Construction is known to be a dangerous industry, and worksite accidents often have fatal consequences. After losing a loved one in an accident, you and your family members may be left with many emotional and financial burdens. You may be searching for ways to seek justice and hold the people responsible for your loss accountable.
No amount of money can make up for the pain of losing a loved one in a preventable accident. However, understanding your rights in pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or civil lawsuit may be vital to protecting your family’s best interests in the long run. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a Bethlehem fatal construction accident, call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our experienced attorneys know how to support and stand up for you and your family.
Who Can File Suit After a Fatal Construction Accident?
If someone’s reckless or careless conduct directly leads to a fatal accident, Pennsylvania law allows certain family members of the deceased person to file a lawsuit in their name. Because the deceased person can’t file suit for losses they suffered due to another person’s negligence, the family can do so on their behalf and seek compensation for their own losses.
Under Pennsylvania law, the executor of a deceased person’s estate has six months after their death to file suit. After, any beneficiary—the surviving spouse, children, or parents—has two years from the date of death to file suit, under most circumstances. A Bethlehem attorney can further explain the laws for wrongful death suits and help bring a claim for a fatal construction accident within the applicable time limits.
Liability for a Construction Accident Death
A civil lawsuit for a fatal construction accident must demonstrate a third party’s negligence in causing the worker’s death. This kind of case could proceed against various people and entities, such as:
- Individual contract workers
- Companies that supplied faulty tools or materials
- Construction managers and designers
- Visitors on a construction site who disobeyed safety rules
Alternatively, or in addition to this type of lawsuit, you might also be able to get certain benefits through your loved one’s workers’ compensation coverage. This coverage is generally limited to losses like lost future income as opposed to emotional losses. However, it can still be an important part of a comprehensive case following a fatal construction accident in Bethlehem. Our seasoned attorneys can explain your family’s rights in pursuing a civil lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim after losing a loved one in a worksite incident.
Contact a Bethlehem Attorney After a Fatal Construction Accident
Losing a loved one is tragic, especially in a preventable, on-the-job accident. No family deserves the heartache and stress that comes with this kind of tragedy. If you are dealing with this unimaginable situation, support from a dedicated lawyer at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can make a huge difference in your quality of life moving forward.
We know how to fight for your family’s rights after a Bethlehem fatal construction accident. Managing Partner Rich Godshall has over twelve years of experience winning multi-million dollar construction injury cases and standing up for our clients’ best interests. Call today to learn how our firm can support and guide you through this difficult time.
