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Construction workers work in dangerous environments. Heavy machinery and moving objects make construction work zones a perilous place for workers, making them more vulnerable to injuries.
Recently, a 29-year-old construction worker in Pennsylvania died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a concrete road barrier. The man was working on a highway improvement project when he was hit by a cement barrier that was being loaded onto a vehicle.
This young man’s early death is a particularly tragic example of the dangers associated with construction work. Construction-related injuries are frequently devastating not only to workers themselves, but also their families.
Even in cases where injured workers survive, they may face a long road to recovery. Workers frequently have to miss work, undergo medical care and extensive rehabilitation. In some instances, they may be permanently injured and require retraining to go back to work. A substantial portion of these costs can be covered through workers’ compensation benefits, which cover workers who have been hurt while on the job.
Workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect workers by providing them with a safety net in the event of injury. Each state has its own laws governing benefits to employees.
Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws are supposed to protect construction workers, but it is not uncommon for insurance companies and employers to delay, challenge or deny an injured worker’s claim.
To alleviate financial strain and hasten recovery, an injured construction worker may gain peace of mind by speaking with a Philadelphia construction accident attorney to learn about his options.
Sources: The Morning Call, “Authorities identify worker who died after struck by concrete road barrier,” Tracy Jordan and Pamela Lehman, Sept. 5, 2012
and smallbusiness.findlaw.com, “Workers’ Compensation Overview“