Construction Accident Lawyers In Bucks County, PA
An employee might accidentally injure themselves on the job due to using equipment a certain way or not being careful enough when engaging in work. In other cases, however, a construction accident may be due to the negligence of a third party or the intentional and willful disregard for your safety. In such cases, it’s crucial to secure a construction accident lawyer in Bucks County, PA, who can represent you. That’s where the team at Bochetto & Lentz, P.C. comes in.
We’ll work with you to help you establish your case, ensure that you receive the proper compensation for your injuries and other damages, and guarantee that justice is served. Take care to see that your construction accident is properly addressed with the support of the experienced attorneys at Bochetto & Lentz, P.C.
Legal Responsibilities Of Employers And Contractors
What’s important to know when seeking a construction accident lawyer in Burlington County or Bucks County is that construction accident law in Pennsylvania varies greatly from other states, which can affect what damages you’re able to seek if you’re interested in seeking compensation for your injuries or disability.
In other states, you may be able to file a construction accident claim when you are injured as a result of your employer’s negligence. However, this is not the case in Pennsylvania. You could sue your employer, but you likely wouldn’t get very far, as Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. No matter whose fault the construction accident is, you waive the right to seek damages so long as your employer offers workers’ compensation.
What Safety Violations Are Most Common On Construction Sites?
- Failure to provide adequate fall protection for workers at heights.
- Not using or providing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Improper scaffolding setup or maintenance.
- Lack of proper training for equipment operation.
- Ignoring lockout/tagout procedures for machinery.
- Unsafe electrical wiring or exposure to live wires.
- Failure to maintain clear walkways, causing trip hazards.
- Inadequate hazard communication and signage on-site.
- Not securing materials and tools properly, risking falling objects.
- Poor excavation and trench safety practices.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Construction Accident Lawyer?
It is the legal responsibility of employers and contractors to provide workers’ compensation insurance and to follow OSHA regulations to ensure a safe workplace. But if you do get injured, you won’t be able to seek damages as you might in other states.
That being said, there are exceptions to the rule. Specifically, there are three scenarios in which it can be wise to secure a construction accident lawyer in Bucks County:
Suing For Intentional Harm:
You may have a case if an employer knowingly caused a construction accident. If they asked you to perform an action with the knowledge that the likely outcome would be injury or death, you may be able to seek damages. However, it’s worth noting that these cases can be rather difficult to prove with absolute certainty.
Suing For Lack of Workers’ Compensation:
As described above, employers and contractors have a legal requirement to provide you with workers’ compensation, which is what protects them from construction accident claims. However, if they don’t have workers’ compensation and engage in activities that lead to injury due to their negligence, you can file a lawsuit against them. You will still need to document your injuries, prove that your employer was negligent, and make sure that you file your construction accident claim before the statute of limitations runs out.
Suing A Third Party:
The third scenario in which you can secure a construction accident lawyer in Bucks County and file a claim is if you’re suing someone aside from your employer. There are many instances in which this may be appropriate. For example, if you’re doing construction work on a property and the property owner’s negligence led to your injuries, you may be able to seek damages from them. Likewise, while you may not be able to sue your employer if something goes wrong on the job site, you may be able to sue an equipment manufacturer if there’s a defect that causes severe injury. If you have been on the receiving end of a construction accident while on the job in Bucks County, you can speak to a construction accident lawyer at Bochetto & Lentz, P.C. to see if you might have a case against a third party, even if you can’t bring a case against your employer for your injuries.
Knowing your employer’s or contractor’s legal obligations will help you better understand what can be done legally if you’re injured while doing your job. Keep the above in mind as you determine whether or not you can proceed to file a claim.
Statute Of Limitations In Bucks County Construction Cases
Beyond knowing what your employer’s legal obligations are, it’s crucial that you understand the statute of limitations in your area. Should you wait too long to reach out to a construction accident lawyer in Bucks County, you could end up unable to file a claim. So, how long do you have to file a claim? Whether you’re seeking a personal injury lawyer in Montgomery County or want to build a construction accident case specifically, you always have two years from the injury to file a claim. The only exceptions to the rule are if you have an injury that isn’t discovered until later or if you were legally disabled and unable to file a claim.
A construction accident can, and sometimes does, cause catastrophic injuries that strip you of your ability to work and leave you with disabilities that affect you for the rest of your life. If you meet the specific requirements above and are able to file a claim, you can trust us at Bochetto & Lentz, P.C., to be your construction accident lawyer in Bucks County and manage your case. Contact us today to seek the compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly to speak with an attorney.