Philadelphia is constantly growing and the construction industry is booming. With the increased pressure to get jobs done quickly, construction workers are pushed to complete their tasks without proper training or the correct safety gear, increasing the chance that a construction accident will happen.
On Saturday, August 3rd, 2019, a Philadelphia construction worker was lucky to survive the latest accident.
Crane Accident Sends Philadelphia Worker To The Hospital
While using a crane to lift materials on a building site, a crane operator was electrocuted when the crane came into contact with power lines. He survived the horrifying accident but was seriously burned. He was rushed to the hospital and thankfully is in stable condition.
The accident is being investigated.
Electrocutions Common On Construction Sites
Electrocution is one of the most common causes of serious injury and death on construction sites. According to OSHA, there are many ways to prevent these accidents from taking place, including:
- Complying with all OSHA electrical safety standards.
- Training workers on how to work safely around live electrical wires.
- Utilize ground-fault circuit interrupters when using temporary power.
- Regularly inspect power tools and extension cords before use.
- Map out overhead and underground power lines so that all employees are aware of the locations.
- Keep metal away from live currents.
The bottom line is that in order to prevent employees from being hurt, training and safety gear must be provided.
Cost Of Care After An Electrocution
Depending on how long contact was made with a live electrical current and the strength of that current, serious injuries can be sustained such as:
- Burns (Internal and External)
- Nerve Damage
- Muscle Damage
- Cardiac Arrest
- Broken Bones
These injuries can take months or even years to heal and complications are common. Medical treatments may cost millions of dollars over a lifetime. So how can injured construction workers afford the care that they need?
Workers’ Compensation & Construction Accident Lawsuits
There are two types of claims that an injured construction worker may be eligible to make after being electrocuted: workers’ compensation and a construction accident lawsuit.
Workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance that must be provided by employers according to the law. This insurance is supposed to cover all medical expenses relating to the on the job injury and, if the employee is unable to return to work for an extended period of time, a fraction of lost wages. Sadly, a large portion of the millions of claims that are made each year are denied.
Frequently, it takes the help of an attorney to get a workers’ comp approval.
An experienced attorney can also review the accident and determine if the accident victim is eligible for a construction accident lawsuit. These civil lawsuits are intended to provide compensation to help a victim be restored to the condition that they were in prior to the accident. While some injuries are permanent, compensation can be obtained that will ensure the necessary care will be paid for. Compensation can cover past and future medical bills, lost earnings, physical pain, and emotional turmoil.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a construction accident, contact the experienced legal team at Schuster Law.
Schuster Law: Construction Accident Lawyers
Have you searched for a “workers comp lawyer” after being hurt at a construction site? Our lawyers offer free consultations for the victims of construction accidents. During this consultation, we will review your case and let you know what your legal options are.
If you choose to work with Schuster Law, our entire legal team will be there to support you during this difficult time and to answer all of your questions. We don’t just prepare your case for the legal process, we also prepare you.
Call now to learn more about the compensation that you may be owed.
