Construction sites are busy places with heavy equipment, elevated work areas, and multiple crews often working at the same time.
Even when safety procedures are followed, accidents can happen. When they do, the aftermath can be overwhelming. You're dealing with injuries, medical appointments, missed work, and questions about how your bills will get paid.
If you've suffered a
construction site injury in Pennsylvania, understanding your rights can help you make informed decisions about what comes next.
Common Causes of Construction Site Injuries
Construction work is one of the most physically demanding occupations, and job sites present a variety of hazards every day.
Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs
- Falling tools or construction materials
- Equipment or machinery accidents
- Electrical injuries
- Trench or structural collapses
- Slip and fall accidents on the job site
Many of these accidents result in serious injuries that require ongoing medical treatment, time away from work, or even death.
Workers' Compensation Benefits May Be Available
If you're injured while performing your job, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation can help cover medical expenses and provide wage-loss benefits if your injury prevents you from working. These benefits are generally available regardless of who caused the accident.
However, workers' compensation doesn't always cover every loss an injured worker experiences.
Someone Other Than Your Employer May Be Responsible
Construction sites often involve general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners working together. If someone other than your employer acted negligently, you may also have the right to pursue a separate legal claim.
For example, a third-party claim may arise if:
- A subcontractor created an unsafe work area.
- Defective equipment or machinery contributed to the accident.
- A property owner failed to address a dangerous condition.
- Another company violated important safety requirements.
That means a construction accident may involve more than a workers' compensation claim. Understanding who was involved and what caused the accident is important when determining whether additional compensation may be available.
What Should You Do After a Construction Accident?
After receiving medical attention, there are a few important steps that may help protect your rights.
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. Keep copies of medical records, accident reports, and any documentation related to your injury.
If you're able, photographs of the accident scene, equipment involved, and your injuries may also be helpful.
The more information you have, the easier it may be to understand what happened and evaluate your legal options.
Why Choose Slusser Law Firm?
A construction accident can involve more than a workers’ compensation claim. If a contractor, property owner, equipment manufacturer, or another company helped cause your injury, they should not get a pass even if workers’ comp is involved.
The attorneys at Slusser Law Firm look at the entire jobsite, the people involved, and the decisions that led to the accident. We identify every potentially responsible party and pursue every claim the facts support.
You got hurt doing your job. Make sure the full story gets told. Call Slusser Law Firm at
(570) 453-0463 for a free consultation.
Contact us today.
