Some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others—like construction. Working with heavy machinery, power tools, and ladders poses risks that don’t come with a job like working at a desk. If you’ve been injured on the job, a construction accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can determine if you’re owed compensation for your injuries and suffering.
While some construction accidents are covered under workers’ compensation, not all are. It all depends on your company’s policies and insurance plan. In the event workers’ compensation is not an option for you and you believe someone else is responsible for your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for what you’ve lost. In order to get an idea of what your legal options might be, let’s start by taking a look at some facts and statistics about the construction industry.
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Construction Accidents: Facts & Statistics
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction accidents were on the rise in 2019. The most recent data noted approximately 225 accidents per 10,000 workers. It’s estimated that one in five deaths among workers in the United States happens in the construction industry. In 2019, over 1,000 construction workers died on the job.
The majority of construction accidents happen as a result of fall, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and being caught in or in between an object. Common injuries include broken bones, lacerations, contusions, soft-tissue injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Even with safety equipment, injuries can still be severe.
It’s estimated that the total annual cost of all construction injuries in the United States is more than $11.5 billion. For companies that are caught violating OSHA standards, penalties can range anywhere from $13,653 to $136,532; however, most construction accidents go unreported by employees for fear of retaliation or financial instability.
Leading Causes of On-the-Job Accidents
There are a number of reasons construction accidents occur, but only certain situations warrant an injury claim. Those situations include the following:
- Negligence. When any person on a construction site, regardless of their position, fails to abide by OSHA standards, they are putting themselves and others at risk of an accident. Common examples of negligence on construction sites include insufficient training, misuse of tools, and improper equipment maintenance. As a result, there can be crane accidents, collapsed structures, falls from elevations, fires and explosions, falling objects, and electrical accidents.
- Ignoring Safety Policies. Safety policies are in place for a reason. If workers intentionally fail to follow them or the higher-ups do not make them clear, there’s the potential for an accident. Poor safety precautions and oversight contribute to accidents and injuries because workers are unaware of how to handle different situations properly.
- Product Defects. With the number of tools and machinery types construction laborers use, it’s possible defects are present. If a piece of equipment is defective because of a manufacturing mistake, the company responsible for the error should be held accountable for any resulting accidents.
No matter the cause of your construction accident, our lawyers are here to ensure your rights as an employee are upheld. If you’ve been injured, we can help. We’ll start by determining the type of claim you need to file.
Types of Construction Accident Claims
When it comes to construction accidents, you may be looking to file a workers’ comp claim, personal injury claim, product liability claim, or wrongful death claim. Workers’ compensation claims are only possible if the company holds the proper policies.
Most personal injury claims are filed on the basis of negligence. You have to be able to prove you, as an employee, were owed a duty of care that was breached and, as a result, you were harmed and incurred losses. An attorney can help you prove negligence and value your claim. Product liability claims are brought forward when a defective or harmful product caused injuries.
In the event you’ve lost a loved one in a construction accident, your family may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. Doing so could provide your family with financial support and hold the at-fault party responsible for your loved one’s passing.
Who to Hold Accountable for Construction Accident Injuries
There are a number of parties you can seek compensation from after an accident, so it’s crucial to determine who is at fault and why. To make that determination, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation. Some of the potentially negligent parties could be the following:
- Construction Site Owner
- Contractor
- Architects or Engineers
- Manufacturers
To help your lawyer jump-start their investigation, there are a few steps you should take immediately, or as soon as possible, after the accident. You should seek medical attention for any injuries, report the accident to your employer, get contact information from witnesses, document and photograph the injuries, injury scene, and any equipment involved, and get in touch with a lawyer to learn about your next steps.
Recovering Compensation for Your Losses
Depending on the type of accident you were involved in, your injuries could be severe. As a result, your medical bills can pile up quickly, and you may start to struggle financially if you are unable to return to work for some time. When you work with a construction accident attorney from Thomas Law Offices, you’ll be on your way to receiving the compensation you need to get your life back in order.
Through a civil claim, you can seek compensation for both your economic and noneconomic losses. Economic losses are those that are calculable, like hospital bills, lost earnings, and property damage. Noneconomic damages are more subjective when it comes to their value because they are based on pain and suffering.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing construction accident workers. We will be able to determine a full and fair valuation for your claim, so you know when to settle and when to return to the negotiating table. In the event the at-fault party is unwilling to negotiate, we can help you file a lawsuit to get an official verdict from a judge or jury.
Get in Touch With Thomas Law Offices
If you’ve been injured on the job, a construction accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help you get your life back in order. We understand the challenges of recovering from a serious injury, and we’re here to guide you through the claims process so you can receive the monetary award you need to heal, move forward, and get back to work.
To learn more about the claims process, schedule a free case evaluation with our law firm today. We’ll review what you’ve been through and help you determine how best to proceed based on your unique circumstances. If you choose to pursue a claim, we’ll be by your side every step of the way. Contact us today for more information.
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