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2 construction workers injured by falling debris

On Behalf of | May 5, 2014 | Firm News

Two Pennsylvania construction workers were injured on April 29 by falling debris at a demolition site. The workplace accident took place at about 10:30 a.m. in the Strawberry Mansion area of Philadelphia. The demolition work was part of a project to rid the city of 500 of its most dangerous buildings.

Demolition of a row home on Diamond Street had already been completed when bricks and other debris fell onto the two workers from an adjacent building. It is believed the bricks may have been loosened by the demolition work. High winds are also thought to have played a part. A representative of the city’s Emergency Services Division said that no fines or penalties were likely as the injuries appeared to be the result of an unfortunate accident. However, he had no answer when asked why contractors, like the company that employed the two injured workers, were not held to the same safety standards as city agencies.

One of the workers suffered a head injury and the other was struck on his shoulder, neck and leg. None of the injuries were thought to be life threatening. The workers were transported to Hahnemann University Hospital where they were reported to be in stable condition. First responders said that both of the men were wearing hard hats and protective gear, which may have saved them from more serious injuries.

Workplace accidents injure thousands of workers every year, and the workers’ compensation program is designed to help pay for their medical expenses and compensate them for lost income. Some employers contest worker’s compensation cases by claiming that injuries are not work-related, and some workers’ claims are denied due to errors resulting from the complexity of the process. An attorney with workers’ compensation experience may be able to help injured workers in these situations receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

Source: NBC10.com, “2 Workers Hurt During Demolition“, Dan Stamm, April 29, 2014

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