A fall from scaffolding. A defective tool. Unsafe actions of coworkers.

All of these incidents, and many more, happen every day on construction sites throughout Pennsylvania and the United States. In most cases, the injured worker is not at fault, but is the victim of dangerous conditions or practices of the worksite or employer. If you have been involved in an accident and are injured, you should seek legal help. Even if you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you may have a lawsuit against another party and be entitled to significant compensation.

We will start by compassionately listening to your experiences. We will discuss your injuries and find out who else was affected. Finally, we will find who was responsible.

Throughout the process, you will receive Philadelphia’s most thorough legal representation along with the settlement or verdict you deserve. We do not get paid until you do.

EXAMPLES OF CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS

There are numerous types of construction accidents. Here are some examples:

FAILURE TO PROVIDE FALL PROTECTION

Did you sustain injuries from a fall on a construction site? There are many types of fall protection that may be required on a construction site, depending on the circumstances. As an example, if a walking/working surface has an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level, each employee shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

DEFECTIVE LADDER

Did you sustain a fall from a defective ladder? Did the ladder fail by a cleat pulling loose? There are specific requirements for portable ladders on construction sites. One requirement is when portable ladders are used for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails shall extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access.

EXCAVATION REQUIREMENTS

Were you standing in a trench that collapsed and caused personal injury? There are safety standards when digging trenches that require employees to be protected from cave-ins.

FALL FROM SCAFFOLD

Falling from scaffold can result in catastrophic person injuries. Many questions must be asked following a fall, some of them:

• Was fall protection provided?
• Were load limits for scaffolding observed?
• Was the scaffolding inspected by a competent person?
• Did the employer develop a training program to help employees become aware of scaffolding hazards?
• Were the scaffold decks fully planked?

ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS

Electricity is a dangerous business and can result in serious injury. Electric shock injuries are caused by electric current from a mechanical source passing through the body. The severity of injury depends on the current’s pressure (voltage), the amount of current (amperage), the type of current (direct vs. alternating), the body’s resistance to the current, the current’s path through the body and how long the body remains in contact with the current.

STRUCK BY EQUIPMENT AND OBJECTS

Being on a construction site can be dangerous business. Were you struck by a bulldozer or backhoe? Did an object fall from above and strike you without warning? If you were struck by an equipment or object, you should contact Adams Renzi Law for legal consultation.

CRANE FALLS

Crane operators on construction sites are trained specifically to control large pieces of machinery. Sometimes, however, these machines are responsible for construction injuries on site. As a result of these mishaps, other workers on the site can be injured.

FALLING OBJECTS

Because of the nature of construction, overhead work is often performed high above the heads of construction workers. The risk of a falling object injuring someone on site is high. Many times these falling objects can lead to concussions, paralysis, blindness or even death depending on the severity of the construction injury. These injuries result despite a worker’s decision to wear a hard hat.

OPERATING EQUIPMENT ACCIDENTS

Because most construction sites are a busy work environment, many employees risk being struck by a moving vehicle. While construction workers are responsible for looking out for each other’s safety, unfortunately an accident occurs and a worker is injured on the job. This is seen especially for work sites on highways or major roadways.

TRENCH COLLAPSES

In some construction tasks, workers build trenches. In order to ensure the safety of workers, safeguards must be place to protect workers. Collapsed trenches are dangerous for the workers, resulting in injury or death.

FIRES OR EXPLOSIONS

While construction sites are required to have a fire plan in order to evacuate their staff, fires and explosions do occur. These type of construction accidents can cause some of the worse construction injuries for those working on site while they occur especially with the presence of gas on site.

WELDING ACCIDENTS

Welding is often required on construction sites — an activity that can be extremely hazardous. This type of construction accident can occur because of UV light, fumes, sparks or even a skin injury. Unfortunately, welders are frequently injured on the job and are forced to miss work and lose income.