Scranton Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction workers handle dangerous equipment and situations on a daily basis. It's no surprise that accidents can occur at nearly any construction site – and the results can be very serious or even fatal. In 2006, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation received reports on 10,055 construction-related injuries. Despite extensive federal and state regulations designed to maintain safe worksites, 21 PA construction workers suffered fatal injuries in 2006 -- an increase from 14 fatalities the previous year. According to federal statistics, one of every five workplace fatalities in the U.S. is a construction worker.

> More Work Injury Statistics

Construction accidents arise from a variety of factors, but some of the more common causes include:

• Electrical Shocks: Electricity on the jobsite is a constant danger to construction workers. Common causes of electrical shocks include: overhead power lines, lack of ground-fault protection, a handy box improperly used as an extension cord receptacle, cords improperly wired directly to the electrical circuit and improper use of extension cords.
• Excavation and Trenching: Cave-ins are among the most feared trenching hazard for construction workers, but many other risks also exist, including: asphyxiation, inhalation of toxic fumes, drowning and electrocution or explosions from contact with underground utilities.
• "Struck-By" Accidents: Struck-by objects is another leading cause of construction-related deaths, with three of every four struck-by fatalities resulting from the use of heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes. Nationally, one in every four struck-by vehicle deaths involves construction workers. Other construction site hazards that lead to struck-by injuries include falling objects and construction of masonry walls.
• Falls: Falls are a leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Some of the causes are: unprotected sides, wall openings, and floor holes; protruding steel rebar; misuse of portable ladders and improperly assembled scaffolding.

Because of the inherently dangerous nature of construction work, the results of such accidents can be severe injuries. Spinal and head trauma, broken bones, paralysis and even death are among the consequences. Injured workers may be out of work permanently, and they and their families are often left to navigate the workers' compensation claim process alone. When the injury results in the death of a worker, surviving family members may face financial distress in addition to the emotional pain caused by the loss of their loved one.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it's vital that you contact an experienced Scranton workers' compensation attorney immediately. Prompt investigation can preserve key evidence, and a knowledgeable Scranton workers’ compensation lawyer will review the accident scene to determine if any regulations were violated. Legal representation will ensure that your rights are protected while you seek critical medical care, and that you are able to file the appropriate claims quickly and effectively to receive maximum benefits.

The Scranton Workers' Compensation lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C. have more than 40 years of experience fighting for the injured. Our offices in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre provide direct access to local communities where workers’ compensation matters are litigated. We are knowledgeable in all state and federal regulations for construction and demolition sites, and we understand how to properly evaluate accident scenes to determine fault.

Our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. If you have been hurt on the job, please contact us online or by telephone 1-800-318-LAW1 today for an assessment of your case.