From trench digging to high rise steel work, construction workers put themselves in harms way every day. When accidents occur, the laws of Pennsylvania allow the worker to recover for their injuries. Construction site accidents can be fatal, and if not fatal, they often result in work ending injuries. Loss of work is devastating and hurts not only the worker, but also the worker’s family. Under the law, there are two kinds of claims which may be made: workers’ compensation and negligence/tort claims.
Workers’ Compensation Benefit Claims in a Construction Work Accident Case in Pennsylvania
When injured workers contact our firm for help, they usually believe that workers’ compensation benefits are the only kind of claim which they can make. In a sense, they are right, but only as to claim against their employer. Under Pennsylvania law, like most states in the country, workers generally are barred from making negligence claims against an employer for a work related accident. Instead, workers’ compensation benefits can be made against the employer.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical bills and in cases of disability, wage loss. There may be other benefits available, depending on the situation. For example, in cases where loss of vision or disfigurement occurs, Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law allows for a special lump sum benefit.
More Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Benefit Legal Articles:
- Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law – Compensable Injury & Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Injury
- Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Law – Compensable Injury
Negligence Claims in a Pennsylvania Construction Site Work Accident
Another type of claim which may be made in a workplace construction site accident case is a negligence or tort claim against other non-employer parties. For example, a subcontractor may be liable for failing to properly perform its work, which results in injury to a worker from another subcontractor. In some instances, a general contractor may be liable for failing to provide a safe workplace. Having an accident investigated by a knowledgeable lawyer is key to success in these kinds of negligence/tort claims.
More Workplace Accident Legal Articles:
- Accidents at Work in NJ – Common Kinds of Accidents & Workers’ Rights
- Slip and Falls Accidents at Work in New Jersey – What an Injured Worker Should Know
- Workplace Accidents in New Jersey – Suing an Employer
Pennsylvania Construction Site Work Accident & Injury Law Firm
For nearly 30 years, our law firm has been helping workers obtain justice and full compensation for work related injuries. If you’d like to have your case reviewed by our Pennsylvania construction site and work accident lawyers, call 215.925.4451. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.
The work injury and accident lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Published: September 22, 2012