Five of the Worst Construction Accidents in Philadelphia History

In Philadelphia, we rely heavily on the construction industry. Indeed, the construction industry provides many people throughout the city with well-paying jobs. Unfortunately, Philadelphia construction accidents can and do happen throughout the city. Equipment malfunctions, negligent operators, and unsafe working conditions can all contribute to construction accidents in Philadelphia. The following news stories are examples of some of the worst construction accidents in the history of Philadelphia.

• A Philadelphia Employee Experienced a Fatal Fall

Two Philadelphia companies have received citations for exposing their construction worker employees to fall hazards. The citations came after an employee suffered a fatal injury outside of a worksite in Media, Pennsylvania. The employee experienced a dangerous fall from 20 feet above from a residential structure. The fall happened when the worker was framing the building. 

The companies faced citations for failure to use the proper method of protection for fall accidents and for not implementing and developing a fall accident prevention program. The companies should have been able to identify the hazardous conditions that led to the fall in the first place. Sadly, OSHA determined that the employee’s fatal fall could have been prevented with proper safety provisions. 

• A Carpenter Became Injured in a Construction Accident

In February 2016, a man experienced a severe construction accident. As a result of the accident, he will never be able to work again as a union carpenter. A water pipe burst, creating an icy surface, and then he slipped and fell. The contractor responsible for the work knew that the water line ruptured. A subcontractor drilled into the waterline. Then, a supervisor with the subcontractor abandoned the icy conditions to take a break. The supervisor was a known and admitted opioid abuser at the time of the accident. 

Since the construction accident, the victim has endured five different surgical procedures on his right leg and ankle. He now must walk with a cane at all times, and he suffers from a serious complex regional pain syndrome. His daily routine is severely affected as it takes him 15 minutes to get out of bed. Also, he will never be able to work in construction again. 

• Multiple Construction Workers Died on an Agate Construction Co. Site

Since 2012, three different construction workers have been seriously injured or killed on job sites managed by Agate Construction Company. Two workers died in serious accidents and one worker lost most of his left hand as a result of a construction accident. Most recently, a man fell into a manhole cutout while working on the Pier Rehabilitation Project in South Philadelphia. 

By the time his coworkers saw his hardhat floating in the river, it was too late. Divers from the Philadelphia Police Department finally located his body under the pier. The contracting company allegedly failed to mark off the opening in the concrete, even though they were aware of the dangerous condition. The estate of the construction worker who passed away received a settlement from the contractor’s insurance company in an undisclosed amount for his construction accident injuries. 

• Roofer Dies From Electrocution and a Subsequent Fall

In 2019, a Philadelphia construction worker died after he became electrocuted and fell off of a building. The man fell three stories and died as a result of his injuries. The roofer worked for a roofing company. He was doing maintenance on the property when the wiring electrocuted him. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. OSHA was notified of the workplace construction accident. 

• A Philadelphia Construction Worker Dies After Being Pinned by Heavy Machinery

A Bethlehem, Pennsylvania worker died while removing debris from a construction site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It remains to be seen the extent to which the employer was responsible for the accident. Typically, when construction workers are working on high buildings, they need to wear protective equipment. When employers do not provide the proper safety equipment or allow their employees to work in dangerous conditions, they may be liable for the injuries caused by the construction accident.

Philadelphia Construction Worker Face Dangers Every Day

Construction workers in Pennsylvania know how difficult their line of work can be. Most of the construction workers take the time to protect themselves by wearing hard hats, steel-toed boots, safety vests, and other safety equipment. Despite their best efforts to be careful while on the job, construction workers often suffer serious injuries and even death due to injury.  

Pennsylvania Construction Worker Injury Lawsuits

What happens when a construction worker faces a serious injury while on the job? They might be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, even if the worker qualifies for worker’s compensation, the workers’ compensation benefit payments often will not cover all of their accident-related expenses. 

The cost of serious injuries from construction accidents is extremely high. Many injured construction workers will need to undergo hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy. If the worker loses the ability to work as a construction worker, the injured party might not be able to provide for their family. When workers’ compensation benefits will not cover the expenses related to the injury, a personal injury lawsuit may become necessary.

Under Pennsylvania law, you have a right to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. When another co-worker or your employer’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have a right to sue them for your injuries. The first step in filing a personal injury lawsuit is determining who is at fault. The lawyers at Benedum Law can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and fight for your rights throughout the entire process. 

Contact Our Philadelphia Construction Injury Lawyers Today

When negligence or recklessness causes a construction accident injury, the injured party may have a claim in a personal injury lawsuit. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a construction accident, speaking to an experienced lawyer is important. At Benedum Law, we have helped many clients recover compensation for personal injuries. Contact our law firm today to schedule your initial consultation. We offer potential clients a free initial consultation.