When a construction site incident leaves you injured or your loved one unable to work, you need a Reading construction accident lawyer who will fight for your rights. Serious accidents on construction sites can drastically impact your health, finances, and future, and you deserve experienced legal support to protect your rights.
Construction accidents can involve falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, or hazards that weren’t properly controlled, and they often lead to costly medical treatment and lost wages. Recent data shows the construction industry remains one of the most dangerous sectors in the U.S., with high numbers of fatal and non-fatal incidents each year that highlight the need for strong legal advocacy.
At Munley Law, our lawyers have nearly seven decades of experience in helping victims in Reading and throughout Berks County navigate the complex legal process after a construction injury. Our knowledgeable Reading workers’ injury comp lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to – whether through workers’ compensation, personal injury claims, or wrongful death actions. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss our case.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 Recent Construction Industry and Fatality Trends
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips accounted for 39.2% of workplace deaths in the construction industry in 2023. Furthermore, construction fatalities accounted for 20% of all U.S. workplace injuries in the same year, marking the highest number of fatalities in the sector in 12 years.
Due to the job’s workplace conditions and physical demands, Reading construction workers often find themselves atop cranes, scaffolding, and at extreme heights. Workers and bystanders are at risk of slips and falls, burns, collisions, and other catastrophic accidents when the equipment is not maintained correctly or the area is not secured.
Why You Need a Reading Construction Accident Lawyer
Munley Law understands the dangerous conditions Reading construction workers may face. Our personal injury attorneys diligently investigate the cause of the accident and who is at fault.
Our compassionate Berks County lawyers will review the safety procedures at the job site, investigate if the employer knew of unsafe working conditions, and calculate the total value of your personal injury claim to ensure the compensation you receive will help you recover from all you’ve lost.
Not all personal injury lawyers in Reading are equipped to handle the intricacies of construction accidents. For nearly 70 years, Munley Law has fought for injured Pennsylvanians on the job, in their communities, and on roadways. We do this by putting our Best Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell award-winning attorneys at the front of your injury and workers’ compensation claim. We’ll work with industry experts to investigate the accident, speak with witnesses, and determine whether any OSHA violations occurred.
We know that Reading residents depend on their ability to work to support their families, so going against your employer when you’re hurt on the job can be overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. Our Reading personal injury lawyer will handle your construction accident claim so you can focus on your physical recovery. And if we don’t secure a settlement or verdict, you don’t pay us a dime.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What are the Most Common Types of Reading Construction Accident Claims and Lawsuits?
Construction accidents can happen to construction workers or the general public. Because of this, you may be eligible for several personal injury claims related to a Reading construction accident.
Workers’ Compensation Claims for Construction Injuries
Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, working in extreme conditions like heights, uneven ground, explosives, wiring, and toxic materials. Unfortunately, this leaves employees susceptible to injury that can have lifelong consequences.
If you were hurt on the job, Munley Law can help you file a Reading construction accident workers’ compensation claim. Munley will determine the cause of your accident and answer the following questions to ensure the proper parties are held accountable:
- Where did the accident occur?
- Was the job site safe?
- Did equipment failure cause the accident?
- Were safety regulations being followed?
- Who was involved in the accident?
Once these questions are answered, our team will work on filing workers’ compensation claims, handling insurance negotiations, and representing you in court if need be.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, we’ll handle the appeal process, too.
Premises Liability Injury Claims
A construction site in a public place that has not been properly secured can cause a Reading construction accident. For example, a building is being worked on, and there is scaffolding around the perimeter. As you are walking through, an unsecured piece of wood falls from the scaffolding, injuring you. You followed the safety signs and were not on the property–just walking on the sidewalk.
If something like this occurs, you may have a premises liability case against the building owner or construction company, depending on what went wrong. However, you will need to be permitted near the site, so if you do not obey safety signs and get hurt, you may not have a claim. Or, if you were trespassing on the property, you would not have a claim.
Wrongful Death Claims After a Construction Tragedy
If you or a loved one is killed as a result of a construction accident, your family may also be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Only certain people can file a wrongful death claim, including the surviving spouse, children, or parents. If the deceased does not have any of the above, the deceased’s estate may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Construction Accident?
Whether you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, premises liability, or wrongful death claim, the Reading personal injury lawyers at Munley Law can help you and your family get the compensation needed to help you relieve the financial strains a construction accident can cause.
The Munley Law Reading construction accident injury law firm can help you and your loved ones recover financial compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Specific loss payments for disfigurement, scarring, or loss of a limb
- Death benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
In some cases, if the at-fault party is found to have been especially harmful, you may be entitled to punitive damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in Reading?
If you have a personal injury claim for a construction accident in Reading, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim against the negligent parties. If those injuries resulted in death, you have two years from the death date to file a wrongful death claim.
Though two years may seem like a lot of time, it goes quickly when focusing on physical recovery. Munley Law makes it simple for you to file a claim.
Munley Law will:
- Investigate the construction accident
- Handle communications with the insurance companies
- Collect evidence
- Establish liability
- Prove negligence
- Negotiate a settlement
- Represent you in court
You are not required to hire a reading construction accident injury law firm to handle your personal injury case. But the risks of not hiring an attorney to represent you can be detrimental.
For Reading construction accidents that were involved in a workplace incident, Pennsylvania law provides victims with three years from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. Should your workers’ comp claim be denied, you have three years from the date of injury to file a Claim Petition to appeal.
It is not uncommon for workers’ comp claims to be denied on the first submission. The employer or insurance company may say that the injury didn’t occur on the job or within the parameters of your job responsibilities. Or, they may say that you are not as injured as you say you are.
Regardless of the reason for denial, the Munley Law Reading construction accident attorneys can make it right.
How a Construction Accident Lawyer in Reading Can Help With Your Case
Munley Law Reading construction accident injury law firm will find out why your accident occurred, who’s to blame, and what compensation you can collect.
Some of the most common causes of construction accident injuries that our firm handles include:
- Failure to follow OSHA guidelines
- Lack of compliance with building code regulations
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and equipment
- Motor vehicle, forklift, bulldozer, etc., collisions
- Toxic spills, burns, and leaks
- Product defects
- Fires
- Explosions
- Electrocutions
No matter the cause of your accident, Munley Law can help you and your family navigate the aftermath of a Reading construction accident.
What Are Common Injuries in a Construction Accident?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 421 construction deaths related to falls occurred in 2023. Falls not only can lead to death but can also result in other long-term health complications, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Burns
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Fractures and sprains
- Amputation
- Knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries
The severity of your injury and the long-term ramifications will ultimately determine how much compensation you may be entitled to in a personal injury claim. With the help of Munley Law, the cause of your accident and the overall value of your claim will be calculated, allowing you to focus on your health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accident Attorneys in Reading, PA
Does Pennsylvania Law Require Construction Sites to Follow OSHA Safety Standards?
Yes. Construction employers must comply with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) rules to protect workers from hazards. Violation of these standards can support your legal claim if they contributed to your injury.
Can I File Both A Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In some cases, yes. You can pursue a workers’ comp claim through your employer’s insurance and also bring a third-party personal injury lawsuit if someone other than your employer was responsible (e.g., a negligent subcontractor or equipment manufacturer).
What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, you still have options. An attorney can help you file an appeal (Claim Petition) and gather the evidence needed to challenge the denial and pursue the benefits you deserve.
Can Bystanders Who Were Injured at a Construction Site File a Claim?
Yes. If a member of the public is injured due to hazardous conditions at a construction site, they may have a premises liability claim against the property owner or contractor if safety measures were not properly maintained.
Do Employers Ever Pay Additional Penalties for Unsafe Work Environments?
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the employer’s conduct was especially reckless or showed willful disregard for safety, though these awards are less common and depend on the specifics of the case.
Are Family Members Entitled to Compensation If a Worker Dies in a Construction Accident?
If a construction accident results in death, eligible family members (such as a spouse, children, or parents) can pursue a wrongful death claim to seek damages for loss of support, funeral costs, and more.
Injured? Call Reading Construction Accident Attorneys At Munley Law Today
If you or a loved one were hurt or killed as a result of a construction accident in Reading, the clock starts the moment the accident or death occurs. While two to three years may seem like ample time to file a personal injury claim or your workers’ compensation paperwork, the longer you wait, the less evidence there will be.
Our compassionate lawyers know the ins and outs of OSHA requirements and Pennsylvania construction regulations. If we find that you were the victim of negligence, we will pull together all our resources to ensure your case is brought to a close and provide you and your family with the necessary resources.
For a no-obligation, free consultation, call Munley Law or connect with us online.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
