Over the course of 25 years of practice, Gerard K. Schrom has represented hundreds of injured construction workers including: contractors, ironworkers, carpenters, roofers, road workers, cement masons, laborers, electricians, engineers and demolition workers. Before founding Schrom & Shaffer, Gerard Schrom worked for many years in the construction industry in both the United States and Europe. Gerard also owned his own construction company for a number of years. Mr. Schrom understands the construction business and the catastrophic injuries that may occur on the job site. He is an attorney who understands construction workers and their injuries on a personal level.
If you or a loved one have been injured on a construction site in Philadelphia, Delaware County or Southeastern Pennsylvania it is time to get the representation you deserve! Contact us today. (610) 565-5050. All consultations are free. Our lawyers are here for you.
DELAWARE COUNTY, PHILADELPHIA AND SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA CONSTRUCTION SITE RISKS INCLUDE:
-Risks from unsafe working conditions
-Electrocution
-Being hit with falling debris
-Crane accidents
-Getting caught between machinery
-Falls off of ladders, scaffolds, roofs, rafters
-Exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals
-Vehicular accidents- forklifts, faulty machinery, being hit by cars or trucks, etc.
-Explosions, fires and floods
Construction remains one of the top 10 most dangerous occupations in America today. Fatalities and catastrophic injuries such as paralysis or loss of limbs cause workers to incur numerous hospital bills, doctors visits, surgeries and bills for pain medication. Often times a lawsuit for wrongful death may be brought if exposure to risk was unreasonable or negligence on the part of the construction company was involved.
The four most fatal accidents are classified as "Falls," "Caught Between," "Struck By," and "Electrocution."
-Fall related accidents are the most common cause of construction site deaths
-Negligent failure to completely check a facility during demolition projects can result in fire, explosion or flood related injury or death
-roadside construction workers are exposed to the continuous threat of being struck by reckless drivers
-15% of the worker's compensation costs in the country are from construction injury
A system is in place to protect injured construction workers based on their employment status with their construction company. Workers compensation is generally available to workers who are unable to work due to their injuries on the construction site. Union members should make sure they are receiving the best possible representation- YOU HAVE A CHOICE.
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has deemed the construction industry a "high hazard industry." OSHA frequently inspects construction sites due to this hazardous status. OSHA provides many guidelines to avoid accidents involving falls, scaffolding, tools and equipment, ladders, and stairways to name a few. OSHA has also set standards for necessary protective equipment that must be used on construction sites. Currently OSHA has specified approximately 70 different cases of fatal injury that are being investigated for improper safety procedures and work practices.
Employees have rights and Employers have obligations according to OSHA regulations:
Employees have the right to review copies of appropriate standards, regulations, rules, etc, access relevant employee exposure and medical records, anonymously request the OSHA area director inspect the site for violations and hazardous conditions, and be free of any discriminatory or retaliatory action in response to that request.
Employers have a duty to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, inform employees of OSHA standards and regulations, post the OSHA rights and regulations in a visible place for employee review, establish a written hazard communication and employee training program, and inform employees of the existence, location and availability of their medical and exposure records upon beginning employment and annually thereafter, also providing those records upon request.
Contractual Matters:
Contractual disputes arise often in the construction industry. Jobs may take longer than projected requiring further negotiation or the agreed upon terms may not be fulfilled. Any number of factors and variables such as miscommunication, clerical errors, and failure to honor the contract can complicate a construction contract and make business difficult for contractors.
If you have experienced a construction accident or have lost a loved one as a result of a construction accident, or if you have a construction contract dispute, please do not hesitate to contact us. All consultations are free. We look forward to helping you in your time of need.
(610)565-5050.
4 West Front Street Media, Pennsylvania 19063 Telephone: 610-565-6060
Toll-Free: 866-712-9506 Fax: 610-565-2980
Over 25 years representing clients in: Aldan, Aston, Brookhaven, Chester City, Chester Heights, Clifton Heights Collingdale, Colwyn, Darby, East Lansdowne, Eddystone, Folcroft, Glenolden, Lansdowne, Marple, Marcus Hook, Media, Millbourne, Middletown, Morton, Norwood, Nether Providence, Parkside, Prospect Park, Radnor, Ridley Park, Rose Valley, Rutledge, Sharon Hill, Springfield, Swarthmore, Trainer, Upper Darby, Upland, Yeadon, Villanova, Drexel Hill, Broomall, Lima, Wayne, Ardmore, West Chester, Philadelphia and other surrounding suburbs to name a few!
