Construction will always be a part of Philadelphia as the city strives to stay modern and grow towards the future. That’s a positive, but the downside is that a site can be a hazardous place for those working inside the construction zone and even those walking by.
Dangerous Site and Equipment
Danger can come from above and below, whether working on a renovation or new build. A construction worker must even be cautious with the tools they use to complete the job. They’re provided by the construction company to be used on-site. The employer pays the worker to use them, but that doesn’t mean the company isn’t also responsible for safety.
A worker can be injured in the handling of a power tool. The tool and its safeguards may also break or become defective. A worker can suddenly be badly hurt by a malfunctioning tool. In these cases, the construction company can be held accountable and even the tool manufacturer can be blamed.
The Most Common Power Tool Accidents
The CDC cited the Journal of Safety Research and their study of different injuries reported from powered tools. Hand tool injuries most commonly involved saws. Saw Accidents were the number one incident for carpenters and general laborers.
The injuries were usually to the upper extremities, but musculoskeletal injuries were also reported. Musculoskeletal injuries involve tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscle tissue and include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has even studied the effects of long term tool vibration on hand and arm muscles.
Injuries can result from other hazards including:
- Falls with tools. Injuries from a fall are still the most common construction site accident. Falls can happen while you are using a potentially dangerous power tool. The motion of a malfunctioning tool can cause a fall.
- Defective power tools can leak or even explode, leaving severe burns and scars.
- Electrical Shock. Power tools can be wired incorrectly and so can their power cords.
- Generator Malfunction. The machines you use to power your tools may be defective. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and an electrical shock can occur.
Damages Your Construction Company Should Cover
Damages that a personal injury victim and the victim’s family are entitled to recover may include:
- Hospital and medical expenses.
- Past and future lost earnings.
- Past and future permanent physical disability, such as a limp, scars, chronic pain syndrome.
- Emotional distress, such as depression and anxiety.
- Emotional suffering caused by the death of a loved one.
Complexity of Construction Accident Cases
Construction site accidents are often serious and can cause life-threatening injuries. However, these cases can be complicated and challenging to pursue because often there are multiple defendants (the property owner, the general contractor, various sub-contractors, the developer, investors, tool manufacturers, etc.), multiple insurance companies, and multiple attorneys can be involved.
Contact a Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer
After an accident involving a serious injury, contact a highly rated Philadelphia Construction Accident Lawyer such as Edith Pearce. Unlike the huge firms with dozens of attorneys and many different attorneys handling different aspects of your case, Edith Pearce is personally involved in every case that we handle. She genuinely cares about her clients and you will not be treated like just another case or file.
