Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, and Philadelphia is no exception. With projects constantly underway from University City to the Navy Yard, thousands of workers face serious hazards on job sites every day. If you were hurt on a construction site, a Philadelphia construction accident lawyer at Wapner Newman can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Wapner Newman, holding negligent parties accountable is what we do. Call us today for a free consultation. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you or arrange to pick you up.

Why Choose Wapner Newman for Your Philadelphia Construction Accident Case?

When you are dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income, choosing the right legal team matters. Here is what sets Wapner Newman apart:

• Proven track record of results. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, including a $227 million result in the Market Street building collapse, a $5.4 million recovery for the family of a fatally injured burn victim, and many other significant victories.
• Decades of experience. With more than 40 years of winning for clients, our attorneys know how to build strong cases and take on powerful insurance companies and corporations.
• We treat you like family. At Wapner Newman, our clients become members of our extended family. We keep you informed at every step and answer every question you have along the way.
• Aggressive advocacy from start to finish. Whether we are negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial, we are relentless in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
• We come to you. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our Philadelphia office, we will travel to meet you wherever you are, or we will arrange a ride for you.

You should never feel like just another case number. When you work with our team, you get dedicated, compassionate attorneys who genuinely care about your recovery and your future. Reach out to Wapner Newman today to get started.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Philadelphia

Construction sites involve heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and physically demanding tasks performed at dangerous heights. When employers, contractors, or property owners cut corners on safety, the results can be devastating. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry nationwide, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Struck-by accidents. Workers are frequently injured by falling tools, building materials, or moving vehicles and equipment on job sites.
• Electrocution. Exposed wiring, faulty electrical systems, and contact with overhead power lines put construction workers at serious risk.
• Caught-in or caught-between hazards. Workers can become trapped in or between heavy equipment, collapsing structures, or unsecured trenches.
• Defective equipment and tools. Malfunctioning power tools, cranes, forklifts, and other machinery can cause sudden, catastrophic injuries.
• Lack of proper safety equipment. Failure to provide hard hats, harnesses, guardrails, or other protective gear directly contributes to preventable injuries.

These first four causes are often referred to by OSHA as the "Fatal Four" because they account for the majority of construction worker deaths each year. Every one of these accidents is preventable when proper safety protocols are followed.

Injuries Our Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers Handle

The injuries that result from construction site accidents are often severe and can affect every part of a person's life. Our team at Wapner Newman has experience handling cases involving a wide range of construction-related injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A fall or a blow to the head from a falling object can cause lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties.
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and assistance.
• Severe burns. Explosions, electrical accidents, and chemical exposure can cause burns that require extensive surgeries and leave permanent scarring.
• Broken and crushed bones. Fractures from falls, equipment accidents, or collapses can require multiple surgeries and long recovery periods.
• Amputations. Accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment can result in the loss of fingers, hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Internal organ damage. Blunt force trauma from being struck by objects or caught between equipment can cause internal bleeding and organ failure.

These injuries often mean weeks, months, or even years away from work. They can strain your finances and take a heavy toll on your family. A Philadelphia construction accident lawyer at Wapner Newman will fight to make sure your compensation reflects the full impact of what you have been through.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Construction Accident?

One of the things that makes construction accident cases different from other personal injury claims is that multiple parties may share responsibility. Unlike a typical car accident where you are generally dealing with one other driver, a construction site involves a web of contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers.

Potentially liable parties in a Philadelphia construction accident case may include:

• General contractors. The general contractor is typically responsible for maintaining overall site safety and ensuring OSHA regulations are followed.
• Subcontractors. If a subcontractor's crew or work practices caused the accident, they may be held liable.
• Property owners. The owner of the property where construction is taking place has a duty to keep the premises reasonably safe for workers.
• Equipment manufacturers. If a defective piece of machinery or a faulty tool caused your injury, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.
• Architects and engineers. Design flaws or errors that contribute to structural collapses or other hazards can make the design professionals responsible.

Pennsylvania law allows injured workers to pursue claims against negligent third parties even if they are also receiving workers' compensation benefits. Under Pennsylvania's comparative negligence statute (42 Pa. C.S. § 7102), you can still recover damages as long as your share of fault does not exceed the fault of the other parties. This means even if you were partially at fault, you may still have a valid claim.

Understanding who is responsible and how to pursue claims against each party requires a thorough investigation of the accident. That is exactly the kind of work our team does every day.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Construction Accident Lawsuit?

A serious construction injury can affect your finances, your health, and your quality of life for years to come. When we take on your case, we pursue every form of compensation available, which may include:

• Medical expenses. This covers emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any future medical care related to your injury.
• Lost wages and earning capacity. If your injury has kept you out of work or has permanently reduced your ability to earn a living, you deserve compensation for both current and future lost income.
• Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life are all real damages that carry value in a personal injury claim.
• Disability and disfigurement. Permanent scarring, loss of limbs, or other lasting physical changes are factored into your compensation.
• Wrongful death damages. If a loved one was killed in a construction accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Insurance companies will often try to settle your claim quickly and for far less than it is worth. They may pressure you to accept a lowball offer before you even understand the full extent of your injuries.

At Wapner Newman, we know the tactics insurers use, and we will not let them take advantage of you. We pursue maximum compensation in every case we handle, whether through negotiation or at trial.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Philadelphia

Once you are home and beginning to process what happened, there are some important steps you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your case:

• Follow through on all medical treatment. Attend every follow-up appointment and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Gaps in treatment can be used by the other side to argue your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
• Document everything. Keep a file of all medical records, bills, correspondence from your employer or insurance companies, and anything else related to the accident and your recovery.
• Photograph your injuries. Take photos of your injuries as they heal over time. Visual documentation can be powerful evidence.
• Do not post about the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys will look through your online activity for anything they can use against you.
• Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies. You are not required to speak with the other party's insurer. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
• Contact a Philadelphia construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner your attorney can begin preserving evidence and building your case.

Taking these steps early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your claim. Let our team handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.

FAQs Answered by Our Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyers

Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from people injured in construction accidents.

Contact a Philadelphia Construction Accident Attorney at Wapner Newman Today

A construction accident can turn your entire world upside down. You are dealing with pain, uncertainty, and mounting bills, all while trying to figure out what comes next. You do not have to face this alone, and you should not have to fight for fair compensation without an experienced legal team in your corner.

At Wapner Newman, we have spent more than 40 years standing up for injured people across Philadelphia and beyond. We know what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable and win the results our clients deserve. Your fight is our fight.

Call Wapner Newman today for your free consultation. If you cannot come to our office, we will come to you. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on what matters most: getting better.