The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases yearly statistics on fatal work-related injuries. Construction workers consistently have some of the highest death rates.
Some greedy property owners want their construction projects done under budget, and contractors often try to complete jobs as quickly as possible to move on to other projects. Cutting corners to get the work done cheaper and faster is unfortunately too common in the construction industry. Severe and even fatal construction accidents often result.
Many construction accident deaths are preventable, and the surviving families deserve significant compensation for their losses. If your loved one died in a Norristown fatal construction accident, let Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers help you seek justice. We will handle your workers’ compensation claim or lawsuit and ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable for your immense loss.
Death Benefits Under Workers’ Compensation
Almost all Pennsylvania employers must provide workers’ compensation coverage. When someone dies in a work-related accident, the surviving family can seek death benefits through the program.
Workers’ compensation will pay your family up to $7,000 toward your loved one’s funeral and burial costs. The program also pays a portion of their weekly wages to eligible family members. Eligible family members include the deceased person’s:
- Spouse
- Children under 18 or under 23 if they are enrolled in school
- Children of any age who suffer from a mental or physical disability
- Parents who were financially dependent on the worker
- Siblings under 18 or under 23 if they are students
- Siblings of any age if they have a mental or physical disability and relied on the deceased worker for financial help
The percentage of wages that family members can receive depends on their relationship with the deceased worker, among other factors. Our dedicated construction accident attorneys in Norristown can help you notify your loved one’s employer that you plan to file for death benefits. The sooner the employer has notice of your claim, the sooner you begin receiving compensation.
Suing for Wrongful Death After Construction Accidents
When someone’s greed, carelessness, or recklessness causes another person’s death, the wrongdoer must pay for the tragedy they caused. Although no amount of money can fully account for losing a loved one, a successful claim could help you gain financial security and support the rest of your family.
A Norristown lawyer at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers will investigate the fatal construction accident. The property owner, an equipment manufacturer, a worker from another company at the job site, or an independent contractor may have contributed to your loved one’s death. We can bring a wrongful death lawsuit against that party.
However, you must seek legal counsel as quickly as possible. According to 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated §8301, a family has only two years from their loved one’s death to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys can begin working on your claim and supporting you through the legal process as soon as you call us.
Compensation for a Fatal Worksite Accident
In a construction wrongful death case, your Norristown lawyer will work to pursue compensation for your losses, also called “damages.” This is the legal term for the compensation the responsible party owes you.
Your claim can seek money for your family’s emotional anguish and the loss of companionship and support. If your loved one left children, wrongful death damages could include payments for losing a parent’s guidance and counsel.
A wrongful death claim could include funeral and burial expenses. You can also claim the value of the services your loved one provided to your household. Our experienced Norristown lawyers work to understand the full impact of a fatal construction accident on your family and demand appropriate compensation from those at fault.
Contact a Norristown Lawyer for Fatal Construction Accident Cases
When tragedy strikes, you need a skilled attorney. Employers and insurance companies may put on a sympathetic face, but they will try to get away with paying you as little as possible. You deserve a steadfast ally to protect your rights while you focus on grieving with your family.
If you work with Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, you can count on your lawyer to make the responsible parties pay every penny you deserve. We are well-known for representing those impacted by Norristown fatal construction accidents. Call our firm today to learn how we can fight for you.
