When we look at the total fatal occupational injuries in Pennsylvania from 2006 – 2015, we are glad to see that they have decreased. However, there are still far too many deaths and injuries due to work injuries. For that time period, transportation incidents led the way in fatalities with falls, slips, and trips coming in second. Those two categories accounted for 615t of the total workplace fatalities across our Commonwealth.
We also know that many thousands of workers in Pennsylvania experience injuries while working in construction, survive, and must deal with the consequences of their injuries. If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction incident due to another person’s negligence, you can count on the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to be by your side. When you need a Pittsburgh construction accident attorney, call us today.
Injuries Are A Reality
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries or illnesses for 2017, the latest full reporting year. Anyone who works in the construction industry knows that there is a potential for danger. The risks are there, but with good safety practices on the part of employers and workers, they can be reduced. However, we know that OSHA has what is called the “fatal four,” the four most common ways deaths occur in the industry. They include:
- Falls (38.7 percent)
- Getting struck by an object (9.4 percent)
- Electrocutions (8.3 percent)
- Getting caught in between objects (7.3 percent)
Aside from the deaths, thousands are injured and suffer the consequences. Consider the following injuries:
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken or Dislocated Bones
- Hearing and Vision Loss
- Respiratory Problems
If a person sustains one or more of those injuries as a result of a construction accident, they will likely spend time in the hospital and may need extended rehabilitation in order to make a full recovery. While we recognize that workers’ compensation insurance should cover the medical costs and some income loss, there are times when a victim is eligible for further compensation.
Did an employer know about a potential danger yet not take steps to remedy it? Did the company provide proper safety equipment and training to all workers?
If they did not, then they could be held liable for injuries that occur. If a third-party contractor causes harm to a person, the victim may be eligible to file a claim for further compensation.
What You Can Do Now
We know that construction workers provide a valuable service to our economy. We also know that the industry is more dangerous than others. If you or a loved one have been injured in a construction accident caused by someone else’s negligence, please seek legal assistance. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our knowledgeable and experienced team will work to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and benefits, as well as possible punitive damages. If you need a Pittsburgh construction accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-98-TWINS(89467).