The Dangers of Construction Work in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been injured on a job site, finding a
Harrisburg construction accident attorney can be a crucial first step toward recovery.
You might need one to:
- Understand all your legal options, from workers’ compensation to personal injury claims.
- Fight for fair compensation from powerful insurance companies.
- Handle complex paperwork and meet strict deadlines.
- Ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
- Work to get you the most money possible for medical bills and lost wages.
Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. It has the highest rate of work-related deaths. In 2015, for example, 937 workers died in construction accidents in the United States. This rate is higher than any other industry.
In Pennsylvania, construction work also accounts for many injuries and deaths each year. Getting hurt means facing medical bills, missing work, and dealing with a lot of stress.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) tracks the most common causes of these tragedies. They call them the “Fatal Four.” These four types of accidents cause nearly 64% of all construction worker deaths. Knowing your legal rights is vital to get the support and compensation you deserve after such an event.
Harrisburg construction accident attorney terminology:
Understanding Your Rights After a Harrisburg Construction Accident
When a construction accident happens, life can change in seconds. Mounting medical bills and missed paychecks create real pressure. Pennsylvania law offers two main safety nets—workers’ compensation and, in some cases, a personal-injury claim against a negligent third party. A seasoned
Harrisburg construction accident attorney can help you use every avenue available while you focus on healing.
For deeper background, visit
More info about Workers’ Compensation.
What Is a Construction Accident Attorney and Why You Might Need One
Construction law involves many regulations, contracts, and insurance policies. After an injury, several insurers may step in, each trying to protect its own bottom line. We gather evidence, interpret the fine print, and negotiate forcefully so you receive the full value of your claim—covering medical care, lost income, and the human cost of pain and disruption. By handling paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations, we level the playing field and let you stay focused on recovery.
Common Construction Accidents and Injuries
Construction sites can be hazardous. The incidents we see most often include:
- Falls from scaffolds, ladders, roofs, or unguarded edges
- Scaffolding or trench collapses
- Struck-by accidents from falling tools or materials
- Equipment malfunctions involving cranes, forklifts, or excavators
- Electrocution from live wiring or faulty equipment
- Fires, explosions, or “caught-in/between” crush injuries
These events can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, fractures, burns, amputations, respiratory illness, and serious back or neck harm. Understanding the exact nature of your injury helps us calculate the full cost of treatment and long-term care.
Who May Be Liable for a Construction Injury?
On a busy jobsite, more than one party can share blame. Potentially responsible parties include:
- General contractors responsible for overall site safety
- Subcontractors whose crews created hazards
- Property owners who knew (or should have known) about dangers
- Architects or engineers whose plans contained design flaws
- Manufacturers of defective machinery or safety gear
We investigate every angle to identify each negligent party, increasing the compensation pool. Learn more about third-party responsibility at
More info about Premises Liability.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal-Injury Lawsuits in PA
| Feature |
Workers’ Compensation Claim |
Personal-Injury (Third-Party) Claim |
| Fault |
No-fault |
Must prove someone else was negligent |
| Who Pays |
Employer’s workers’ comp insurer |
Negligent third party/insurer |
| Damages |
Medical bills, about two-thirds of lost wages, specific-loss & death benefits |
Full wage loss, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of life’s pleasures, punitive damages in rare cases |
| Process |
Admin proceeding through PA Bureau of Workers’ Compensation |
Civil lawsuit in court |
| Deadline |
Report injury within 120 days; file petition within 3 years |
Two-year statute of limitations |
| Limits |
Cannot sue your direct employer; no pain-and-suffering benefits |
No cap on non-economic damages; cannot recover if you are 51% or more at fault |
Many injured workers pursue both claims at once, maximizing recovery for medical costs, lost income, and personal hardship.
Critical Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Harrisburg
- Get medical care right away. Even minor pain can signal serious injury, and prompt treatment creates the medical record your claim needs.
- Tell a supervisor. Written notice—no later than 120 days, but preferably the same day—protects your workers’ comp rights.
- Document the scene. If safe, take photos of hazards, equipment, and your injuries, and gather witness names.
- Save evidence. Keep damaged tools or safety gear when possible.
- Say as little as possible. Avoid apologizing or speculating. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurer until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Navigating the Initial Claims Process
Your employer should file a “First Report of Injury” with the state. If the company drags its feet or refuses, you can still act—see
what to do if your employer refuses to file a report. Insurers may call quickly; let a
Harrisburg construction accident attorney handle those conversations so nothing you say is taken out of context.
How a Harrisburg Construction Accident Attorney Builds Your Case
Securing the Compensation You Deserve
We pursue payment for:
- Medical expenses – past, ongoing, and expected future treatment
- Lost wages – including future earning capacity if you cannot return to the same work
- Pain and suffering – the physical and emotional toll of the injury
- Specific-loss benefits – for loss of a limb, vision, or hearing
- Wrongful-death benefits – helping families after a fatal incident
See
More info on Paying Taxes on Workers’ Compensation Benefits for how settlements may affect taxes.
Pennsylvania Deadlines and Key Rules
- Personal-injury lawsuits: 2 years from the accident date.
- Workers’ comp notice: 120 days; claim petition: 3 years.
- Modified comparative negligence: recovery drops by your percentage of fault and is barred if you are 51% or more responsible.
What We Do for You
- Full investigation. We collect accident reports, medical records, safety logs, photos, and witness statements, and consult with engineers or medical professionals when needed.
- Handle insurance tactics. We field all calls and letters, push back on low offers, and prepare you for Independent Medical Examinations.
- Negotiate or litigate. Most claims settle, but if talks stall we file suit and present your case before judge or jury.
For more detail on each stage, visit
More info on the Claims Process with a Harrisburg Personal Injury Lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harrisburg Construction Accident Claims
Do I have to pay upfront for a construction accident lawyer?
No. We work on a
contingency-fee basis—there is no fee unless we obtain compensation for you. Consultations are free.
Can I still receive workers’ compensation if the accident was my fault?
Usually yes. Pennsylvania’s no-fault workers’ comp system pays benefits as long as you were injured in the course of employment. The main exclusions are intoxication, intentional self-harm, serious criminal activity, or extreme horseplay.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial letter is not the end. We can file a
Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and present medical evidence, witness testimony, and other proof before a Workers’ Compensation Judge. The litigation process includes hearings, depositions, and written arguments. Having legal representation at this stage greatly improves the chances of reversing a denial. Learn more about the formal process at the
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Your Next Step: Securing Your Future After an Injury
A construction accident affects far more than your health—it threatens your income and peace of mind. Pennsylvania law does provide a path forward, but strict deadlines and complex rules make it hard to follow alone. For over 135 years, the team at Metzger Wickersham has guided injured Pennsylvanians through these challenges, working day and night to pursue fair compensation.
If you or a loved one was hurt on a Harrisburg-area jobsite, reach out for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today. Talking with a
Harrisburg construction accident attorney is the first step toward rebuilding your life.
Learn more about the claims process and get a free case evaluation.
