Scranton Construction Accident Lawyer

When faced with the fallout of being injured in a construction accident, finding the right Scranton construction accident lawyer is vital. This resource is designed to tackle your queries about legal representation directly, explain the importance of local expertise, and outline your options for compensation. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need, without the fluff, to take the next step in your recovery.

Why Choose a Scranton Construction Accident Lawyer?

When dealing with the aftermath of a construction accident, the right legal representation can make all the difference. What makes a Scranton construction accident lawyer the right choice for you? The answer is their local expertise, personalized approach, and impressive track record.

Construction accident lawyers in Scranton offer the following benefits:

• Extensive knowledge of local laws and regulations about construction accidents
• Established connections within the local legal system, aiding in evidence-gathering and case-building
• Personalized representation, understanding your unique situation, and tailoring legal strategies accordingly
• Dedicated guidance and legal advocacy to ensure you receive the highest financial compensation possible for your specific case.

Familiarity with Local Laws

In legal affairs, possessing local knowledge gives one an edge. Lawyers based in Scranton deeply understand the specific laws and regulations related to construction accidents in the area.

In Scranton, construction safety is taken very seriously. There are strict guidelines to prevent fall injuries, a major risk on construction sites. The local jurisdiction tremendously impacts how construction practices and occupational safety standards are applied and who is held responsible for accidents. A lawyer familiar with these local intricacies is crucial to protecting your rights.

Personalized Representation

Each construction accident case and the victim’s pursuit of justice is distinct. That’s where personalized representation comes in. Scranton construction accident lawyers understand the importance of making their clients feel heard and validated. They offer dedicated representation, using their specialized knowledge and expertise in handling construction accidents to guide you through the legal process. They ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to, taking into account the specific circumstances of your case.

This process involves gathering evidence from witnesses, videos, and police reports and leveraging the lawyer’s experience with personal injury cases involving construction workers and accidents.

Proven Track Record

A distinguishing factor of a law firm with exceptional construction accident lawyers is its proven track record.

The success rate of a construction accident lawyer depends on:

• Their experience with personal injury cases involving construction accidents
• How they assess the facts of the case to gauge its potential for a successful claim
• Their operation is on a contingency fee basis

In essence, the more successful outcomes they’ve had in the past, the more confidence you can have in their ability to handle your case effectively.

Types of Construction Accidents in Scranton, PA

Construction sites abound with potential risks. While safety measures are typically in place, accidents can and do happen. In Scranton, some construction site accidents are more common than others. These include scaffolding and ladder accidents, vehicle and heavy equipment incidents, and trench collapses.

Often, these accidents stem from improper use of hazardous equipment or the incorrect handling of heavy machinery, causing severe injuries. The consequences can be devastating, ranging from crushed limbs or fingers to the necessity of amputation, and in the worst cases, can even lead to wrongful death.

Scaffolding and Ladder Accidents

Accidents involving scaffolding and ladders pose a major risk on construction sites. These accidents typically occur due to insufficient safety measures or faulty or dangerous equipment used, leading to serious injuries. Proper safety training is vital to prevent such accidents. The law mandates that a qualified person conducts safety training for scaffolding, which includes identifying electrocution, fall, and falling object hazards.

Construction workers must be provided with ladders and scaffolds in good condition, along with the necessary safety equipment and proper training. Unfortunately, the misuse of equipment or improper construction or maintenance of scaffolding can contribute to such accidents.

Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Incidents

Another common cause of construction accidents in Scranton is incidents with vehicles and heavy equipment. Such incidents often result from operator error or equipment malfunction, leading to severe injuries or even fatalities.

Common equipment malfunctions involve using defective equipment and tools such as nail guns, sanders, saws, drills, and pumps. There are also issues related to electrical systems, hydraulics, lubrication, undercarriage, thermal components, and materials suffering corrosion and fatigue. These malfunctions can lead to burns, slips or trips, injuries in different body parts, and fall accidents.

Trench Collapses

The potential for trench collapses represents a particularly perilous aspect of construction accidents. These collapses often result from inadequate safety precautions or improper excavation techniques, leading to catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. In Scranton, regulations are in place to prevent such accidents. Protective systems are required for five feet deep or more trenches, unless the trench is in stable rock.

Despite this, trench collapses occur quite often, leading to serious injuries like asphyxiation, crushing injuries, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In 2022 alone, there were 39 reported deaths nationally in trenching and excavation work, underscoring the risks and impact of these accidents.

Pursuing Financial Compensation for Construction Accident Injuries

Victims of construction accidents may be eligible for financial compensation. This compensation can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering from work-related injuries. Victims can pursue this compensation through workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits.

However, there are limitations to what workers’ compensation can cover. For instance, victims cannot seek damages for pain and suffering under workers’ compensation. On the other hand, personal injury lawsuits can offer additional workers’ compensation benefits and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation claims act as a protective measure against employers for employees injured at work, providing workers compensation benefits. These claims cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, they may not cover the full extent of the pain and suffering experienced by the victim.

To be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim, you need to:

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
• File the claim within 120 days of the incident.
• If your employer denies your claim or fails to take action, you may file a claim petition within three years.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Victims of construction accidents can seek further compensation through personal injury lawsuits. These lawsuits can cover damages for:

• pain and suffering
• medical expenses
• lost wages
• future medical care
• rehabilitation costs

In addition, personal injury lawsuits can hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit involves a handful of steps. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Get medical attention for your injuries.
• Let your employer know about the injury.
• File a claim petition if needed.
• It’s important to note that a statute of limitations exists for filing a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania. You have two years from the accident date to file your claim.

Overcoming Challenges in Construction Accident Cases

The legal intricacies of construction accident injury cases can be daunting to navigate. Key challenges include proving negligence and dealing with insurance companies.

Establishing negligence in a construction accident case requires showing that a failure to uphold the duty of care on the part of the responsible party resulted in the victim’s injuries. On the other hand, dealing with insurance companies can be tricky, as they often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims.

Proving Negligence

Proving negligence is a crucial aspect of a construction accident case. To establish negligence, you need to show that the party at fault had a duty of care, breached that care, and that the breach resulted in your injuries.

In the context of construction accidents, duty of care means that construction companies, contractors, and property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of workers and other individuals at the construction site. Breaches of duty of care in common construction site accidents can include:

• Reckless behavior
• Negligence
• Contract breaches
• Poorly constructed buildings or objects

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can often pose challenges in a construction accident case. They may employ a variety of tactics to minimize payouts and deny claims.

Insurance companies may employ tactics such as:

• making early settlement offers
• blaming the victim
• prolonging the settlement process
• utilizing workers’ compensation adjuster tricks

It’s important to have a skilled lawyer from a reputable law firm on your side to navigate these obstacles and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

What to Expect During Your Free Case Evaluation

Upon contacting a construction accident lawyer for a free case evaluation, they will comprehensively review your case. The lawyer will gather information about the incident and assess the strength of your claim.

The lawyer will want to know all the details about the accident, injuries sustained, parties involved, and available evidence. They will also assess the defendant‘s degree of control over the accident’s location. It’s beneficial to bring any related documents to this evaluation, including your insurance policy, witness statements, and any photographs related to the accident.

Gathering Information

The lawyer uses the free case evaluation to collect all pertinent information, building a solid foundation for your case. This includes important evidence like photos and videos of the accident scene, witness statements, and other pertinent information.

Witness statements are particularly important as they provide firsthand accounts of the incident. This information is critical in determining what happened and who is responsible. Medical records are also crucial as they provide proof of the injury and keep track of all costs related to the injury.

Assessing Your Case

A key part of the case evaluation process is determining the strength of your case. The lawyer will delve into the details of your case, collect evidence, and get a clear understanding of the incident.

The lawyer will consider factors such as:

• witness accounts
• available evidence
• the party at fault
• potential damages

They will also consider their expertise in handling similar cases, reputation, and track record. All these factors will help the lawyer provide you with the best advice and build a strong compensation case.

Contact A Construction Accident Lawyer at Munley Law

Dealing with a top construction accident attorney can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone. A local Scranton construction accident lawyer can guide you through the process, using their knowledge of local laws, providing personalized representation, and leveraging their proven track record. They can help you overcome challenges such as proving negligence and dealing with insurance companies, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Should you suffer an injury from a construction accident in Scranton, Munley Law is readily available for a free consultation. You can contact them by calling, sending a chat, or emailing us. We also offer virtual consultations for those who prefer or need to discuss their personal injury case remotely.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570)865-4699