There has been a construction boom in Philadelphia and construction workers are in high demand. Unfortunately, this also means that there will likely be a rise in the number of construction accidents. Where can injured construction workers obtain the compensation they will need to pay for medical bills and lost wages?
Why Should I Sue When Workers’ Comp Exists?
As many construction workers know, workers compensation insurance is required by law for most employees. Insurance coverage works two ways. First, it should provide the injured worker with coverage of their medical bills relating to the injury and a fraction of lost wages if they are unable to return to work. In return, a claim protects an employer because it prevents construction accident lawsuits from being filed against the employer.
While workers’ compensation is incredibly important, even the maximum payout through workers’ compensation won’t ever fully compensate an injured worker. This is why many construction accident victims choose to file a construction accident lawsuit.
Who Is A Construction Accident Lawsuit Filed Against?
While construction accident lawsuits typically can’t be filed against an employer, they can be filed against a third party whose negligence resulted in the accident.
Negligence occurs when someone fails to take reasonable precaution to keep others safe. On construction sites, this usually means that a third-party hasn’t ensured that safety standards were properly put into place or a hazard was left uncorrected.
It’s not always obvious that a third party has been negligent which is why every accident victim should consult with an attorney. For example, product defects are common causes of construction accidents, particularly defects in power tools and heavy machinery. In these cases, the designer or manufacturer responsible could be sued.
What Is The Lawsuit Process?
If you choose to pursue a civil lawsuit, our legal team will walk you through the legal process step by step, including:
Pleadings
The initial complaint is filed by the plaintiff, informing the defendant and court why they are taking legal action. The defendant then responds with an answer or counterclaim as to why the plaintiff is wrong.
Discovery
Discovery is the longest part of the legal process. During this time, each side collects evidence to support their argument. Demands can be made, requesting information from either side and depositions are often taken.
Motions
Prior to trial, either side can ask the court to make a decision or ruling on a particular aspect of the case.
Trial
If the dispute cannot be settled outside of the courtroom, the case will go to trial where both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments.
The attorneys as Schuster Law understand how stressful taking legal action can be which is why we are always happy to answer any questions that you may have.
How Much Is A Construction Accident Lawsuit Worth?
Construction accident settlements and lawsuits vary from case to case simply because no two plaintiffs suffer the same losses. We cannot provide you or a loved one with an estimate of how much your case may be worth until we review your case.
Why Should I Choose Schuster Law?
Choosing an attorney is an incredibly personal decision and an important one. Working with a law firm that has a long history of success with cases similar to yours is a good choice. Don’t just pick the first result after Googling “workers comp lawyer near me” or “construction accident attorney near me”. Be sure to ask for examples of past settlements and verdicts, references, and how the law firm collects its fees.
Schuster Law has been defending injured construction workers for decades. Our goal is client satisfaction and we combine our years of experience with a passion for the law to fight for the maximum amount possible in each case. Contact our local law firm to learn more.
