Upper Darby Construction Accident Lawyer

Even with strict safety measures, accidents can still happen on a job site. Sometimes, negligence causes these incidents, which can leave workers with serious injuries and long-term consequences.

Workers and their families have legal options. Whether you need to file for workers’ compensation or a personal injury lawsuit, you will want to talk to an Upper Darby construction accident lawyer.

At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we have a team of legal professionals who can assist with your case. Reach out to us to schedule a free initial consultation.

How Construction Accidents Occur

There is no doubt that construction sites are filled with dangers. While most worksites use safety precautions to mitigate these risks, accidents can still happen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.2 million workers suffered injuries on the job. Workers can suffer from a wide range of injuries, such as:

• Falls: Falls are one of the biggest concerns in the construction industry. When they occur, they can cause serious injuries to workers on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) listed fall hazards as the most frequent violation on these sites. Inadequate fall protection, the absence of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and the failure to utilize guardrail systems are some of the factors in these incidents.
• Struck-by incidents: These accidents happen when a worker comes into contact with a flying, falling, swinging, or rolling object. These incidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Electrocution: Construction workers are often exposed to electrical hazards on a daily basis. If the proper safety measures are not followed, they could be exposed to hazardous wiring, faulty equipment, or accidental contact with power lines. All construction sites need to train their workers on electrical safety and make sure that these tragedies don’t occur on the worksite.
• Ground collapse: Sometimes, workers can get trapped between objects, such as machines or heavy materials. These incidents can lead to crushing injuries and, unfortunately, can be fatal.
• Fire and explosions: Flammable materials, such as fuels, solvents, and gases, can increase the risk of fire and explosions in the workplace. Welding and cutting operations often generate intense heat and sparks, which can ignite flammable materials or vapors. As a result, workers can become seriously injured on the job.
• Chemical and toxic material exposure: Construction workers may be exposed to harmful substances through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Not having the proper ventilation systems or personal protective equipment can affect their health, leading to long-term issues.

If you have been injured on a construction site, it may be time to seek legal help. Consulting with a Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan lawyer can help you determine your next legal steps.

Types of Workplace Injuries

Construction sites can be hazardous environments, with workers facing the risk of serious physical injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries that occur on construction sites include:

• Broken or fractured bones: Falls, being struck by objects, or being caught between incidents can lead to broken or fractured bones.
• Thermal or chemical burns: Exposure to hot surfaces, open flames, or hazardous chemicals can cause burns to the skin.
• Damage to internal organs: Blunt force trauma, falls, or accidents involving heavy machinery often result in internal injuries.
• Head, neck, back, and knee injuries: Falls, slips, and lifting heavy objects are often responsible for causing injuries to these areas.

Unfortunately, some workers can even be killed on construction work sites. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,069 construction professionals died while working, a rate of 9.6 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers in 2022.

In any of these cases, it can result in long-term consequences for those affected by the injuries. If you or a loved one have been affected by a workplace accident, contact an Upper Darby construction accident lawyer today.

Who Is Responsible?

After you have been injured, you want to hold those accountable for their negligent actions. In many cases, your employer might not be liable for your damage, but other parties’ actions could have led to the incident.

Many job sites include contractors, and they must adhere to stringent safety standards. They could be liable in a personal injury case if they did not follow these regulations.

Also, manufacturers and suppliers of equipment and materials must ensure that their products meet safety standards. When defective equipment causes an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable. Proper coordination between different parties is important to prevent accidents.

Engineers are responsible for designing safe structures. If design flaws contribute to accidents, they may be held liable.

Legal Options in Pennsylvania

If you’ve been involved in a construction accident in Pennsylvania, you have two primary avenues to seek compensation:

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation provides coverage if you’re a construction worker and sustain an injury while on the job. You can receive these benefits whether you work seasonally, part-time, or full-time. Workers’ compensation will cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs related to your injury.

However, obtaining these benefits can be challenging. Employers may sometimes deny or delay payment. For that reason, hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help to advocate for your rights.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

While workers’ compensation covers most workplace injuries, there are exceptions. Sometimes, your accident isn’t covered by workers’ comp. You may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against a third party in these cases.

With that, you can seek compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. You can recover medical treatment costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

You will want to work with an Upper Darby construction accident lawyer during this time. They can assess the circumstances of your accident and help you determine which type of legal action would be the best for your situation.

Contact Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan Today

If you have been injured on a job site or you have lost your loved one to a tragic incident, you have legal options. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we have over 40 years of experience handling these cases.

Make sure to schedule a consultation with one of our Upper Darby construction accident lawyers today.