Philadelphia Construction Site Accident Lawyer
Construction sites are some of the most hazardous workplaces in Philadelphia. With heavy machinery, unpredictable environments, and multiple contractors, the potential for accidents is extraordinarily high.
If you’ve suffered an injury on a construction site, you’re likely dealing with more than just physical injuries. You’re also managing emotional stress, financial uncertainty, and a legal landscape that can feel overwhelming. That’s where a Philadelphia construction site accident attorney from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers becomes essential.
A Legal Team That’s Committed to You
Not all attorneys approach construction site accidents with the same level of dedication. At The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we limit the number of cases we take on to ensure that every client receives our full attention. We’ll keep you informed at every stage of your case, answering your questions and addressing your concerns promptly.
We understand that trust is crucial during such a difficult time in your life. Our team works tirelessly to build that trust by delivering results. From the moment you hire us, we’re focused on one goal: achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.
Slip and Fall Accidents on Construction Sites Are Particularly Devastating
Nearly 40 percent of construction industry deaths occur due to slips and falls.
This type of accident might not sound severe to someone unfamiliar with construction work. However, when you’re working on scaffolding several stories above the ground or navigating a cluttered site, a fall can have life-altering consequences. Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are all common outcomes of construction site falls.
These injuries can result in long-term disabilities, preventing you from returning to work and leading to a lifetime of medical care.
Financial Impacts
In addition to physical injuries, the financial impact can be equally devastating. You’re likely facing medical bills, therapy costs, and lost wages. When you can’t provide for your family, the stress only compounds the situation.
Hiring a Philadelphia construction site accident lawyer can make all the difference. The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers team understands how these injuries disrupt every aspect of your life, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Unique Challenges of Construction Site Accidents
Construction site accidents present complexities that distinguish them from other personal injury cases. These accidents often involve multiple parties, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. Determining liability requires a comprehensive understanding of construction site operations and the legal obligations of contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and other entities involved.
Multiple Parties and Shared Responsibilities
Unlike typical personal injury cases, construction site accidents frequently implicate various parties. For instance, a scaffolding collapse might involve a contractor who failed to secure the structure properly, a manufacturer who supplied defective materials, and a property owner who neglected to enforce safety regulations. Each party could share responsibility for the accident, but proving their liability requires unraveling a complex web of contractual and regulatory obligations.
Comprehensive Knowledge of Industry Standards
Successfully pursuing a construction site accident case demands in-depth knowledge of construction industry standards, such as OSHA regulations and local safety codes. These rules dictate the responsibilities of contractors, subcontractors, and site owners in maintaining a safe working environment.
An attorney must analyze whether these standards were violated and how such violations contributed to the accident. Without this knowledge, critical evidence might go unnoticed, weakening your claim.
Complex Evidence Gathering
Evidence in construction site accident cases can include maintenance records, safety inspection reports, engineering analyses, and eyewitness testimony. Each piece of evidence plays a role in establishing liability and demonstrating the extent of negligence. A Philadelphia construction site accident attorney must have the skills and resources to collect, preserve, and interpret this evidence while addressing any attempts by opposing parties to shift blame or downplay their role in the accident.
Comprehensive Case Preparation
Sorting through the layers of responsibility in a construction site accident is a challenging task that requires an attorney prepared to tackle every aspect of the case. From investigating the accident to identifying liable parties and presenting compelling evidence, an attorney ensures that all avenues are explored to hold the responsible parties accountable. Their thorough approach provides the foundation for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Immediate Action After a Construction Site Accident
Time is critical after a construction site accident. Construction sites are dynamic environments where conditions change rapidly, and evidence essential to your claim may disappear quickly. Without immediate action, you risk losing vital details that could impact your ability to recover compensation.
Preserving Crucial Evidence
An attorney from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers will act swiftly to gather and preserve the evidence needed to build your case. Key pieces of evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene, machinery maintenance records, and safety inspection reports, can provide valuable insights into what went wrong. This evidence is often time-sensitive, as construction companies may move equipment, repair hazards, or otherwise alter the scene soon after an accident.
Uncovering Safety Violations
An aggressive investigation often uncovers safety violations that contributed to your injuries. For example, did a contractor fail to follow OSHA regulations? Were proper safety protocols ignored? Questions like these require immediate answers to determine liability. Without timely intervention, records may be altered or lost, and witnesses’ memories may fade, making it more challenging to hold negligent parties accountable.
Identifying Defective Equipment
Was defective equipment involved in the accident? This is another critical area where prompt action is essential. Equipment manufacturers and maintenance crews may play a role in your injuries, but proving their liability requires thorough documentation of the machinery’s condition and maintenance history. A Philadelphia construction site accident lawyer from The Levin Firm will ensure this evidence is preserved and analyzed to strengthen your claim.
Pursuing Justice Without Delay
Acting quickly after a construction site accident allows your legal team to build the strongest case possible, uncovering every contributing factor to your injuries. The faster you act, the better your chances of achieving the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need an Attorney Who Can Secure Expert Witness Testimony
Construction site accidents often involve intricate technical details that can be difficult for a jury to grasp. The complex nature of these cases requires expert analysis to clearly explain how the accident occurred and the extent of the damages. A Philadelphia construction site accident attorney from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers has the resources and connections to bring in expert witnesses who can clarify these complexities for your case.
Expert Analysis of Accident Causes
Understanding the cause of the injury is critical to proving liability in many construction site accidents. For example, a safety engineer could explain how a faulty harness failed and contributed to a fall. Their analysis provides a clear, professional perspective on how negligence, defective equipment, or safety violations led to the incident. This testimony helps establish the responsibility of employers, contractors, or manufacturers, strengthening your claim.
Demonstrating the Impact of Injuries
The long-term effects of your injuries can be just as important as the circumstances of the accident itself. A medical professional could provide critical insights into how your injuries will impact your ability to work and perform everyday activities.
They can explain the need for ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or assistive devices, highlighting the financial and emotional toll of your injuries. This information can be crucial in demonstrating the full extent of your damages to a jury.
Simplifying Complex Information for the Court
When your case goes to court, expert witnesses are vital in translating complex technical and medical information into terms a judge or jury can easily understand. Their ability to simplify these details ensures that your claim is presented clearly and compellingly.
At The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we use expert testimony to ensure your story is effectively communicated and your injuries are fully recognized in court. This approach often makes the difference in achieving the compensation you need and deserve.
Navigating Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
Many injured construction workers assume that workers’ compensation is their only option for recovery. While workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, it doesn’t address the full scope of damages you’ve experienced. Pain and suffering, for instance, aren’t compensable through workers’ comp.
A Philadelphia construction site accident lawyer from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue additional compensation through third-party claims. If a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or another entity contributed to your injuries, you might be entitled to damages beyond what workers’ compensation provides. For example, if a poorly designed piece of equipment caused your accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
Our attorneys take a comprehensive approach to your case. We don’t just look at the immediate circumstances of your accident; we examine the broader picture to identify all potential sources of compensation. This strategy ensures you’re not leaving money on the table that could help you rebuild your life.
How an Attorney Can Help You Fight Back Against Insurance Companies
Insurance companies might argue that your injuries are less severe than you say or offer a lowball settlement that falls far short of covering your long-term medical and financial needs. You might feel pressured to accept these inadequate offers without legal representation, especially if medical bills and other expenses are mounting.
Countering Insurance Company Tactics
A Philadelphia construction site accident attorney from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers understands insurance companies’ methods to undervalue claims. We have the experience and resources to counter these tactics effectively. By gathering extensive evidence and building a strong case, we ensure the insurance company can’t dismiss the seriousness of your injuries or the losses you’ve suffered.
Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
Our legal team will negotiate aggressively to secure a settlement that accurately reflects the full extent of your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. We’ll take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to cooperate or offer a fair resolution. We’re committed to advocating for your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve, no matter how complex or challenging the process may become.
Pursuing Compensation for the Emotional Toll of a Construction Site Accident
The aftermath of a construction site accident goes beyond physical injuries. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. These emotional challenges can make it even harder to navigate the legal process. A Philadelphia construction site accident lawyer from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers can shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
We understand that your recovery isn’t just about physical health. It’s about reclaiming your life and finding a path forward. Our attorneys provide compassionate support while fighting aggressively for the compensation you need to move on.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Contact an Attorney
Delaying legal action can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years, but waiting even a few weeks can make a significant difference. Again, evidence can disappear and it might become more difficult to locate witnesses. A Philadelphia construction site accident lawyer from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers will start building your case immediately.
Taking prompt action also sends a message to the responsible parties and their insurers that you’re serious about pursuing justice. It puts you in a stronger position during negotiations and can lead to a faster resolution of your case.
How We Approach Your Case
The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers begin every case with a thorough consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review the details of your accident, and outline a strategy tailored to your needs. From there, we’ll gather evidence, consult with witnesses, and build a compelling case that demonstrates the full extent of your damages.
Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether through a settlement or a trial. We’ll stand by your side every step of the way, providing the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
A Philadelphia construction site accident attorney from The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help you rebuild your life and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (215) 825-5183 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward justice. Our office is next to the Center City Campus of Temple University, at 1500 John F Kennedy Blvd #620.
Philadelphia Construction Accident FAQ
A construction worker struck by falling bricks suffered a serious injury on a construction site in Philadelphia recently. While that may seem like a freak accident to most of us, anyone who works in the construction industry knows it was neither uncommon nor unexpected. Construction workers face contrast injury risks. In the U.S., one in every five work-place injuries resulting in death occurs on a construction site. The majority of workplace injuries and deaths related to construction work result from falling, being struck by an object, being electrocuted, or being caught in or in-between objects.
If you suffered a serious injury in a Philadelphia construction accident, you may have the right to take legal action to receive significant financial compensation. Below, we answer some common questions we hear from our clients about construction accident injuries in Philadelphia. For answers to questions about a construction accident that left you or a loved one badly injured, contact an experienced Philadelphia construction accident injury lawyer today.
I was injured in a Philadelphia construction accident. Can I sue my employer?
Most Philadelphia construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a work-related injury or illness. Pennsylvania law requires most Philadelphia employers to purchase and pay for workers’ comp covering their employees.
Most employers who buy workers’ compensation policies do not have legal liability for injuries their employees suffer on the job.
Instead, the law limits employees to filing a workers’ compensation insurance claim—and for that, they may need our help. Workers’ comp claims are no easier to resolve than any other claims involving insurance companies. We can help you apply and make sure the settlement you receive is what you deserve.
Some exceptions to this rule exist, however. Also, in some cases, a third party (someone other than an employer or co-worker) causes a Philadelphia construction accident injury.
In those cases, the injured worker may have the right to sue the third party for damages. For example, in the case of a motor vehicle accident that injures a worker in a construction zone, the worker may have the right to sue the driver of the vehicle.
Speak with an experienced Philadelphia construction accident injury attorney today to learn about your rights to take legal action after suffering a construction accident injury.
What compensation can I claim for my construction accident injuries?
It depends on the type of compensation you have the right to claim.
If workers’ compensation covers your injury, then it will usually pay for your medical expenses related to the injury, such as emergency treatment at the scene or in the emergency department, transport to the hospital by ambulance or air, diagnostic testing, physician and surgical services, hospitalization, prescription medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Workers’ comp also pays two-thirds of your wages for the time you miss at work due to the injury.
In cases involving permanent disability, you may also receive wage benefits until you reach retirement age.
If you have the right to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your Philadelphia construction accident injuries, then in addition to claiming medical expenses and lost wages, you may also seek compensation for loss of your future earning capacity, and for so-called non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of the enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
An experienced Philadelphia construction accident injury lawyer can evaluate the types of compensation you have the right to seek.
How long will I have to wait for compensation after my construction accident?
Again, it depends on where the compensation comes from.
If you file a workers’ compensation claim, then your first disability payment should arrive within three weeks (your medical providers generally get paid directly).
If you seek compensation for your construction-related injury through a Philadelphia construction accident lawsuit, then the outcome and timeline are less certain.
Factors that can influence the timeline include:
- Waiting for maximum medical improvement. Accurate assessment of the amount of money you should seek may require waiting until you have a clearer picture of your long-term health prospects. An attorney may advise waiting until you reach maximum improvement before taking legal action, to allow for a precise calculation of your current and future financial needs.
- Negotiating a settlement. Most Philadelphia construction accident injury lawsuits settle through negotiation between the injured worker’s lawyer, defense lawyers, and insurance companies. Sometimes, the facts and legal issues need time to develop before meaningful negotiation can take place.
- Discovery and court congestion. Investigating the facts of a lawsuit through the legal process of discovery can take months. Courts typically schedule the proceedings in Philadelphia construction accident lawsuits over months, to allow discovery to take place, and because courts have other business that can take priority.
Remember, too, that no one can guarantee you compensation for your Philadelphia construction accident injury. Hiring an experienced Philadelphia construction accident injury attorney, however, gives you the best shot at obtaining the full amount of money you need and deserve.
My loved one died in a Philadelphia construction accident. Can I recover damages?
Probably. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation insurance generally provides death benefits to replace part of the deceased worker’s weekly wage, and up to $7,000 for funeral and burial expenses.
A worker’s family may also have the legal right to file a lawsuit known as a wrongful death action, seeking damages for the party at-fault for the tragic death. The damages that a wrongful death lawsuit may recover can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of the deceased worker’s income, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Speak with an experienced Philadelphia construction accident injury lawyer today to learn about your family’s legal rights.
How does my Philadelphia construction accident lawyer prove liability in my construction accident case?
First, liability (someone’s legal obligation to pay because of causing someone else’s injuries) only matters in a lawsuit.
If you file a workers’ compensation claim, then liability generally does not matter. Workers’ compensation insurance pays benefits to injured workers regardless of fault for a construction accident, except in limited circumstances such as when the injured worker was drunk or high on the job, or deliberately caused the accident to obtain benefits.
In a lawsuit seeking compensation for a Philadelphia construction accident injury, however, legal liability does matter. What a lawyer needs to do to prove it depends on the specific facts and circumstances of an accident.
However, in a large number of cases, to prove liability a lawyer must show that:
- Someone owed the injured worker a duty of care. This means someone had a legal obligation not to act in a way that puts someone else at an unreasonable risk of harm. For example, drivers of cars passing through a road construction zone have a duty of care to obey reduced speed limits, to keep workers safe.
- Someone breached that duty of care. Using the work zone example, a driver who speeds through a construction zone breaches (or violates) the duty of care the driver owes to construction workers. Speeding puts the workers at an unreasonable risk of harm.
- The breach caused the worker’s injuries. If, by speeding, the driver causes an accident that hurts a road construction worker, then we say the driver is liable for the construction worker’s injuries.
Straightforward as these requirements might sound, they can get complicated to prove in practice. Trust only an experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyer to handle your claim.
What evidence is used to prove a Philadelphia construction accident injury claim?
Any information that establishes when, where, and how the accident happened, and the nature of your injuries and losses, constitutes evidence that a lawyer may use to prove your right to receive compensation (either from workers’ comp or through a lawsuit). That information can come from eyewitnesses, from medical records, from insurance documentation, from employment records, and so on.
Speak with a construction accident injury lawyer in Philadelphia as soon as possible after your injury to preserve as much evidence as possible about your case.
What is the average compensation for a construction accident?
There is no average, really. Construction accidents cause a wide range of injuries and losses, which lead to an equally wide range of compensation amounts.
Workers who receive workers’ compensation benefits for their injury can generally expect to receive compensation for their medical expenses (much of it paid directly to their doctors), and up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage until they can return to work.
In Philadelphia construction accident cases, compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes, if third parties helped to cause the accident, so-called non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Factors that can influence the amount of money an injured Philadelphia construction worker might receive through lawsuit include:
- The severity of the injury. More severe injuries often require more expensive treatments, more time away from work, and more severe impacts on the person’s day-to-day life, all of which can lead to larger claims.
- The worker’s age, general state of health, and income. Because damages can include payment for a worker’s current and future lost wages, younger, healthier, higher-paid workers will usually have higher-value claims compared to older, less-healthy, lower-paid workers.
- The degree of dispute and conflict. This factor can cut both ways. On one hand, lawsuits involving high-dollar claims tend to spur more disagreement, because the parties have more money to fight over. On the other hand, the more uncertain the facts and legal issues in a lawsuit, the longer the odds of succeeding and so, the lower the value of the claim.
- The liable party’s financial resources. At the end of the day, a legal claim is only worth as much as the liable party’s ability to pay. Experienced Philadelphia construction accident lawyers work to identify all parties with potential liability for a construction accident injury, to ensure their clients pursue the greatest number of sources of payment available.
- The injured worker’s personal needs. Some injured workers can hold out for the best possible resolution of a claim. Others face severe financial strain and need to resolve a claim sooner, even if that means taking less money than they might otherwise recover.
Is the compensation I receive through a Philadelphia construction accident lawsuit taxable?
Probably not, but to be sure, discuss your tax concerns with an experienced Philadelphia construction accident injury lawyer.
Usually, you are not required to pay tax on workers’ compensation benefits. Similarly, the IRS does not consider personal injury settlements and awards income, so they are also not taxed. However, some exceptions do exist, such as when a party receives punitive damages.
Taxes can get complicated, as most of us know. Do not assume the money you receive in connection with a Philadelphia construction accident injury case will always come to you tax-free. Always discuss any tax concerns directly with an experienced attorney.
Do I need an attorney for my Philadelphia construction accident case?
Yes, you absolutely need an attorney for your construction accident case, regardless of whether you file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue a lawsuit.
The workers’ compensation process is often confusing. Preparing an accurate, thorough claim with the help of an attorney can get you paid quickly. If the workers’ compensation insurance company denies your claim, seek an attorney’s help in appealing that decision. Do not try to go it alone. You may put your legal rights at risk.
By the same token, taking legal action for compensation after a Philadelphia construction accident case requires the skill and experience of a seasoned construction accident injury lawyer. Make sure any lawyer you hire has a track record in Philadelphia construction accident cases so that you can rest assured your lawyer knows how to investigate, strategize, negotiate, and go to court to get you the money you need and deserve.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a Philadelphia construction accident, then you may have the right to receive the financial compensation from workers’ compensation insurance or through a lawsuit that you need to rebuild your life. Contact an experienced Philadelphia construction accident injury lawyer at the Levin Firm today for a free case evaluation.