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In many construction accident cases, general contractors may be held liable for ignoring safety considerations. The reality is that general contractors are notorious for failing to provide a safe work environment and often attempt to pass safety obligations on to subcontractors.
For example, a general contractor is hired for a major job, such as a high-rise downtown. Per its contract with the developer, the general contractor assumes all safety obligations for the worksite. Then in its contracts with various subcontractors, the general contractor attempts to relieve itself of those safety obligations. This type of behavior, passing the buck on safety, is very common.
When an employee of a subcontractor gets hurt, he may be able to bring a claim against the general contractor. The basis of the claim against the general contractor is its failure to assume safety obligations.
Related: Construction Accidents in PA & NJ – General Contractor Liability
However, in Pennsylvania construction accident cases, insurance companies for general contractors often raise a defense known as the “statutory employer defense.” This defense basically means that the general contractor was acting as the employer and therefore, an employee of a subcontractor is barred from being able to bring suit against the general contractor. In construction accident cases, the statutory employer defense can be overcome. It takes an experienced and knowledgeable construction accident lawyer to investigate the case and make the right arguments to overcome this defense.
Related construction accident law articles:
- Employer Liability for Work Related Accidents in Pennsylvania
- Liability in a Construction Accident Case
Philadelphia PA & NJ Construction Accident Lawyers. FREE Consultations. Click To Call
Our work/construction accident lawyers are passionate about workers’ rights and accident safety. Our law firm proudly represents union and nonunion workers, such as:
- carpenters,
- plumbers,
- electricians,
- steel workers,
- iron workers, and
- laborers.
To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey construction accident lawyers, call Click To Call. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation, and can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.
**This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
