The U.S. Department of Labor has reported that each year, approximately 600 workplace fatalities and nearly 300,000 serious injuries are linked to workers being hit by objects or hit by equipment. In the construction industry, about 75 percent of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes. In fact according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), one in four struck-by-vehicle deaths involve construction workers - more than any other occupation. Other struck-by accidents can include falling trees; equipment malfunctions; building materials such as steel beams, lumber or concrete blocks swinging or falling and striking workers; and heavy objects striking handlers while being loaded or unloaded. The occupational groups most at risk of fatal or serious struck-by injuries include those who work in timber and logging occupations, farmers and agricultural workers, construction laborers, truck drivers and material moving equipment operators and mechanics.

Struck-by injuries can raise a host of complicated legal issues. Only an experienced workplace accident lawyer can evaluate the factors that may affect an injured worker’s ability to recover damages. Some of these factors include workers’ compensation law; insurance coverage; the parties responsible for the worker’s injuries, such as landowners, contractors, sub-contractors, equipment suppliers, design professionals or manufacturers; and compliance or non-compliance with state and federal occupational and worksite safety regulations.

The dedicated trial lawyers of Feldman Shepherd understand that on-the-job accidents can result in injuries that are severe and prolonged, causing physical, emotional and financial hardship to the injured worker and his or her loved ones. We are committed to helping workers and their families throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey secure all of the compensation to which they may be entitled. This may include damages for pain and suffering, financial losses, emotional distress, medical expenses and in some cases, punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing.

At Feldman Shepherd, we strive to obtain the best possible recovery as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.