Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer

Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer

Philadelphia is a city that’s constantly being built, rebuilt, and expanded. From the waterfront development projects along the Delaware River to the high-rise construction in Center City, thousands of workers show up to dangerous job sites every single day. They operate heavy machinery, work at dangerous heights, handle hazardous materials, and do the kind of labor that keeps this city moving forward. And yet, far too many of them get hurt because a contractor cut corners, an equipment manufacturer shipped a defective product, or a property owner failed to maintain a safe worksite.

If you or someone you love was injured on a Philadelphia construction site, you may be entitled to more than workers’ compensation. A skilled Philadelphia construction accident lawyer can help you understand all of your legal options — and fight to make sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.

At Pagano Law, we represent injured workers and their families throughout the Philadelphia area. Our team knows what it takes to build a strong construction accident claim, and we’re not afraid to go up against large contractors, insurance companies, or property owners to get results.

Why Construction Sites Are So Dangerous in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of construction-related injuries and fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounts for a disproportionate share of workplace deaths nationwide, with falls alone responsible for roughly one-third of all fatalities in the sector.

OSHA refers to the leading causes of construction deaths as the “Fatal Four”: falls, struck-by-object incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Together, these four categories account for more than half of all construction worker deaths in the United States every year. On a busy Philadelphia job site, any of these hazards can be present at any moment.

What makes construction accident cases especially complicated is that the injury itself is rarely the whole story. Multiple contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and even government entities may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Figuring out who is liable — and building a case to prove it — requires legal experience and a thorough investigation.

Common Types of Construction Accidents We Handle

Our Philadelphia construction accident attorneys have experience handling a wide range of job site injuries. If your situation isn’t listed here, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a case — call us and we’ll evaluate it for free.

Scaffolding Accidents Scaffolding collapses and falls are among the most deadly incidents on construction sites. When scaffolding is improperly assembled, overloaded, or poorly maintained, the consequences can be catastrophic. Workers on scaffolds have little to protect them if the structure gives way.

Falls from Heights Falls from ladders, roofs, elevated platforms, and open floors account for a massive percentage of construction injuries. Pennsylvania law and federal OSHA regulations require proper fall protection — when those requirements aren’t met, injured workers have legal recourse.

Electrocutions Contact with live power lines, unprotected wiring, or faulty electrical equipment can cause severe burns, cardiac events, and death. Electrocution risks are present on virtually every construction site, and violations of electrical safety standards are frequently cited by OSHA inspectors.

Struck-By Accidents Workers can be struck by falling debris, swinging crane loads, or vehicles operating on a busy job site. These incidents often happen fast, with little warning, and can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or worse.

Crane and Heavy Equipment Accidents Crane collapses, equipment rollovers, and mechanical failures can be devastating. When equipment malfunctions due to a manufacturing defect, maintenance failure, or operator error, multiple parties may be liable.

Trench Collapses and Excavation Accidents Trench work is some of the most dangerous labor on any job site. A trench collapse can bury a worker in seconds, causing crush injuries, asphyxiation, or death. OSHA sets strict standards for shoring and sloping that are frequently ignored.

Toxic Exposure Exposure to asbestos, silica dust, lead paint, and other hazardous materials is a serious risk on older Philadelphia construction and demolition sites. Long-term exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung disease, and other life-altering conditions.

Defective Equipment When a tool, machine, or piece of safety equipment fails because of a design flaw or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be held liable in addition to — or instead of — the employer.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Philadelphia Construction Accident?

One of the most important things to understand about construction accident claims is that workers’ compensation may not be your only source of recovery. In Pennsylvania, workers’ comp covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault — but it doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering, and it won’t cover the full extent of what you’ve lost.

If a party other than your direct employer contributed to your injury, you may have the right to file a third-party personal injury claim. This opens the door to full compensation including pain and suffering, loss of future earning capacity, and other damages that workers’ comp simply doesn’t cover. Potentially liable parties in a Philadelphia construction accident may include:

• General contractors and subcontractors who created or failed to address unsafe conditions
• Property owners who failed to maintain a safe worksite
• Equipment or tool manufacturers whose products were defective
• Architects or engineers whose design errors contributed to the accident
• Government agencies responsible for maintaining safe public infrastructure

Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly to identify every party whose negligence may have played a role. We don’t leave money on the table.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

The damages available in a construction accident claim depend on the specifics of your case, but injured workers may be entitled to recover:

• Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages for time missed from work
• Loss of future earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium for a spouse or family members
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed

Workers’ compensation alone typically won’t come close to covering all of this. That’s why it’s so critical to have a lawyer who understands both the workers’ comp system and personal injury law working on your behalf.

How Pagano Law Approaches Construction Accident Cases

Construction accident claims aren’t like fender-benders. They involve complex liability questions, multiple insurance policies, corporate legal teams, and often serious or catastrophic injuries. At Pagano Law, we take these cases seriously from day one.

When you come to us, we start by listening. We want to understand exactly what happened, who was involved, and how the injury has affected your life and your family. From there, we conduct an independent investigation — gathering accident reports, OSHA records, witness statements, site inspection documents, and any available surveillance or equipment maintenance logs.

We work with qualified experts when needed, including safety engineers and medical professionals, to build the strongest possible case. And when the insurance company comes in with a lowball settlement offer — because they often do — we’re prepared to fight.

Our firm handles construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions for Philadelphia Construction Accident Claims

Contact a Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer Today

Construction accidents can upend your life in an instant. Between the medical bills, lost income, and physical pain, the aftermath can feel completely overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure who’s responsible or what your rights are.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. The construction accident attorneys at Pagano Law are here to help. We’ll review your case at no charge, explain your options clearly, and fight hard to recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, no upfront cost, and no fee unless we win.

Pagano Law serves clients throughout Philadelphia, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.

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