It’s #NationalConstructionAppreciationWeek — a time to recognize the hardworking men and women who literally build the world around us. From roads and bridges to schools and homes, their work touches every part of our lives.
But with this important industry also comes risk. Construction accidents remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Whether it’s a fall, an injury with handheld or electrically operated tools, equipment malfunction, or electrical hazard, construction sites can be dangerous places.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, a construction accident attorney can help protect your rights and fight for compensation. Construction work carries significant risks, and injuries can have lifelong consequences. A knowledgeable construction injury attorney can guide you through workers’ compensation and personal injury claims to ensure you get the support you need.
Let’s take a closer look at:
- The statistics behind construction-related injuries and fatalities
- Common types of construction accidents
- Safety measures every job site should have in place
- What to do if you suffer a construction accident
How Many Construction Accidents Are There in Pennsylvania?
Construction work is inherently dangerous. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry consistently ranks among the top sectors for workplace injuries and fatalities.
Some sobering facts:
- Falls, slips, and trips account for the largest number of construction-related injuries and deaths.
- Electrocution, being struck by objects, and tool and machinery accidents are also common.
- The fatal injury rate for construction workers is about three times higher than the average for all industries.
Why this matters: These statistics are a reminder that safety on construction sites must be a top priority, and injured workers deserve strong legal representation.
What Are the Most Common Types of Construction Injuries and Accidents?
| Type of Construction Accident | Cause | Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Falls | Leading cause of fatalities, often from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, and open edges. |
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| “Struck-By” Accidents | Occur when workers are hit by falling tools, equipment, or materials (e.g., cranes dropping loads, moving vehicles, falling debris). |
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| Electrocution | Contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or improper grounding. |
|
| Caught-In/Between Accidents | Workers trapped or compressed by equipment or materials (e.g., machinery accidents, trench collapses). |
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| Repetitive Motion & Overexertion | Result from physical demands of construction, including use of heavy tools and machinery. |
|
What Safety Measures Should Be Put in Place to Keep Construction Workers Safe on the Job Site?
Construction sites should be guided by strict safety protocols to prevent accidents. Employers must comply with OSHA regulations and maintain safe work environments.
Key safety measures include:
- Proper training for all workers
- Regular equipment inspections
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety goggles, and harnesses
- Fall protection systems for elevated work
- Clear signage and hazard warnings
- Emergency response procedures
Why safety matters: When safety measures fail or are ignored, they can result in catastrophic injuries, and when negligence is involved, injured workers may have grounds for legal action.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured in a Construction Accident?
If you are injured on a construction site, your first priority should be your health. However, what you do next can impact your ability to recover compensation.
Steps to take after a construction accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the accident to your supervisor — ensure there is a written record.
- Document everything — photos, witness statements, equipment involved, and worksite conditions.
- File a workers’ compensation claim — Pennsylvania law protects injured workers.
- Contact a Construction Accident Attorney — they can ensure your rights are protected.
Why Would You Need a Construction Accident Attorney?
A Construction Accident Attorney focuses on representing injured workers in construction accident cases. These cases are often complex because they may involve multiple parties, including employers, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners.
A Construction Accident Attorney can:
- Investigate the accident to determine who is responsible
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Navigate workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits
- Fight for maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
Construction accidents rarely happen without a reason. The causes often include:
- Negligence by employers or contractors: failure to maintain equipment or enforce safety rules
- Inadequate training: lack of proper instruction on equipment use and operation
- Unsafe working conditions: poor lighting, lack of barriers, or unstable scaffolding
- Defective equipment: machinery or tools that malfunction or are physically difficult to maneuver
- Poor communication: especially on large construction sites with many workers and subcontractors
Construction Accident Attorney –Protecting Your Rights
When it comes to construction accidents, having the right legal team by your side can make all the difference. At GLS Injury Law, we combine decades of experience with a deep understanding of construction accident law to fight for the compensation injured workers deserve.
From investigating complex job site incidents to negotiating with insurance companies and advocating in court, we handle every step of the process so you can focus on recovery. Construction accidents often involve a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury or third-party claim, so it is critical to get a top construction accident law firm involved on your behalf as soon as possible. GLS Injury Law has taken on and won these claims for decades and recovered millions of dollars for their clients. In fact, we were able to secure a $15 million settlement for the family we helped in our last construction accident case. We know how devastating a construction injury can be to your health, your livelihood, and your family’s future. That’s why you need an ally on your side with more than 100+ years of combined legal experience who has recovered more than $117 million for their clients. At GLS Injury Law: Winning Is No Accident™.
Don’t face the aftermath of a construction accident alone. Connect with us via a live chat now, fill out a free consult form online and we’ll follow up right away—or you can give us a call at one of our Pennsylvania offices.
Lancaster: (717) 394-3004
York: (717) 313-1300
West Chester: (610) 840-5800
References:
(1) Construction Accidents, Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm
(2) Construction Safety, OSHA, https://www.osha.gov/construction
What Are the Most Frequently Asked Construction Accident Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I do immediately after a construction accident?
A: Seek medical attention, report the accident, document the scene, and contact a Construction Accident Attorney as soon as possible.
Q: How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in Pennsylvania?
A: For workers’ compensation, you must generally report your injury to your employer within 120 days. Personal injury claims may have different time limits — known as statutes of limitations.
Q: Will my employer know if I contact an attorney?
A: Yes, but your attorney will protect your rights and handle communication with your employer or their insurer.
Q: How much does a Construction Accident Attorney cost?
A: At GLS Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing until we win compensation for you.
Q: Can I sue if I was partly at fault for my construction injury?
A: Workers’ compensation benefits are paid regardless of who causes the accident. With a bodily injury or third-party claim, Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence standard. You may still recover compensation, but your award could be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
