Construction Accident Lawyer in Birmingham

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in the United States. In the wake of an accident, a Birmingham workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file a claim.

Wettermark Keith has served over 100,000 clients. If you suffered an injury while performing construction work, our construction accident lawyers in Birmingham can take on your case and help you obtain compensation.

How a Birmingham Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help

Construction accident cases are often more complicated than ordinary workplace injury claims.

A Birmingham personal injury lawyer can assist with your case by:

• Investigating the cause of the accident
• Gathering evidence from the construction site
• Interviewing witnesses
• Identifying all liable parties
• Calculating your damages
• Handling communications and settlement negotiations with insurance companies
• Filing a lawsuit (if necessary)

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Can Pursue

Types of workers’ compensation benefits you can pursue after a construction accident may include:

• Medical benefits: You can receive coverage for medical treatment related to your work injury.
• Temporary total disability benefits: If your injury prevents you from working at all during your recovery, you can receive wage replacement benefits for a limited period.
• Temporary partial disability benefits: If you can return to work in a reduced capacity, you can receive partial compensation for the difference in your wages.
• Permanent partial disability benefits: If your injury causes a lasting impairment but you can still work in some capacity, you can receive compensation based on the extent of your disability.
• Permanent total disability benefits: If your injury permanently prevents you from performing gainful employment, you can receive long-term disability benefits.
• Death benefits: If you lose a family member in a fatal construction accident, you can receive financial support through workers’ compensation.

A Birmingham construction accident lawyer can help make sure you receive all of the benefits you are eligible for.

How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in Alabama?

For workers’ compensation claims, Alabama law generally requires injured workers to notify their employer of the injury within 5 days of the accident (or 90 days in extenuating circumstances). 

In addition, a workers’ compensation lawsuit must typically be filed within two years of the date of the accident (or within two years of the last payment if benefits have already been provided).

If a negligent third party contributed to the construction accident, you may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Alabama’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. A Birmingham construction site accident lawyer can help make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Can You Sue Your Employer?

In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for a construction injury in Alabama. Under state law, workers’ compensation serves as the exclusive remedy for most on-the-job injuries. This means that even if your employer’s negligence contributed to your injury, you cannot sue them.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, you may be able to pursue legal action if your employer engaged in intentional misconduct or failed to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. These claims are rare and have a high burden of proof.

If you can’t sue your employer, you may still have the right to pursue personal injury claims against third parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. A Birmingham construction accident attorney can identify who is liable for your injury and explain your legal options.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction sites contain numerous hazards. Common causes of construction accidents include:

• Falls from heights: Workers can be injured when falling from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms.
• Falling objects: Tools, debris, or materials dropped from above can strike workers and cause serious injuries.
• Electrocution hazards: Contact with live wires, power lines, or faulty electrical systems can result in severe burns or even fatal injuries.
• Heavy equipment accidents: Machinery such as forklifts, cranes, and excavators can cause crushing injuries or collisions when misused or malfunctioning.
• Trench and excavation collapses: Unstable soil or improper trench support can cause sudden collapses that trap or bury workers.
• Structural failures: Inadequate design, poor materials, or improper construction can lead to partial or full building collapses.
• Exposure to hazardous materials: Contact with substances like asbestos, silica dust, or toxic chemicals can lead to long-term health complications.

A Birmingham construction injury lawyer can investigate your accident and determine what caused it.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Construction accidents can result in severe injuries that require weeks or even months of medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Some of the most common construction accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Eye injuries
• Hearing loss
• Soft tissue injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries

If you sustained any of these at work, a Birmingham construction injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses.

What to Do After a Construction Accident

The actions you take after a construction accident can affect both your recovery and any potential legal claim. It’s important to:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Get evaluated right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
• Report the accident: Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible to create an official record of the incident.
• Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the area, the equipment involved, and any visible hazards.
• Collect witness information: Gather the names and contact details of coworkers or bystanders who can support your account of the accident.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan: Attend all appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment instructions.
• Save evidence: Keep copies of all medical bills, accident reports, pay stubs, and other documentation related to the accident.
• Consult a construction accident lawyer: Speak with a Birmingham construction workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more about your legal options.

Get Help from a Construction Accident Attorney in Birmingham

A construction accident can derail your career. If you were injured in one, a Birmingham construction workers’ compensation attorney from Wettermark Keith can help you build a strong claim and secure the compensation you need to stay afloat.

Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can get paid for your injury.