Due to the nature of construction work, carpenters are at risk of work related injuries daily.

In 2014, there were over 33,000 carpenters employed in Pennsylvania and 9,750 of those were working in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A large majority of those employed in this profession are self-employed, either as the owner of a construction company or employed as an independent contractor on a job site.

At Lundy Law, our carpenter injury accident lawyers have over 55 years of experience of handling these types of cases.

Types of Carpenters We Represent

Carpenters work in many different environments and with many different types of materials.

Residential carpenters work on building homes and remodeling. This is typically what most people think of when they think of carpentry work. The carpenter may be involved in the construction of much of the home, from floors to walls to cabinetry.
Commercial carpenters work on projects such as offices, schools, shopping centers and hospitals. They often have experience in more materials, including steel, iron or cement. Industrial carpenters build bridges, scaffolding and brace tunnels.
Industrial carpentry takes specialized skill and they often work on large-scale projects.

Common Injuries in Carpentry

Carpenters work on a wide range of projects which means any workplace injury they may suffer may have a wide range as well. Most carpenter injuries in the carpentry field come from falls, such as from roofs or ladders. Nail guns, circular saws and other power tools are often responsible for many injuries to carpenters.

In addition, carpenters may be injured by falling objects, such as boards, debris and equipment. Cuts, bruises and sprains are common among carpenters. Falls can result in broken bones, spinal and head injuries as well.

Independent Contractor Injuries

When a contractor works for someone else, their employer is required to provide workers’ compensation coverage, either by purchasing coverage from an insurance company or by self-insuring their employees against carpenter injury. However, when a carpenter is working as an independent contractor or are self-employed, they may not have workers’ comp, especially if they have no employees.
In Pennsylvania, companies that have no employees are not required to have workers’ compensation coverage. However, it is possible that the company that sub-contracted the carpenter may be liable for their injuries, depending on the circumstances.

If you or a loved one was injured while working as a carpenter, or if a loved one has died of injuries suffered while working as a carpenter, contact Lundy Law today to learn what rights you may have, Even if you are self-employed or were working as an independent contractor, you may be entitled to compensation.

Lundy Law can review your case to see if you are eligible for workers’ comp or another type of compensation for your workplace injury. If you live in Philadelphia or another city in Pennsylvania, complete the simple online free consultation form or give us a call at 1-800-Lundy Law. We will guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.