construction accident in Pennsylvania include:

1. Subcontractors: If a subcontractor is responsible for the work that led to the accident, they may be held liable. This is especially true if the subcontractor was negligent in their duties or failed to follow proper safety protocols.
2. Property Owners: If the property owner was aware of hazardous conditions on the construction site and did not take steps to address them, they may be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result.
3. Equipment Manufacturers: If the equipment used on the construction site was defective or malfunctioned, leading to the accident, the manufacturer of the equipment may be held liable.
4. Architects and Engineers: If the design of the construction project was flawed and contributed to the accident, the architects and engineers involved in the project may be held liable.
5. The General Contractor: If the general contractor overseeing the construction project was negligent in their duties or failed to properly manage the site, they may be held liable for any accidents that occur.

Through a third-party liability claim, you may be entitled to recover additional financial compensation, including for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Notably, you can bring both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party liability claim. 

What To Do If You Are In A Construction Accident

There are a seemingly infinite number of causes for construction accidents. If you sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence, there are several things you can do to receive compensation for any damages you sustained. Some of the most vital things you should do immediately after a construction accident include:

• Evaluate The Extent Of Your Injuries: The first step is to assess the extent of your injuries carefully. Seek immediate medical care; there is nothing more important than your well-being. All emergency injuries that occur at a construction site require immediate attention from a qualified doctor. Non-emergency injuries should also be evaluated. You cannot bring a workers’ comp claim or a third-party liability claim without medical records. 
• Protect Yourself From Further Harm: Whether your injuries are minor or severe, it is in your best interest to find a way to protect yourself from further harm. What exactly this entails will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Still, it is crucial that you do whatever is necessary to protect your health, safety, and overall well-being. 
• Take Pictures To Document Your Accident: To win any lawsuit, you will need to have evidence that shows how the accident occurred and how it has affected your life. The best way to do this is by taking pictures of yourself at the scene of the accident and anything else that could be used as evidence against a construction company. Gather as much evidence as possible, including witness testimonies. photographs of the scene, and medical records
• Report The Accident To OSHA: Reporting the accident to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) can help you win your case. Companies may try to cover up any evidence of an accident that could lead to large settlements, fines, or even closure. OSHA will help you look into the matter and give you a rating for the incidence according to its severity.
• Call A Construction Accident Lawyer: To successfully file a construction accident claim, you require an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can represent your case. No matter how severe or seemingly insignificant your injuries are, it is best to consult with a construction accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. They will represent you in court and help you win the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. 

How a Philadelphia, PA Construction Accident Attorney Can Help 

A Philadelphia Construction Accident Attorney with Quinn Injury Lawyers will help you understand your legal rights and make educated decisions about your next steps. There will be many legal ramifications of a construction accident, and you will need professional guidance to understand what your options are. Our founder Sean E. Quinn is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a proven record of success in construction accident claims. An attorney may advise you:

1. Not to sign anything without consulting the proper legal counsel. 
2. To request an extension if you are unable to complete any paperwork.
3. Ask a doctor to provide statements about your injuries in writing whenever you visit their office. 

While these are some of the most important things you need to know in a construction accident, many other steps may be necessary, depending on your case. You do not have to figure out the complexities of the construction accident claims process on your own. Our Philadelphia construction accident lawyer will put in the time, resources, and personalized attention to ensure that your claim is handled with the care, skill, and expertise that it deserves. 

Contact Our Philadelphia Construction Accident Injury Lawyer Today

At the Quinn Injury Lawyers, our Philadelphia construction accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust. Hurt in a construction accident? We are more than ready to help. Contact the Quinn Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to learn more about your options based on your case. With law offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hills, we handle construction accident injury claims throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

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