Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer

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Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, with the presence of heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and the potential for human error. Some of the most recent data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that here in Pennsylvania, while goods producing is the role most likely to cause worker fatalities, construction takes second place. There were at least 28 construction worker fatalities in 2022.

While it’s good that these injuries clearly do not always result in fatalities, injuries they do cause can be severe and life-altering.

If you or a loved one has been hurt while working on a building site, understanding your legal rights and the options available to you is crucial. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we want you to understand the role of a Philadelphia construction accident lawyer, the benefits of hiring one, and how to choose the right attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Know that we offer free consultations to injury victims or surviving family members of deceased individuals. So, if you need legal assistance, be sure to reach out for that no-risk meeting with our legal team.

Common Causes of Building Site Injury Incidents

Construction accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving a combination of unsafe conditions and human error. Some common causes include:

  • Slips and Falls: Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are among the most common construction site accidents.
  • Falling Objects: Tools, equipment, or materials falling from heights can cause serious injuries to workers below.
  • Machinery Accidents: Heavy machinery like cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts can cause severe injuries if not operated properly or if the equipment is defective.
  • Electrical Accidents: Contact with live electrical wires or faulty electrical equipment can result in electrocution and other electrical injuries.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Construction workers may be exposed to harmful chemicals or toxic substances beyond Occupational Safety and Health Administration exposure limits, leading to long-term health issues.

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Types of Injuries Contractors Suffer

Injuries sustained in construction accidents can range from minor to catastrophic and can include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Broken Bones
  • Burns
  • Amputations
  • Hearing Loss
A past client shares his story about his life-altering accident on the job and how the attorneys at Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan provided him with a second chance.

Understanding Construction Accident Law

Construction accident law falls under personal injury law and workers’ compensation law.

It involves claims and lawsuits filed by workers or their families seeking compensation for injuries or losses sustained on the job due to negligence, unsafe working conditions, or defective equipment.

Construction Accident Law encompasses the legal principles and regulations related to injuries or accidents that occur on construction sites. This area of law is designed to ensure the safety of workers and to provide avenues for compensation if an accident occurs.

Here are the key aspects of Construction Accident Law:

  • Regulatory Framework: Construction Accident Law is governed by a combination of federal, state, and local regulations. Key federal laws include the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which sets and enforces safety standards to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. It also conducts inspections and can issue fines and penalties for safety violations. In some cases, proof of OSHA violations can support a negligence claim in a personal injury claim.
  • Workers’ Compensation: This is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. It is generally the exclusive remedy for injured workers, meaning they cannot sue their employer in most cases.
  • Personal Injury Claims: In some cases, injured workers can file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party whose negligence caused the accident. This could include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. Unlike workers’ compensation, personal injury claims can include compensation for pain and suffering and full wage replacement.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: If a construction accident results in a worker’s death, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.
  • Negligence and Liability: Establishing negligence is crucial in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Plaintiffs must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the injury or death as a direct result of the breach.
  • Safety Standards and Violations: Due to the complexities involved, injured workers often need legal representation to navigate workers’ compensation claims or to pursue litigation against third parties. Attorneys specializing in construction accident law can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court.
  • Preventative Measures: Emphasis is also placed on preventing accidents through proper training, safety protocols, and adherence to regulations. Employers are required to provide a safe working environment and adequate protective gear to minimize risks.

The different laws, regulations, and legal concepts discussed above can be challenging to make sense of, especially if you’re recovering from injuries or grieving the loss of a loved one. A Philadelphia construction accident lawyer on our team can assist you in understanding your rights. Call or email us for a free consultation to discuss what those are.

Successful Results For Our Clients

  • $11 Million

    A roofer who sustained life-altering injuries when a portion of the roof he was working on collapsed.

  • $4 Million

    Construction worker suffered serious brain injury after falling 20 feet due to lack of required fall protection

  • $2.75 Million

    Dock worker run over by a forklift at a cruise ship terminal causing catastrophic injuries

  • $925,000

    Nail gun defect case that cause permanent injuries to a worker

  • $1 Million

    Nail gun accident where nail gun discharged sideways resulting in a nail hitting user’s eye

  • $1 Million

    A union carpenter fell through an interior mobile scaffold while at work, suffering bilateral calcaneal fractures

  • $4 Million

    A construction worker fell 20 feet because he was not provided with fall protection

  • $8.5 Million

    A construction accident involving a union roofer who was working without fall protection and fell from a roof resulting in a permanent paraplegic injury

  • $1 Million

    On the job injury to a union carpenter who fell through an interior mobile scaffold, suffering bilateral calcaneal fractures

  • $1 Million

    Factory supervisor’s hand was crushed at work due to faulty equipment/machine.

  • $1.5 million

    Worker sustained severe burn injuries as a result of an electrical explosion.

  • $2 Million

    Chemical exposure causing burn and inhalation injuries to three union carpenters.

  • $13 Million

    Work accident resulting in an above the knee amputation of the worker’s leg

  • $13 Million

    Philadelphia Kimmel Center construction collapse causing catastrophic injuries

  • $1.8 Million

    Stadium demolition accident which occurred when a front loader fell through a ceiling (Philadelphia, PA)

  • $2.8 Million

    Forklift accident at marine terminal in New Jersey

  • $13 Million

    Crane accident resulting in leg amputation and other injuries during casino construction (Philadelphia, PA)

  • Confidential Multi-Million Dollar Recovery

    Construction worker killed when he came into contact with an uncapped, live electrical wire

  • $1.5 million

    Injuries incurred in a workplace accident where plaintiff sustained severe burn injuries as a result of an electrical explosion

  • $2.5 million

    The electrocution death of a union electrician on the job, when electrical switch gear malfunctioned

  • $1.5 million

    Wrongful death of a tow truck driver who died on the job when he was accidentally run over by his own tow truck

  • $2.5 million

    Wrongful death by electrocution of a union electrician on the job, when electrical switchgear malfunctioned

  • $2.75 million

    Slip and fall case where client suffered serious personal injuries from a fall

  • $1 million

    The on the job injury to a union carpenter who fell through an interior mobile scaffold while at work, suffering bilateral calcaneal fractures

  • $1 million

    Injuries on the job incurred by a factory supervisor when his hand was crushed at work due to faulty equipment

  • $1.5 million

    Injuries incurred in a workplace accident on the job where plaintiff sustained severe burn injuries as a result of an electrical explosion

  • $2 million

    An inadvertent release of dangerous chemicals at a local oil company, causing on the job burn and inhalation injuries to three union carpenters

  • $4 million

    Construction worker suffered serious brain injury after falling 20 feet due to lack of required fall protection

  • $5 million

    A construction accident on the job where union laborer was killed while working on the fourth floor of a building because there was no fall protection

  • $8.5 million

    A construction accident on the job involving union roofer who was working without fall protection and fell from a roof resulting in permanent paraplegic injury

  • $12 million

    A construction accident on the job involving union roofer who fell from a roof because there was no fall protection and suffered quadriplegia

  • $7,500,000

    Union carpenter sustained serious shoulder injuries when he fell after stepping on another contractor’s debris

  • $101 million

    The collapse of a parking garage at the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City that injured over 30 construction workers on the job and killed 4 men working on the project (largest construction accident settlement in U.S. history).

  • $1.1 million

    Against a fraternity for negligently serving alcohol which resulted in a stabbing assault of two frat party attendees

  • $2.5 million

    A workplace accident on the job resulting in below-the-knee amputation of the plaintiff’s right leg

  • $2.5 million

    An on the job injury where an union carpenter fell on a construction site and was injured because of defective fall protection equipment

Why You Need a Construction Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a construction accident can be overwhelming. A specialized construction accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in several ways, including:

Expertise and Knowledge

Construction accident lawyers have in-depth knowledge of personal injury and workers’ compensation laws. They understand the complexities of construction accident claims and can effectively build a strong case on your behalf.

Expertise for construction accidents
Investigate construction accidents

Investigating the Accident

A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. They may also work with construction safety experts to determine the exact cause of the accident and identify any violations of safety regulations.

Navigating Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide benefits to injured workers, but navigating the system can be complex. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you file a workers’ compensation claim, ensuring you receive the benefits you are entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.

Navigating workers' compensation in Philadelphia
Filing a third party work claim in Philadelphia

Pursuing Third-Party Claims

In some cases, a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, may be liable for your injuries. A construction accident lawyer can identify potential third-party claims and pursue additional compensation beyond what is available through workers’ compensation.

Workers’ rights are important to us. As the son of a union carpenter, I understand intimately the struggles faced by working families in this country. A workplace injury causes far more than physical harm, but most workers aren’t aware of their rights in the civil legal system. We can help.

Jeffrey Laffey, Founding Partner

Getting the Help You Need if You’re Hurt on a Building Jobsite in Philadelphia

Being involved in a construction accident can be a life-altering experience, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The skilled construction accident lawyers at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan can provide the guidance and support you need to secure the compensation you deserve.

By understanding the legal process and choosing the right attorney, you can focus on your recovery while ensuring your rights are protected.

Whether you’ve been injured due to a fall, machinery accident, or any other construction-related incident, seeking legal help promptly is crucial. The right Philadelphia construction accident lawyer will help you understand your options, advocate on your behalf, and work tirelessly to achieve a favorable outcome.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Construction Site
Accidents

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. Each year, there are well over 100,000 construction-related accidents. In addition, out of all industries including manufacturing and trucking, the construction industry accounts for the highest number of work related deaths. While construction has its fair share of inherent dangers, most construction accidents are entirely preventable and are the result of careless planning on the part of contractors who have a duty to provide a safe workplace. Accidents occur due to unsafe acts and/or unsafe conditions. Oftentimes, unsafe conditions lead to unsafe acts. Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan holds all responsible contractors accountable for their failure to live up to their responsibility to ensure a safe worksite.

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