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Pittsburgh Construction Accident Lawyers

Veteran Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Clients Injured in Construction Accidents in Allegheny County and Throughout Western Pennsylvania

Our qualified Pittsburgh construction accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet following an accident, especially if the injuries involved are serious and will require an extended recovery time. 

Residents of Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities are well aware of the fact that the area has experienced substantial growth in recent years—resulting in the abundance of construction sites both in terms of real estate development and the expansion of our roadways to keep up with a growing population.  While a positive for the area as a whole, these construction zones present substantial dangers and, when safety protocols are not closely followed, can create hazardous working conditions for many in the industry. 

Get Free Advice From An Experienced Pittsburgh Construction Accident Attorney. All You Have To Do Is Call 412-837-8426 or Fill Out Our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Unfortunately, many individuals who sustain injuries on construction sites mistakenly believe that workers’ compensation is the only option for recovering even a portion of the financial damage caused by a construction accident in Western Pennsylvania.  At Goodrich & Geist, P.C., our experienced construction accident injury lawyers are here to ensure that injured workers understand the full extent of their legal rights—which may include pursuing a claim for compensation in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. 

To schedule a risk-free consultation with our Pittsburgh construction accident lawyers, call or contact us today.

All Varieties of Construction Accidents in Pittsburgh Carry Risks of Substantial Injuries

Construction worker injuries are common because sites are inherently dangerous places and any number of things can go wrong to cause an accident resulting in devastating injuries to both workers and those passing through or by the site.  Types of construction accidents that carry particularly high risks that someone will incur substantial injuries include:

Unfortunately, many of these construction accidents are actually caused by someone’s failure to follow relevant safety protocols.  Whether the violation was blatant and willful—such as failure to provide necessary training or safety gear—or more nuanced—such as in cases where a failure to properly inspect or maintain equipment led to the accident, you need an experienced construction accident lawyer on your side to protect your rights.

Experienced Injury Lawyers Committed to Helping Construction Accident Victims in Pittsburgh Understand Their Legal Rights to Compensation

If you sustained injuries in a construction accident in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation via the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system and, in some cases, via a third-party personal injury lawsuit.  Importantly, to preserve your right to maximum compensation from all available sources, you should take the following actions as soon as possible after a construction accident:

Remember that the workers’ compensation system is only designed to shield your actual employer from liability.  In many cases where a non-employer, such as a contractor, property owner, architect or the manufacturer of a machine, was also negligent in causing the construction accident, you may have the additional right to pursue compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with our Experienced Pittsburgh Construction Accident Lawyers Today

Construction Site Accident Attorney Pittsburgh PA

At Goodrich & Geist, P.C., our skilled Pittsburgh construction accident lawyers know that the prospect of navigating the legal system on your own can be intimidating, so we are here to explain all available options given the facts of your case and to stand by your side throughout the entire legal process.  Your first consultation is entirely free and we always provide our honest and straightforward opinion as to possible avenues for recovering compensation in your case evaluation—so there’s no risk in contacting or calling us to see how we can help.

Find Out What Your Case Is Worth – Call 412-837-8426 or Fill Out Our Free Case Evaluation Form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accident Claims in Allegheny County and Throughout Western Pennsylvania

The construction industry is one of the more dangerous professions in which to work in the U.S.  Construction accidents occur much more frequently than other work accidents—and the resulting injuries can be much more severe than other workplace injuries.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in Western Pennsylvania, the top-rated construction accident lawyers at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. are here to help.  We know that you might quickly find yourself confused by the tangle of workers’ compensation and personal injury laws that apply in these cases. 

To help, we have answered some frequently asked questions about construction accident claims in Western Pennsylvania on this page.  Call or contact our office for a free case review to get answers more specific to your accident.

What are some of the common hazards that can cause construction accidents?

Construction workers face any number of hazards on an ordinary day at work. Some of the most common types of accidents that occur on construction sites include:

– Scaffolding and ladder falls,
– Electrocution and electric shock accidents,
– Accidents caused by dangerous equipment, such as nail gun accidents,
– Accidents caused by heavy machinery, including forklifts, cranes, backhoes and more,
– Crush accidents,
– Accidents caused by falling objects,
– Accidents caused by lack of proper safety equipment or failure to follow applicable safety regulations.

What are some of the common injuries caused by construction accidents?

Because of the naturally dangerous conditions on a construction site, the injuries workers are often severe. You might find yourself unable to work for an extended period of time—and some injuries can keep you from returning to construction work permanently. Some common injuries caused by construction accidents include:

– Traumatic brain injuries,
– Spinal cord injuries,
– Other head and neck injuries,
– Amputations and loss of limbs,
– Internal organ damage,
– Severe burns,
– Fatalities.

Who might be entitled to compensation after a construction accident?

Both construction workers and bystanders can be injured in construction accidents and can recover compensation for those injuries. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the family of the victim can pursue their right to compensation in a wrongful death case.

What are the relevant time limits that I need to be aware of if I sustained injuries in a construction accident in Western Pennsylvania?

The first timeline that will impact you is the deadline for notifying your supervisor or employer that the accident occurred in order to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits—you must provide that notice within 120 days after the accident occurred. To file a personal injury lawsuit against a third-party (non-employer) who may be responsible for the accident, you must act within two years of the accident. In cases where your workers’ compensation benefits were denied, you have three years after the date of the construction accident to file a lawsuit for compensation.

What does workers’ compensation cover if I am injured in a construction site accident? Why might I want to talk to a lawyer about alternative recovery methods?

Workers’ compensation benefits, while valuable, will not compensate you for the full cost of your injuries—it will cover a portion of your lost wages and your medical expenses. In some cases, however, where a third-party is responsible (or partially responsible) for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for all lost wages, lost earning potential, pain and suffering and other expenses that workers’ compensation isn’t designed to cover. Because we want to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible, our lawyers will investigate and explore every option to help you recover from the accident.

If I’m entitled to workers’ compensation following a construction accident, why do I need a lawyer?

In addition to helping you explore options for pursuing your right to compensation via a personal injury lawsuit, the workers’ compensation process in itself can be confusing. Claims are routinely denied based upon simple mistakes in the application materials. Our lawyers can both help you complete the paperwork necessary to make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and can also help you appeal a denial of benefits, which can occur for any number of reasons (for example, in situations where the true cause of your injuries is challenged).

Who makes up the general safety rules designed to prevent construction accidents?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has detailed regulations designed to protect worker safety and prevent construction accidents. Failure by your employer or supervisor to properly follow these regulations can result in serious accidents and injuries.

Why might I want to file a lawsuit when I am entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for the injuries I sustained in a construction accident?

In some cases, workers’ compensation benefits may be insufficient to cover all of your expenses. While your medical expenses should be covered, you will only receive a portion of your lost wages. Workers’ compensation also does not provide any compensation for pain and suffering. If a third-party claim is possible in your case, you might be able to recover compensation in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits.

Can I get workers’ compensation benefits and still file a lawsuit if I was injured in a construction accident?

If someone other than your employer or a co-worker caused your accident, yes. However, you may be required to reimburse workers’ compensation for some of the compensation you recover in a third-party lawsuit. In other words, you will not be able to recover compensation for the same expenses twice (although you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides).

I was injured as an independent contractor working on the construction site. Can I recover workers’ compensation benefits?

Independent contractors are not entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits because they are not technically “employees”. However, our lawyers can help explore options for filing a personal injury lawsuit for your construction accident injuries.

Who are some non-employer parties who might be held responsible for a construction accident?

While you cannot sue your employer for additional compensation in most cases, depending upon the specific facts of your case, you may be able to bring a third-party lawsuit against negligent:

– Property owners,
– Contractors and subcontractors,
– Site developers,
– Engineers or architects,
– Equipment designers or manufacturers.

How can a lawyer help establish who was responsible for my construction accident?

An experienced lawyer can conduct an independent investigation into what happened in your case. Depending upon the facts, we may:

– Work with experts to gain information about the likely cause of your accident,
– Interview witnesses,
– Evaluate the accident scene,
– Obtain and evaluate the safety records of potentially responsible parties, such as the property owner, general contractor, engineers, product manufacturers and more.
 

How do I know if I have a case for compensation after I was in a construction accident?

Accident victims are frequently unsure about whether they have the right to compensation for their injuries. Our accident lawyers have decades’ worth of experience handling construction accident cases. We will evaluate every aspect of your case to determine the best way to proceed, whether that involves making sure you are getting the full amount of your workers’ compensation benefits or filing a third-party claim for additional compensation. We offer a free case review, so there is no risk in calling to learn about your legal rights.

I don’t think that I can afford to hire a lawyer to get compensation after my construction accident. What are my options?

Most accident victims are facing increased costs and reduced income after their injury. Because of this, the injury lawyers at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. work on a contingency basis. “Contingency” fee arrangements mean that you don’t have to pay us anything up front. We recover our attorneys’ fees as a portion of the settlement award that we win in your case. For more information, call us today.

What if the construction accident was wholly or partially my fault?

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system—meaning that you qualify for benefits even if you were totally responsible for the accident. If your case justifies a third-party lawsuit, you might still be entitled to compensation against anyone else who was partially at fault for the accident.

Call Today for a Free Case Review to Discuss Your Pittsburgh Construction Accident Case

At Goodrich & Geist, P.C., our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers have over 50 years’ combined experience helping accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries.  We are here to provide immediate help for you and your family. For a free, no-obligation case review, call or contact our Pittsburgh construction accident lawyers today.

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