In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being injured due to someone else’s carelessness on a construction site, whether residential, commercial or industrial, can be devastating. After medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses are paid out of your pocket, the burden can leave you unable to get the help you need the most. Some of the common injuries seen in construction site accidents are broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and wrongful death may entitle you to benefits and various forms of financial compensation.
While they can’t undo the physical and emotional injuries you’ve suffered, your Philadelphia construction injury lawyer will fight for you to ensure that you get the financial resources you need to recover. When you’re hurt, you can count on the attorneys at Baratta Law, LLC to provide the support you desperately need.
Compensation for Philadelphia Construction Accident Victims
The physical pain sustained in a construction injury often overwhelms a person’s ability to function. But what about the emotional toll? Oftentimes, injured residents have trouble getting the funds they deserve because they’re entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Most people simply don’t know how to calculate these types of damages themselves so it’s important to talk to a construction accident lawyer if you think you’re entitled to any of these damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
This isn’t a comprehensive list. Each case is different. You may be surprised to find out about various types of damages you might be able to receive compensation for.
When you’re hurt because of another person’s negligent or reckless actions, you should be able to recover damages for all your injuries, especially when you’ve suffered a construction accident in Philadelphia.
Construction Accident Laws May Impact Your Claim
Once the initial shock has passed, you need to know how Pennsylvania law will affect your case. The most important thing to know is that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the accident.
This means that if you don’t file a lawsuit within two years of your accident, you can’t sue for compensation for your damages. It’s important to note that this time period may be different if the defendant is:
- A government entity
- A city or county
- An employee of the government.
It’s always best to consult with a construction accident lawyer in Pennsylvania as soon as possible after an accident so you can make sure that you comply with all the relevant deadlines and take advantage of any exceptions that may apply in your personal injury case.
Pennsylvania Comparative Fault Laws
Pennsylvania follows a comparative fault rule when determining how much money you’re owed after a construction accident. Comparative fault means that both parties are held responsible for their part in the accident, and each person’s liability will affect how much they’re entitled to recover in compensation.
As an example, let’s say that you were out walking and you trip and fall on tools left on the sidewalk by a construction company. The company is clearly at fault for your fall, but you happened to be looking at your phone and weren’t paying attention.
In this scenario, a court may find that you bear some responsibility because you were distracted by your phone when you fell. Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative fault rule, you may be found 10 percent liable while the construction company may be found 90 percent at fault. You are only able to collect up to the negligent party’s percentage of liability.
Fortunately, Philadelphia construction accident victims don’t have to be experts in modified comparative fault. Your personal injury lawyer knows how to recover the funds you’re owed and will represent you in court.
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia
If you’re hurt in an accident, you probably have grounds for a legal claim. But what should your next steps be?
The point of hiring a Philadelphia construction accident lawyer is to help you get the compensation and medical care that you need. Baratta Law, LLC has the experience and knowledge needed to get you the money you deserve, whether it’s through a settlement or trial. Our team offers free consultations when you reach out by calling 215-914-8132 or by filling out our online contact form to get started.
