When one thinks of dangerous, high-risk jobs, construction work often comes to mind. The nature of the job requires consistent work around heavy machines and extreme heights wherein the slightest accident could cause catastrophic or even fatal injury. However, heavy machinery and heights are not the only dangers that construction workers face. Depending on the circumstances, you may be at risk of a motor vehicle injury as well.
Sometimes it feels like roads are always under construction, and many construction workers risk themselves by shutting down one lane to improve or repair the road even as heavy traffic moves down the other lane. Recently in Pennsylvania, a pair of construction workers suffered injuries after a car came careening toward them as they reviewed a bridge for an upcoming project. Reports speculate that the vehicle had a tire blowout, but regardless of the cause, the two workers were treated at a nearby hospital.
Being struck by a vehicle in such a manner is not the type of injury that springs to mind when someone imagines a construction worker injury, but for many construction workers, especially those who often work on road projects, it is simply another occupational hazard. Fortunately, like all injuries suffered on the job, victims could be entitled to compensation.
Workers' compensation benefits cover any job-related injuries, and since these workers were on the bridge for a job-related function, the injuries are likely covered under workers' compensation. Even if the cause of an injury is completely unrelated to your work, such as an out-of-control motor vehicle, if the injury was suffered while on the job, there is a strong chance that you can recover compensation. If you or someone you know has suffered an on-the-job injury, consider contacting an attorney who may be able to help you with your workers' compensation claim.
Source: Equipment World, "Two construction workers hit by car near Westinghouse Bridge in Pittsburgh," Kerry Clines, May 13, 2016
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