Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Pennsylvania and across the country. Unfortunately, the dangers associated with this job are increased when people act negligently. In some instances, careless or reckless behavior can lead to a worker’s premature death. In the aftermath of a fatal construction accident, the surviving family may have legal options for demanding financial compensation and holding the wrongdoers accountable.
If your loved one lost their life while working in construction, seek help from an experienced attorney at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our legal team knows how to fight for and support grieving families after Bensalem fatal construction accidents. We will work tirelessly to protect your best interests and seek justice for your immense loss.
Holding Someone Else Liable for a Fatal Construction Injury
If your family member passed away during a construction accident caused by a contract worker, construction company, or another third party, you may have grounds under Pennsylvania law to file a wrongful death claim. This is possible in any scenario where your family member could’ve filed a personal injury claim had they survived the fatal construction accident.
Your family member’s estate administrator or executor—their “personal representative”—has the exclusive right to file a claim on behalf of you and other beneficiaries for six months after your family member’s death. Once that period ends, you or other beneficiaries can file the claim. As our Bensalem fatal construction accident attorneys can explain, you have two years from the date of your family member’s death to bring legal action under the statute of limitations.
Does Workers’ Compensation Provide Death Benefits?
A successful wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal construction accident in Bensalem can seek recovery for losses like:
- Costs of funeral and burial services
- Medical expenses for care your family member received between their accident and when they passed away
- Costs of estate administration services
- Lost future financial support and inheritance
- Lost household services, comfort, companionship, and love
If your family member had workers’ compensation coverage through their employer, you may be eligible to recover death benefits under that policy as well. This can include payments for burial expenses and a portion of the wages your family member would’ve received if they were able to continue working. However, various requirements and special conditions can affect the value and availability of these benefits. A Bensalem lawyer who handles fatal construction accident cases can further explain these requirements during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Contact a Bensalem Attorney for Help After a Fatal Construction Accident
Accidents during construction work can be extremely traumatic for both workers and their family members, even if they only result in temporary injuries. If this kind of accident has fatal repercussions, taking legal action against the people responsible may be necessary to preserve your family’s financial security and overall well-being.
At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we understand how devastating Bensalem fatal construction accidents can be. Our firm has decades of experience helping families seek justice after wrongful death incidents. Call us today to get the dedicated support and legal counsel you deserve. We are prepared to fight for your family’s interests and hold the wrongdoers accountable for their actions.