Fatal Roadway Construction Accidents

One of the most dangerous jobs in Bucks County and Pennsylvania as a whole is roadway construction workers.  The danger increases during the warmer months due to the increase construction and increased traffic.  Many of these incidents cause fatalities because cars and trucks are hitting construction workers within highway construction zones.

Fatalities in roadway construction zones peaked in 2003 but have decreased significantly. In Pennsylvania, the number of construction site fatal accidents was lowest in 2013 and highest in 2004, 2005 and 2008. Fatalities may be categorized by the type of accident, and 69 percent of nationwide accidents in 2013 involved transportation. Occupations included construction and maintenance workers, truck drivers, workers operating construction equipment and supervisors.

Decreasing highway construction zone fatalities and injuries should be a priority.  Everyone should remember to SLOW DOWN while driving through a construction zone.  Pay attention to the workers on the side of the road.

Employer Parking Lot Injury Not Covered

Most Bucks County workers would think that if they were injured on their employer's property then they'd be entitled to Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation and have their medical bills paid and lost wages covered.  But this isn't necessarily the case.  In Bicycle Products Inc v. W.C.A.B. (Shaw), the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania found that an employee who injured his knee while running to his car in the employer's parking lot was not in the course and scope of employment; thus, the injury was not covered.  The Court said that since the injury was not caused by a condition of the parking lot (For example, a pot hole), then the injury is not covered under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act.

If you have any questions regarding a Bucks County workers' compensation case, please feel free to contact the lawyers at Hoffman, Sternberg & Karpf, LLC. at 215-953-8955.