An Overview Of Philadelphia Construction Accidents

Construction sites are notorious for accidents and injuries. They generally contain heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and a number of dangerous conditions. Whether working on a small building project, or a major commercial site, the least bit of negligence by a property manager or third-party can have serious consequences.

If you have been injured in a Philadelphia construction accident, then you may be eligible for compensation in a Pennsylvania construction accident claim. A Pennsylvania injury lawyer can talk to you about your eligibility for a lawsuit, including third-party claims.

Negligence and Philadelphia Construction Accidents

Various types of negligence can lead to serious Philadelphia construction accidents. This may be the negligence of an employer, an employee, a construction site's property owner or a third party, such as a manufacturer or sub-contractor.

Because of the high rate of construction accidents, there are regulations, specifications, inspection requirements, and safety training programs, all which are meant to prevent accidents from happening on construction sites.

Some of the more common types of construction accidents include falls from scaffolding, electrocution, machinery malfunctions, chemical exposure, and heavy lifting injuries.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:

• Unsafe work practices, such as those that fail to meet the standard federal regulations;
• Unsafe equipment, such as ladders, ramps, scaffolding, etc. which has not been properly manufactured or maintained;
• Unsafe working conditions, such as uncovered floor openings, deep ruts or mud, missing guard rails, or other fall hazards;
• Failure to control the job site; and/or
• Product liability, such as design defects, or poorly manufactured equipment.

In each case there may be a different party responsible for your construction accident and injuries. It is the jobs of the contractors, employees, and responsible entities to ensure the safety of a construction site. Architects and engineers may also be held accountable for negligence that leads to a construction accident.

One important caveat about construction accidents; if you accept Workers' Compensation after a work-site accident, you cannot sue your employer or any fellow employees for damages, even if their negligence caused your accident. However, you are allowed to pursue legal actions against liable third-parties in addition to any Workers' Compensation benefits you are awarded.

After a Philadelphia Construction Accident

If you have suffered injuries after being involved in a construction accident, there are a number of steps that you can take to protect your legal rights. Once you have received medical attention, you should:

• Report the injury to your employer and/or construction site manager, noting the name and position of the person notified;
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses to the accident; and
• If possible, preserve any evidence related to your injury by taking photographs of the injury, keeping any equipments or tools that were involved, and preserving any medical records that you received after being treated.

Finally, you should call a Pennsylvania injury lawyer for representation and advice.

Hiring a Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer

Recovering from your injuries and returning to your life is much more difficult if you're weighed down with accident-related expenses, and a Pennsylvania injury lawyer can help you fight for a fair settlement in a third-party lawsuit.

For a trusted legal team that will give your case the personal attention it deserves, contact a Pennsylvania injury lawyer at White & Williams LLP today. We will provide a free, no obligation consultation on your case. 1-877-944-8396