Recovering Compensation After Masonry Work Injuries

Bricklayers and masonry workers engage in some of the most physically demanding labor in the construction industry. They frequently spend their days lifting and transporting heavy materials, working from awkward positions, and repeating the same motions over and over. These workers are at risk of serious injuries, including sudden accidents such as falls and also accumulative injuries such as lower back conditions.

Like nearly all other Pennsylvania workers, masonry tradesmen are covered by Workers' Comp when they get injured. However, a large majority of bricklayers are members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Pursuing work injury compensation slightly differs between union members vs. nonunion members.

About The Bricklayers Union

The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers was founded in 1865 and is the oldest operating labor union in the United States. They represent a wide range of craftworkers, including:

• Bricklayers
• Restoration specialists
• Caulkers
• Stone, marble, and cement masons
• Plasterers
• Tilesetters
• Terrazzo mechanics
• Tile, marble, and terrazzo finishers

At Monheit Law, our work injury lawyers understand how unions and Workers' Comp function and how to earn full compensation for injured members.

How Union Membership Affects A Claim

Union members enjoy certain privileges which other workers may not. These members are usually part of a collective bargaining agreement, which establishes guidelines for Workers' Comp claims and other benefits. Many unions have union welfare funds which provide additional benefits for injured workers.

When evaluating a union worker injury, it's important to compare the collective bargaining agreement with state law. Some agreements may be the same as state laws, while others will differ. An experienced work injury lawyer can analyze your agreement to determine which benefits you're entitled to while you're injured and out of work.

Occupational Hazards In The Masonry Industry

As we mentioned above, bricklayers and masonry workers frequently engage in hard physical labor in confined spaces and from awkward positions. They are frequently required to bend, stretch, and twist while performing their trades. It's estimated that masonry workers bend forward more than 1,000 times each shift.

Many bricklayers wear gloves while working, which reduces the ability get a solid grip on materials. This means that forearm and hand muscles must work harder, which can contribute to fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries. It's very common for veteran bricklayers to develop musculoskeletal injuries which can cause pain and impairment in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, hands, and wrists

Like other construction workers, masonry professionals work year-round and in harsh weather conditions. Extreme temperatures may cause injuries and illnesses like heat stroke or hypothermia. Additionally, working in inclement weather such as rain, ice, and snow increases the risk of a slip and fall injury.

Do I Need A Workers' Comp Lawyer?

In order to receive the maximum compensation you're entitled to, it's often necessary to have the guidance of an experienced work injury lawyer. At Monheit Law, we have lawyers who specialize in these matters. We know how to deal with both unions and the Workers' Comp Board to get claims through quickly and without problems.

Most masonry craftspeople work on construction sites. Since you're usually sharing that site with a variety of third parties, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim if someone other than a co-worker or your employer caused your injuries.

The right lawyer can help you with the following matters related to your claim:

• Gather necessary evidence
• File paperwork by deadlines
• Represent you in legal proceedings
• Communicate with your union rep and employer
• Analyze your rights under your collective bargaining agreement and union welfare fund
• Hold your employer accountable if they retaliate (i.e. fire or relocate you)
• Determine if a personal injury claim is viable

If you're feeling uncertain after a work injury, we'd love to speak with you in a free consultation. We'll determine the best plan for your situation and how to earn the compensation you deserve. This is all risk-free to you, as we only require payment if we win for you.

What Else Should Injured Masons Know?

• How the Workers' Comp system functions
• What happens after a work injury on a construction site?
• Muscle and nerve injuries related to job duties