The construction and manufacturing sectors support our nation and our state, both literally and metaphorically. Unfortunately, construction sites are also some of the most dangerous places to work, with hazards around every corner. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 21,400 injuries occur yearly at construction sites.
If you’ve been hurt while at a construction site or while working on an industrial job – or someone you care about got injured or killed at a site – you should seek help from a Louisville construction accident lawyer. These experienced professionals understand Kentucky personal injury laws and can help you get justice and fair compensation for your time off of work, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more.
Find out how Thomas Law Offices can assist with your case.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
From heavy machinery to precarious heights and electrical wiring, construction workers face countless risks daily. Accidents can occur for various reasons, often resulting from a combination of factors.
Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- Falls: Workers often operate at elevated heights, on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops, which increases the risk of slips and falls. Inadequate fall protection, unstable surfaces, and lack of safety equipment can contribute to these accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slips are one of the leading causes of construction site accidents (often referred to as the “Fatal Four”), along with struck-by injuries, electrocutions, and “caught-in” or “in-between” accidents.
- Struck by Objects: Construction sites are filled with heavy tools, equipment, and materials, making workers vulnerable to being struck by falling or moving objects. Falling debris, tools, or materials can cause severe injuries, particularly if workers aren’t wearing appropriate protective gear.
- Electrocutions: Electrical hazards are common on construction sites, with workers often exposed to live wires, faulty wiring, or improper grounding. Electrocutions can result in severe injuries or even death, and they often occur when safety protocols aren’t followed.
- Caught-In or Caught-Between Accidents: These accidents happen when a worker becomes caught, crushed, or trapped between equipment, machinery, or materials. These accidents can lead to devastating injuries, including amputations, fractures, and internal injuries.
- Equipment Malfunctions: Heavy machinery, power tools, and equipment can be dangerous when not properly maintained or operated. Defective equipment, poor training, or malfunctions in equipment can cause severe accidents, leading to life-altering injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
Most construction workers injured on the job can seek compensation through workers’ compensation insurance. Kentucky’s workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault, meaning you can receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and disability even if you were partially responsible for the accident.
Still, workers’ compensation benefits may not cover the full extent of your damages, and you may be entitled to additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
A personal injury claim allows you to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages that workers’ compensation doesn’t cover. However, to file a personal injury claim, you must prove that a third party’s negligence contributed to an accident and that the accident resulted in your injuries.
This is where a Louisville construction accident lawyer can help build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Louisville Construction Accident Lawyer
While safety measures and regulations exist to protect workers, accidents still happen and can often lead to serious injuries or even wrongful death. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Louisville, navigating the legal system and pursuing compensation can be overwhelming.
Construction accident claims are complex, involving multiple parties, OSHA regulations, and other state and federal legal issues. These cases often require an in-depth understanding of both personal injury law and workers’ compensation laws, which can be difficult to navigate without legal representation.
This is important if you’ve been injured on a construction site, as you may be entitled to compensation through workers’ comp benefits, a personal injury lawsuit, or a third-party claim.
Hiring a Louisville construction accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, and a skilled, experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are a few of the ways they can help:
Investigating Your Accident
One of the first steps your construction accident lawyer will take is to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your accident. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review safety records, and analyze the site conditions to determine what caused the accident and who may be liable. This investigation is crucial for building a strong case and proving negligence or liability.
Navigating Workers’ Compensation
If you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, your lawyer will help you navigate the process, ensuring you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. This includes assisting with paperwork, meeting deadlines, and negotiating with insurance companies. In some cases, insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your claim, but your lawyer will fight to protect your rights.
Pursuing a Personal Injury or Third-Party Claim
If a third party’s negligence contributed to your construction accident, your lawyer will pursue a personal injury or third-party claim on your behalf. This process involves proving that the third party was negligent and that their actions directly caused your injuries. A skilled construction accident lawyer will gather evidence, work with experts, and build a compelling case to maximize your compensation.
Negotiating a Settlement
In most construction accident cases, the insurance companies or responsible parties will offer a settlement to avoid going to court. While settlements can be beneficial, you must also be careful before accepting one, as they often fall short of covering the full extent of your damages. It’s best to let your lawyer negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you receive a fair settlement that accounts for all of your current and future needs.
Representing You in Court
In cases where a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will take your case before a judge and jury in a court of law. They’ll present evidence, question witnesses, and fight for your rights, ensuring you can win your case.
Reach Out to Our Louisville Construction Accident Legal Team
Construction accidents can have devastating, life-long effects on you and your family, but that doesn’t mean you have to face the legal aftermath alone. A Louisville construction accident lawyer can provide the guidance, support, and legal representation you need to pursue justice and maximum compensation for your injuries.
At Thomas Law Offices, we understand Kentucky’s construction accident laws. We also understand that by taking the right steps after an accident and working with an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights and secure the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait to seek the help you need—contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery and peace of mind.
Who We Are
Reviews
