Pennsylvania Construction Accident Lawyer 

Tens of Millions Won Since 1922. Serving Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, York & Beyond

Accidents at construction sites are painful, costly, and, in the worst cases, deadly. In 2022 alone, OSHA reported 1,056 construction fatalities, an 11% increase from 2021. Construction may be inherently dangerous, but these injuries and fatalities are directly caused by safety lapses and negligence. The personal injury attorneys at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg have been representing the citizens of Pennsylvania since 1922. From offices in Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Schuylkill County, and York, our legal team uses our considerable experience and resources to secure life-changing verdicts and settlements for our clients. We know what it takes to win, even in complex construction accident cases.

Our Pennsylvania construction accident attorneys are ready to help you start your recovery. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation: (888) 498-3023.

The Fatal Four: Proof of Construction's Dangers

1 out of every 5 worker fatalities are in the construction industry. Construction deaths could be drastically reduced by focusing on a set of accidents known as the “Fatal Four.” Identified as causing 63.7% of construction worker deaths, the Fatal Four reveal key issues with safety at construction sites.

Construction's Fatal Four are:

• Falls: Falling is the most common fatal accident at construction jobs. Falling may happen from scaffolding, ladders, deep ditches, and high platforms that are not protected with guardrails.
• Electrocution: Construction workers are frequently exposed to the dangers of electrocution. Unsafe practices with electrical wiring and components may lead to burn injuries or death.
• Struck by Object: Building materials and heavy machinery pose a serious threat to construction workers and passersby, who may be struck by a flying or falling object or piece of machinery.
• Caught-In or -Between: These incidents may be caused by heavy-duty equipment or machinery, as well as instances of being crushed by walls, scaffolding, or other large structures.

Addressing these fatal causes requires employers to implement rigorous safety protocols. Regular safety inspections, training programs to recognize potential hazards, and the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential strategies. By prioritizing safety, construction sites can significantly reduce the risk of these types of accidents occurring, ultimately safeguarding workers' lives.

Other Types of Construction Accidents

Construction workers in Pennsylvania face a wide range of hazards when employers and site supervisors fail to uphold safety standards, provide proper protective equipment, or do not train workers. In addition to the top Fatal Four causes of construction worker fatalities, there are various accidents that may occur.

Here is a more comprehensive list of construction accidents/injuries:

Understanding the causes and types of construction accidents can lead to better preventive measures being put in place. Training on the safe operation of machinery, regular health checks to prevent overexertion, proper management of hazardous substances, and vigilant site supervision are some of the key steps that can prevent these tragic accidents. By fostering a culture of safety, sites can not only avert devastating injuries but also improve overall morale and productivity.

Workers' Compensation Claims for Construction Accidents in Pennsylvania

Those who have been hurt in a construction accident may be entitled to workers' compensation. Though the law surrounding it may be complex, workers' compensation is one of the most effective ways to start your recovery after a construction accident. However, workers must report incidents as soon as they occur.

An employee has 120 days to file a claim after they have been injured. Notably, it does not matter how an injury occurs on the job—it only matters that the injury occurred while the claimant was working. It is critical to inform an employer immediately after an accident. Doing this will create a record of the accident and can help prove your injuries occurred while working.

Additionally, understanding the nuances of workers' compensation is crucial for maximizing your benefits. This includes knowing which medical treatments are covered, your rights concerning light-duty work, and the extent to which wage loss is compensated. Navigating these aspects can be intricate, but skilled legal guidance from our attorneys can help clarify and advocate for the best possible outcome. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that injured workers are fully aware of and can secure the benefits they deserve, alleviating further strain during recovery.

Third-Party Construction Accident Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

In some cases, a construction accident claim may be filed against a third party, which would be someone other than your employer. Filing a third-party lawsuit can provide additional compensation beyond what is available through workers' compensation, such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.

For example, if a construction worker is injured due to defective equipment, they may have grounds to sue the manufacturer. Similarly, if a subcontractor's actions cause an unsafe condition that leads to an injury, the worker may be able to file a claim against that subcontractor. Other potential third-party defendants include property owners, architects, or engineers who may have contributed to the hazardous situation.

Exploring third-party construction accident lawsuits can reveal additional avenues for compensation, often critical in cases where workers' compensation doesn't fully cover losses. Understanding liability in complex construction environments can be challenging, but it is important. By interacting closely with industry experts and conducting thorough accident investigations, our attorneys ensure all potential liable parties are identified and held accountable, offering injured workers a more comprehensive path to recovery.

The Construction Accident Attorneys Pennsylvania Workers Can Rely On

Whether we are representing construction workers and families in workers' compensation, personal injury, or wrongful death lawsuits, our Pennsylvania construction accident lawyers do everything in our power to seek the financial compensation that helps our clients face a brighter future. 

A successful construction accident case may result in the recovery of compensation for:

• Medical costs, including ongoing treatment or therapy
• Lost earnings, including loss of future wages and benefits
• Pain and suffering and other types of emotional trauma
• Punitive damages for particularly serious construction accidents

Working with accident reconstruction specialists, investigators, medical professionals, economists, and other experts, construction injury lawyers at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC have built compelling cases that help plaintiffs rebuild their lives. 

By securing financial compensation, we aim to alleviate the burdens that often accompany serious injuries, allowing clients to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives. This financial support can be crucial in covering ongoing medical bills, securing the needed therapies for recovery, and ensuring families experience minimal financial disruption. As Pennsylvania construction accident lawyers, our focus extends beyond just legal representation—we are committed to paving the way for a better, more secure future for those affected by unsafe jobsites.

Understanding Pennsylvania's Construction Safety Regulations

Pennsylvania has strict safety regulations to protect construction workers and minimize hazards on jobsites. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry enforces these occupational safety and health standards, ensuring compliance with both state and federal laws. This includes mandated inspections and safety programs that companies must adhere to to protect their workforce. 

Pennsylvania safety regulations include:

• Mandatory Training Programs: Employers must conduct regular training sessions to educate workers on potential hazards and the proper use of safety equipment.
• Regular Safety Audits: Construction sites are subject to regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with safety statutes and reduce risk factors.
• Right to Safe Work Environment: All workers have the right to operate in a safe environment and report unsafe conditions without retaliation.

These regulations are crucial in reducing construction accidents and holding companies accountable for poor safety. Proof of failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties while strengthening a plaintiffs' case that they were the victim of company negligence.

What to Do After a Construction Site Accident

Immediately after a construction accident, it is crucial to follow several steps to protect your health and legal rights. 

• Seek medical attention no matter how you're feeling in the moment. Prompt medical evaluation can uncover hidden injuries and establish a health record. 
• Notify your supervisor or employer about the incident to ensure the accident is recorded properly, as failing to report can affect your ability to claim workers' compensation. 
• If possible, get someone to document the scene. Take photos, note witness information, and record details of how the accident occurred. 
• Consult with a construction accident attorney in Pennsylvania. We can provide guidance for seeking recovery and handle all reporting and legal tasks for your accident while you focus on physical and emotional recovery.

How Our Pennsylvania Construction Accident Lawyers Fight for You

Proving fault in a construction accident involves gathering evidence to prove how employer, manufacturer, or contractor negligence contributed to your injuries. This can include demonstrating that safety protocols were inadequately followed or that faulty equipment or machinery was involved. Eyewitness testimonies, photographic evidence, and expert analysis can all play critical roles in building a strong case. Additionally, maintenance logs for machinery and safety records for the site may reveal lapses in protocol that underscore negligence. Working with a construction accident attorney makes it possible to collect and present evidence effectively, maximizing the likelihood of financial recovery. 

What Compensation Is Available for Construction Accident Injuries?

Compensation following a construction accident can cover several areas, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Workers' compensation typically provides coverage for medical bills and partial wage loss but may not include damages for pain and suffering, which can be pursued through a personal injury claim. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available to penalize the responsible party further. Evaluating all sources of potential compensation with a knowledgeable attorney ensures that all avenues are explored, maximizing the recovery required to cover costs and facilitate recovery.

The Importance of Calling a Construction Accident Lawyer in PA Immediately

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a construction accident claim varies depending on the type of claim. Workers’ compensation claims must be filed within 120 days of the injury, whereas personal injury and third-party claims generally have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. In either case, promptly consulting with an attorney after an accident maximizes your ability to file within these timeframes and gather necessary evidence while it is still fresh. Understanding these time limits and their impact on your ability to seek recovery ensures you do not forfeit your rights to compensation from running out the clock. 

The Construction Accident Lawyers Pennsylvania Has Trusted for Over a Century

If you are struggling to be compensated for your injuries, HHR is here to help. We hold employers accountable for the injuries experienced by their employees. If we take your construction accident case, our attorneys will apply their vast experience to seek the compensation you deserve. We understand the pain that medical debt, lost wages, physical injury, and mental anguish causes. When a construction injury happens, time is crucial. Call us today so we can start fighting to get back what you've lost.

Call our Pennsylvania construction accident attorneys at (888) 498-3023 to discuss your rights and options. Your consultation is free, and you do not pay unless we obtain results.