Struck-by accidents are a common occurrence in the construction industry. Listed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as one of the “Construction Fatal Four,” struck-by accidents killed 93 construction workers in 2016 alone.
Some of the most common types of struck-by construction accidents include:
- Vehicle and heavy equipment crashes. Whether they occur on the road or on the job site, these accidents can result in serious injuries or death. Vehicles or equipment may strike workers, roll over on them, or pin them against something.
- Flying or falling objects. These accidents happen when workers are struck by an object that’s thrown or fallen from a height. They may also be caused by discharged items, such as nails or heavy-duty staples, or hazardous particles flying through the air.
- Swinging objects. Construction sites are bustling workplaces where the use of cranes and other lifting or loading equipment isn’t out of the ordinary. When this equipment turns, twists, and swivels during operation, it can easily strike and injure a worker.
Construction workers who survive a struck-by accident are often left with severe injuries, such as broken or crushed bones, head and neck injuries, concussions or traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis of varying degrees.
In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation is the sole legal remedy for construction workers injured in struck-by accidents, even if the accident and injury was directly caused by their employers’ negligence.
However, if worker onsite who caused your injuries is employed by another company, you may have grounds for a third-party construction accident claim, which would allow you to seek a wider range of damages.
Consult an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney
Too often, workers’ compensation benefits are insufficient for construction accident injuries—particularly those that involve a great deal of pain and suffering. The knowledgeable attorneys with the Accident and Injury Law Group can review your case to determine if you have grounds for a third-party claim. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free initial case consultation.