Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in Pennsylvania. From scaffolding falls and equipment malfunctions to collapsing structures and electrocutions, accidents on these job sites often lead to life-altering injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt while working construction, workers' compensation may not be the only option for recovery. In some cases, you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
At Tarasi & Tarasi, we know how overwhelming it can be to suffer a serious injury on the job. Between medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty about your future, it’s easy to feel like your life has been turned upside down. Our Pittsburgh-based team has decades of experience helping construction workers across Allegheny County and throughout Pennsylvania understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.
What Workers’ Comp Covers (And What It Doesn’t)
If you were hurt while working on a construction site, your first line of recovery is usually workers’ compensation. In Pennsylvania, most employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. This no-fault system provides benefits like:
- Medical treatment for your injury
- Partial wage replacement while you're out of work
- Compensation for permanent injuries
But here’s the catch: Workers' comp doesn't cover everything. You won't be compensated for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. While it helps cover your medical costs and lost wages, it doesn’t account for the emotional trauma or long-term impact a serious injury can have on your ability to work in your trade.
When You Might Be Able to Sue
Workers' compensation usually prevents you from suing your employer. But that doesn’t mean you're out of options. In certain situations, you may have a valid third-party claim. This means filing a personal injury lawsuit against someone other than your employer whose negligence played a role in your accident.
Examples of third parties who may be held liable include:
- A subcontractor who ignored safety protocols, such as failing to install guardrails or properly secure scaffolding.
- A property owner who failed to maintain safe conditions on the job site.
- A manufacturer of faulty equipment or machinery used during construction.
Unlike workers' comp, a personal injury claim can include damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full wage loss – which can make a significant difference in your financial recovery.
Common Construction Site Injuries That Warrant a Closer Look
Not every job site accident leads to a lawsuit, but some injuries raise red flags that suggest deeper liability:
- Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or slip-and-fall accidents
- Severe burns from electrical hazards or chemical exposure
- Broken bones or spinal cord injuries due to equipment failures
- Crush injuries from collapsing scaffolding or machinery malfunctions
If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions or someone else’s carelessness, it’s worth speaking to an attorney. The sooner you understand your legal options, the better prepared you’ll be to protect your rights.
What to Do Immediately After a Construction Site Injury
If you’ve just been injured on a job site, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical help right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor approved by your employer if possible. Delaying care can hurt your recovery and your claim.
- Report the incident. Let your supervisor or foreman know as soon as possible. In Pennsylvania, you typically have 120 days to report a workplace injury – but the sooner, the better.
- Document everything. If you can, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Write down what happened while the details are fresh.
- Don’t give statements without guidance. Insurance companies may ask for recorded statements. It’s wise to speak to an attorney first to avoid unintentionally hurting your case.
You don’t have to handle this on your own. A construction injury lawyer can help you take the right steps from day one.
Why Time Matters
In Pennsylvania, there are strict deadlines for filing both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to get full compensation. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and build a stronger case. It can also prevent insurance companies from creating a narrative that works against you while your claim sits unresolved.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. At Tarasi & Tarasi, we can investigate the details of your injury, identify any third-party liability, and explain your best course of action based on your situation.
You May Be Owed More Than You Think
After a serious construction accident, it’s easy to settle for what’s offered through workers' comp and move on. But if another party’s negligence contributed to your injury, you may be walking away from compensation that could help you truly move forward – not just survive.
Find Out What You May Be Entitled To With Help From Tarasi & Tarasi
If you’ve been seriously injured on a Pennsylvania construction site, workers’ compensation may not cover the full impact of your losses. At Tarasi & Tarasi, we work with clients in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and throughout Western Pennsylvania – including communities like Bethel Park, Mount Lebanon, Monroeville, and Penn Hills – to uncover all avenues for financial recovery.
Whether your injury happened because of faulty equipment, unsafe conditions, or another contractor’s negligence, we’re here to help you understand your legal options and take action with confidence. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.
Reach out today for a private consultation and let us guide you toward the support and compensation you could be entitled to. There’s no cost to speak with us – and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and the information here may not apply to your specific situation. To receive guidance tailored to your circumstances, please contact a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.
