At Munley Law, we understand how a work injury can impact your health and your paycheck. Our Allentown, PA-based lawyers are here to protect your rights every step of the way.

Understanding Your Rights After a Construction Site Injury in Allentown
 

Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in Pennsylvania, and Allentown is no exception. From heavy machinery to high scaffolding and fast-paced work environments, the risk of injury on a construction site is constant. When an accident happens, it’s critical to understand your legal rights, especially regarding workers’ compensation and potential third-party claims.

Find more information on Workers’ Compensation here

At Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve represented countless injured construction workers throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. We know that recovering from a worksite injury can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights can make all the difference in your financial recovery and long-term well-being.

Construction site injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries include:

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs
Crush injuries from collapsing structures or machinery
Electrocution from exposed wiring
Traumatic brain injuries from falling objects
Fractures and amputations from machinery
Back and neck injuries from overexertion or repetitive motion
Burns from welding equipment or chemicals

These injuries often lead to extended time off work, costly medical care, and in some cases, permanent disability. Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws are designed to provide immediate support to injured workers, but the process isn’t always straightforward.

In Pennsylvania, you are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you’re injured on a construction site while working. These benefits are available regardless of who was at fault for the accident, and they typically cover:

Medical expenses related to your injury
Partial wage-loss benefits (usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
Specific loss benefits for permanent damage to a body part
Disability benefits if you can’t return to work

To receive these benefits, you must report your injury to your employer within 120 days—and preferably much sooner. The sooner you report the injury, the more likely you are to receive full benefits without delays or complications.

In most cases, you cannot sue your direct employer for a work-related injury. However, construction sites often involve multiple companies working together. This opens the door to third-party liability claims if someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury.

Examples of third parties on a construction site include:

General contractors or subcontractors
Property owners or developers
Equipment manufacturers or rental companies
Electricians, plumbers, or other independent specialists
Safety inspectors or engineering consultants

If one of these parties acted negligently, you may be able to sue them in addition to filing for workers’ compensation.

Let’s say you work for a subcontractor on a large commercial build in Allentown. A general contractor from another company fails to secure overhead materials properly, which fall and injure you. In this case, you can collect workers’ compensation through your employer and file a personal injury lawsuit against the general contractor.

This dual path allows you to recover more than just medical bills and wage loss—you can also seek compensation for:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional distress
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

It’s common for injured construction workers to be unsure about which parties may be held accountable. That’s where an experienced legal team becomes essential. At Munley Law, we investigate every accident thoroughly to identify all sources of liability and pursue the maximum available compensation.

Sometimes, your injury may have been caused by faulty or dangerous equipment. In that case, a product liability claim may be appropriate. For example:

A defective power tool explodes in your hands
A harness fails during a fall
A ladder collapses due to poor design

These types of injuries may justify a lawsuit against the manufacturer or distributor of the equipment, even while you’re receiving workers’ comp benefits.

Another common construction site injury scenario involves unsafe working conditions. If an employer knowingly violates OSHA regulations or fails to provide adequate safety equipment, you may have a stronger case for additional compensation, especially if those violations are well-documented.

Even though Pennsylvania is a no-fault workers’ comp state, intentional misconduct or reckless behavior by an employer may create exceptions that allow for civil litigation.

Construction injuries are often serious, and navigating your rights can be complex. That’s why it’s important to take the following steps right after an injury:

Report the incident to your supervisor immediately
Seek medical treatment from an approved provider
Document the scene if possible (photos, witness names, conditions)
File a formal workers’ compensation claim
Contact an experienced construction accident attorney

Delays in any of these steps could hurt your case or reduce your benefits.

At Munley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injured construction workers in Allentown get the justice and compensation they need. Our firm has the resources to take on large contractors, insurance companies, and manufacturers. We’ll handle all communication, file your claim, investigate liability, and represent you through every step of the process.

We work on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Whether you’re just starting a claim or your benefits were denied, we’re here to help you secure your future.

If you’ve been injured on a construction site in Allentown, don’t leave your health and livelihood in the hands of insurance adjusters or company lawyers. Contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. We’ll protect your rights and help you pursue every available form of compensation.