No matter where you work you have the possibility of getting into an accident. The conditions of your workplace and your occupation can help create those risks. Of course, the chance of getting into an accident tends to be much greater in certain workplaces than in others. It’s important to know the different types of work accidents and what they mean when moving forward with your legal claim. Our work accident lawyers know how to build a strong case for your work injury; contact us for a free consultation today!
Most Common Types of Work Accidents
Electrical Accidents
Construction worksites can be dangerous environments, hosting multiple work crews, heavy equipment, cumbersome materials, and many other potential hazards. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) reports that about one in five fatalities across all U.S. industries were workers in construction, with electric shock accounting for one of the “Fatal Four” accidents (along with falls, being struck by an object, and being caught between objects).
Accidents involving electric shock are some of the most disturbing because of the extensive injuries and life-long complications for victims. At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., we have seen firsthand how lives are forever changed by electrical injuries. Fortunately, injured workers do have rights under Pennsylvania law.
Explosions and Fires
Despite the safety measures that should be in place, fires and explosions are all too common at construction sites. These devastating accidents can cause catastrophic injuries that leave workers with overwhelming medical bills, unable to support their families or return to the life they once had.
Victims of explosions and fires at construction sites need to understand their legal right to compensation for such catastrophic injuries. At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., our respected trial attorneys have helped many workers and families recover maximum compensation in these complex cases. Some of the life-changing results we have won in construction accident cases include:
- $101 million settlement when the Tropicana Parking Garage collapsed while under construction, killing five people and leaving 30 with serious injuries
- $5.015 million settlement for an electrical lineman following contact with live catenary wires
- $3.025 million recovery for the family of a man who was killed in a construction accident
If you or a family member has suffered severe burns or other injuries in a construction site accident, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our law firm now.
Structural Defects
Structural defects pose a significant safety risk to construction workers and building occupants. Buildings with structural defects can collapse, catch fire or cause falls from heights. Many structural defects are caused by the negligence of one or more parties since multiple companies work together on most construction sites. Workers may be injured by structural defects caused by employees from other companies. In these cases, victims of construction accidents may be able to file third-party claims against these other contractors or companies. While structural hazards pose a risk to construction workers, they are also dangerous to occupants of buildings, as accidents may occur months or years after the fact. In these cases, victims of structural defects and their family members may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party or parties.
Our lawyers have a proven record of helping people who suffered injuries caused by negligent building design or construction. In one case, our attorneys helped secure a $101 million settlement for victims of a parking garage collapse. This structural defect case was one of the largest in U.S. history and involved the inspection of nearly 1.5 million documents.
Falls From Heights
Many potentially dangerous conditions may exist on a construction site or other industrial worksite. However, the biggest danger a worker’s faces, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is the possibility of falling from heights. Falls from heights represent nearly 40 percent of all fatal construction accidents, making falls the most common cause of accidental death in the industry. OSHA regulations stipulate that employers must provide fall protection gear to all employees who work at elevations over six feet. However, many contractors and other employers may ignore these regulations in favor of profits. Depending on the circumstances, injured workers and their families may be able to collect compensation through a third-party injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation.
Painters, roofers, window washers, construction workers, and others who work at high levels can all be at risk of catastrophic and life-threatening injuries in a fall if they lack proper equipment. At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., our attorneys advocate for these workers who sustain injuries in falls from heights, as well as those injured in other construction accidents. Workers’ compensation is often limited, and rarely covers the true cost of catastrophic injuries from falls. However, a construction accident lawyer from our firm can investigate the cause of your fall to identify all liable parties. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and nationwide, and are prepared to help pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Industrial Accidents
Factories, warehouses, and other industrial workplaces are unique since employees work with and around specialized heavy machinery every day. This machinery can be dangerous, as, without proper employee training and regular maintenance, a serious accident may result. Industrial accidents, including machinery malfunctions and explosions, can cause devastating injuries and wrongful death. While worker’s compensation may provide some benefits for injured workers, this alone will not cover the cost of everything you have lost. However, in many cases, you may be able to file a third-party claim against other liable parties, such as the machinery manufacturer or maintenance company as well as other contractors or subcontractors. This can allow you to maximize your recovery, helping to ensure that you get compensation for all your expenses, past and future.
Even if you already receive workers’ compensation, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against another party. An industrial accident lawyer from our firm can investigate the cause of your injuries to find all possible responsible parties. We can then represent your interests in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Roofing Accidents
Roofing is a job that can become very dangerous when contractors and property owners fail to take proper safety precautions. Perhaps most importantly, employers must supply workers with safety harnesses and fall prevention equipment, since roofers work at potentially hazardous heights. Scaffolds, working surfaces, and ladders must all be sound and free from defects. Unfortunately, when the proper steps are not taken, the result may be serious and sometimes fatal worker injuries. After a roofing accident, an experienced roof & ladder fall injury lawyer can help ensure you get the full recovery you deserve. This may include both worker’s compensation and third-party claims.
Contact Our Work Injury Advocate Lawyers Today!
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., our attorneys have the experience and resources to help people who have suffered falls from heights and other roofing injuries. We can fully investigate your accident to identify all liable parties so that we can pursue maximum compensation for the losses you have suffered. If you need a roofing accident lawyer, then contact us today.
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C.
1634 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Phone: (215) 585-2814
Email: info@erlegal.com
