Construction sites present unique dangers where split-second decisions can mean the difference between safety and severe injury. When accidents occur, victims often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about their future while navigating complex legal and insurance systems.
We understand the challenges you face after a construction accident. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, we have represented construction accident victims for over 65 years, helping them secure the compensation they deserve while they focus on recovery.
Understanding Your Legal Rights in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law provides strong protections for construction accident victims through various legal avenues. You may have multiple claims depending on how your accident occurred and who was responsible.
Workers’ compensation typically covers employees injured on construction sites, providing medical benefits and wage replacement regardless of fault. However, this system often limits your ability to sue your employer directly. Third-party liability claims may allow you to pursue additional compensation from parties other than your employer, such as property owners, general contractors, or equipment manufacturers.
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault does not exceed 50 percent. This protection ensures that minor mistakes on your part do not prevent you from obtaining fair compensation for serious injuries caused primarily by others’ negligence.
Common Sources of Liability
Construction accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. Property owners may be liable for maintaining unsafe conditions or failing to ensure proper safety protocols. General contractors and subcontractors can be held responsible for inadequate supervision, poor training, or failure to follow safety regulations.
Equipment manufacturers may face liability when defective machinery or tools cause accidents. Architects and engineers could be responsible if design flaws contribute to dangerous conditions. Understanding these potential sources of liability helps ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Case
Taking prompt action after a construction accident significantly impacts your ability to recover compensation. Document the accident scene thoroughly if you are physically able, taking photographs of hazardous conditions, equipment involved, and your injuries.
Report the accident to your supervisor or the site foreman immediately, following your employer’s established procedures. Obtain copies of all accident reports and ensure they accurately reflect what happened. If possible, identify witnesses and collect their contact information before they leave the site.
Seek medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor initially. Construction accidents often cause internal injuries or conditions that worsen over time. Medical records created soon after the accident provide crucial evidence linking your injuries to the incident.
Preserve all evidence related to your accident, including damaged personal protective equipment, work clothing, and any tools or materials involved. This physical evidence may prove essential in demonstrating negligence or defective conditions.
Navigating Insurance Claims and Workers’ Compensation
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation system provides specific benefits for construction workers injured on the job. These benefits include coverage for medical expenses, wage replacement at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, and potential disability payments for permanent injuries.
File your workers’ compensation claim promptly, as Pennsylvania law requires reporting work injuries within 120 days. However, reporting sooner protects your rights more effectively. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, missed work days, and communications with insurance representatives.
Third-party claims operate separately from workers’ compensation and may provide additional compensation for pain and suffering, full wage replacement, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation. These claims require proving negligence by parties other than your employer.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts through various tactics, including questioning the severity of injuries, disputing the medical necessity of treatments, or arguing that pre-existing conditions caused your problems. Having legal representation helps protect you from these strategies while ensuring you receive appropriate benefits.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford for Skilled Legal Representation
Construction accident cases require thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy to achieve fair outcomes. Our legal team has earned recognition as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2010, and we maintain an AV-Rating from Martindale-Hubbell for our legal abilities and ethical standards. We understand the complexities of construction accident law and work tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused.
We offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. In personal injury cases, we work on contingency, meaning there are no upfront costs and no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today at (215) 822-7575 or through our contact form to discuss how we can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
July 24, 2025
