In Pennsylvania workers injured in car accidents caused by a negligent driver can seek two types of compensation: workers’ compensation benefits and compensation from the negligent party. These claims are entirely separate from each other, like medical benefits or wage loss.
In this article, we discuss workers’ compensation benefits and third party claims using the following example.
A construction worker from Philadelphia is performing asphalt work on a highway. He is critically injured by a driver who was speeding through a work zone and failed to see the worker. As a result of the accident, the worker sustained multiple fractures and is disabled from working for nearly 1 year.
If you were injured in a construction zone or work-related car accident in Pennsylvania, contact our experienced workplace injury attorneys today for a free consultation at (610) 825-0500.
About Our Car Accident Law Firm in Pennsylvania
The lawyers at Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette are known as skilled trial attorneys who don’t back down from any defendant, including national car insurance companies. We have achieved recognition both nationally and locally for our client-focused advocacy and dedication to obtaining big results. Our firm achieved a Best Law Firm rating by U.S. News & World Report in the areas of medical malpractice law and personal injury law from 2016 until the rating was discontinued in August 2023.
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law, workers injured during the course and scope of employment can make a variety of claims, regardless of fault. Benefit claims include medical treatment and expenses, wage loss, specific loss (loss of use of a body part), and death benefits.
In our example above, the injured worker would be eligible for medical benefits and wage loss, which usually covers two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage.
Third Party Injury Claims for Auto Accidents Involving a Construction Worker
Pennsylvania injury law allows an injured worker to see negligence claims against non-employer parties, or what is commonly referred to as, third parties.
Using our example, the injured worker could file a car accident lawsuit against the negligent party to recover medical bills, wage loss, out of pocket expenses, and pain and suffering. If the worker is married, his spouse can make a derivative claim known as a loss of consortium claim. This claim compensates the spouse for damage to the marital relationship.
Again, it’s important to repeat that the workers’ compensation claim and the third party claim are separate from each other. There is no requirement that an injured worker file both, or in any order. However, in most cases, an injured worker will file the workers’ compensation claim first and then file the third party claim second.
Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania imposes a strict two year deadline on car accident lawsuits. The clock starts ticking on the date of the accident with very little exception. It is critical to seek legal advice as soon as possible to discuss the statute of limitations in your case.
The above principles apply to any worker who performs duties on a highway or road in Pennsylvania, such as, construction workers, maintenance workers, utility workers, traffic control workers, and even first responders such as police officers and EMTs responding to car accidents.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Construction Zone Injury Attorneys Today
Construction and roadside workers face serious risks every day from speeding or inattentive drivers in work zones. If you or a loved one were injured while working on Pennsylvania roads, contact our experienced construction zone injury lawyers today at (610) 825-0500 for a free consultation.