Construction workers have some of the most dangerous jobs of any workers in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, this means they are especially susceptible to on-the-job accidents and hazardous working conditions that may cause life-altering injuries or illnesses.
If you suffered serious harm on a construction site due to the negligence of a third party other than your employer, you should speak with one of our skilled accident attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Founding Partner Jon Ostroff and Managing Partner Rich Godshall have extensive experience with construction accident cases.
Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers recently represented a client who suffered significant burn injuries from an electrical shock that occurred due to safety practices being ignored by another company working on the site. After aggressive and ongoing litigation, the claim was settled for $1.2 million. Our Allentown construction accident lawyers can hold the negligent third party liable for your injuries and losses.
When Can You File a Claim Against a Third-Party?
With rare exceptions, workers whose employers maintain workers’ compensation insurance cannot file suit directly against those employers for injuries and losses sustained in workplace accidents, regardless of whether the employer was negligent. However, no such restriction exists on claims against negligent third parties who cause construction accidents, such as other contractor companies and employees, equipment manufacturers, site visitors, and anyone else not working directly under the same employer as you.
To hold a third party liable for injuries sustained in a construction site accident, you must prove they were negligent or reckless and breached a “duty of care” owed to you. Then, you must show that the defendant’s irresponsible actions caused at least one physical injury necessitating professional medical care.
According to the statute of limitations in 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §5524, you must initiate the litigation process no later than two years after the incident that caused your injuries. An established attorney like Jon Ostroff can thoroughly explain how construction injury cases typically proceed.
Compensation in an Allentown Construction Accident Claim
Claims against negligent third parties who cause construction site accidents are not bound by traditional workers’ comp rules. This means that if you can successfully prove a third party’s fault for your work-related injury or illness, you can recover compensation for the full value of the harm you suffered due to that party’s negligence. This includes both economic and non-economic damages like:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages, including lost professional opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of life’s pleasures
- Lost consortium with a spouse
If you obtained some compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation, you may still be able to seek additional compensation through a separate third-party claim. An Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyersyer in Allentown can clarify available recovery options in your construction accident case.
Learn More from an Allentown Construction Accident Attorney
Even when everyone acts responsibly and follows on-site safety regulations, construction sites are still inherently hazardous working environments with the potential for serious accidents. If negligence by a third party on your worksite directly caused you to suffer severe physical harm, you may have legal options beyond a standard workers’ comp claim.
Before attempting to handle your claim alone, contact an Allentown construction accident lawyer at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers to discuss your possibilities for financial recovery. Call us today to set up your free consultation.
