Construction site negligence: Ask your friends and family which profession they think is the most dangerous. In the wide variety of possible answers, you may hear one come up over and over: construction worker.
A construction site can be dangerous for workers, supervisors, and even bystanders. Common injuries include: burns, electrocution, falls (from a scaffold, ladder, or roof, or into an unmarked hole in the ground), broken bones, loss of limbs in machinery, impact from falling construction debris, and exposure to unsafe materials. Explosions, defective machinery, or collapsing structures can cause a variety of serious injuries.
Sometimes, an accident is an accident. But sometimes, negligence on the part of supervisors, contractors, engineers, architects, surveyors, project managers, and others involved in the construction process can result in serious – even fatal – injuries to construction workers or bystanders.
The construction industry is regulated at both the state and federal level. Workplace safety rules and regulations were created to keep construction workers as safe as possible. However, not all people involved in the construction process choose to obey those laws. In doing so, they put the lives of their employees at risk.
A responsible employer will:
- Provide correct equipment for the job – and maintain that equipment appropriately
- Provide appropriate training for construction equipment
- Provide suitable lighting and ventilation for work sites
- Secure walkways, staircases, scaffolds, and other access points
- Clearly mark hazardous areas
- Follow OSHA standards properly
You have the right to a safe, hazard-free construction environment.
Negligence on a construction site could seriously injure or kill a construction worker or bystander. If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of construction site negligence, you may need to consult an attorney. The negligent party (or parties) may be liable for your injuries and losses.
If you were injured working at a construction site, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury suit, depending on the circumstances of your injury. You may not realize that there is a time limit on when you can file a claim after a construction site accident. A legal professional can help you determine when and where to file an appropriate claim to get the best possible results – such as payment of medical bills, compensation for lost wages, and more.
Construction Site Negligence Attorneys
If you, a family member or loved one has been injured in a construction accident please contact Philadelphia attorneys Villari, Lentz & Lynam, LLC. They stand ready to investigate and pursue all available civil damage remedies. Call (215) 568-1990 or complete the short form here.
