How often are construction workers injured in an accident?

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every year, one in ten construction workers are injured in an accident, a rate 71% higher than other U.S. industries.

What are common causes of construction accidents?

Construction accidents are typically a result of multiple overlapping issues, including inadequate training, poor supervision, run-down equipment, or the unpredictable, chaotic nature of a building site.

How can construction accident lawyers help injured victims and families?

The lawyers advocate for injured victims of construction accidents, working to ensure victims receive excellent medical care, compensation, and justice, and to recover every penny they deserve.

Construction Accident Lawyer | Free Consultation

Q: What are the most common construction site hazards and risks workers face?

Some of the most common risks present-day workers face include electrocutions, equipment accidents, collapsing excavations, falls from heights, and being struck by vehicles.

Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions in the country. Falls, equipment failures, electrocutions, and falling objects can cause severe injuries or death in a matter of seconds. When safety rules are ignored or job sites are poorly managed, workers and their families pay the price. Wettermark Keith’s construction accident lawyers in Birmingham, Montgomery, Dothan, Huntsville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Panama City help injured workers pursue workers’ compensation benefits and, when applicable, additional claims against negligent contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. While you focus on recovery, we fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Injured on a Construction Site? Call Wettermark Keith to Speak With Experienced Construction Accident Lawyers

Construction is not just about raising structures; it’s about building futures – for families waiting to move into their dream homes, or businesses anticipating their next chapter. Construction workers are the foundation for our collective future, molding the urban landscapes of tomorrow. While they might shape our cities, they serve a far greater purpose to their families – cherished spouses, devoted parents, and irreplaceable sons and daughters. Unfortunately, it takes only one faulty wire, falling beam, or second of instability to leave a construction worker with devastating injuries. Victims and families are left to pick up the pieces, grappling with the immense physical, emotional and financial toll of the accident.

While workers’ compensation may seem like a straightforward solution, navigating this system alone can be challenging. Profit-driven insurance companies sometimes minimize valid claims or create hurdles to prevent paying out the compensation victims need to recover from their injuries. In these difficult moments, our lawyers stand ready to advocate fiercely on their behalf, ensuring that every injured victim of a construction accident receives excellent medical care, compensation, and justice. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, we will work to recover every penny you deserve.

Understanding Construction Accidents

Construction work has always carried immense risks – even as safety practices and technology improve, injuries and fatalities still plague the industry today. Every year, one in ten construction workers are injured in an accident, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , a rate 71% higher than other U.S. industries.

Construction accidents are typically a result of multiple overlapping issues – inadequate training, poor supervision, run-down equipment, or simply the unpredictable, chaotic nature of a building site. Some of the most common risks present day workers face include electrocutions, equipment accidents, collapsing excavations, falls from heights, and being struck by vehicles. When these accidents occur, victims deserve to access the resources they need to heal. Our lawyers have over 50 years combined experience holding corporations, contractors, and property owners accountable for avoidable accidents, and are fully prepared to fight for your compensation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Sue My Employer After I Get Hurt On A Construction Site?

In most jurisdictions, workers’ compensation is designed to be a “no-fault” system, which means that you generally cannot sue your employer for injuries sustained on the job. By filing a workers’ compensation claim, you usually waive your right to file a lawsuit against your employer. However, there are exceptions, such as when an employer’s conduct is egregiously negligent or intentionally harmful. Laws can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s important to consult with a legal advisor to understand your specific options.

How Long Do I Have To File A Construction Accident Claim?

The time limit to file a construction accident claim, otherwise known as the statute of limitations, varies by jurisdiction and by the type of claim you’re filing. For workers’ compensation claims, you may have a very short window—sometimes as few as 30 days—to report the injury to your employer. For personal injury lawsuits against third parties, the statute of limitations is generally longer, often ranging from one to four years, depending on the state. It’s crucial to consult with an injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Construction Accident Lawyer?

The cost of hiring a construction accident lawyer can vary. Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. We understand you may be facing an unstable financial situation – and assure you that you will never pay a lawyer fee upfront or out of pocket. We also offer free consultations.

How Do Construction Accident Attorneys Help In Injury Claims?

Our lawyers can bring specialized knowledge and experience to your case. After a construction accident, your lawyer can guide you through the complex landscape of workers’ compensation and personal injury law, helping you understand your rights and options. Your lawyer will handle all the paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, your lawyer can also represent you in court, aiming to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Can Injury Lawyers Help If My Loved One Faced A Fatal Construction Accident?

Yes – these tragic cases often fall under “wrongful death” claims. Family members may be eligible to receive compensation for funeral costs, loss of financial support, and even emotional suffering. Your experienced lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Construction Accident?

Your health and safety should be your first concern after any accident. Seek emergency medical assistance right away even if you believe you are uninjured, as some conditions like concussions take time to manifest symptoms. Alert your supervisor and follow company protocol for reporting the incident, but do not delay getting medical attention. Document the accident with photos and written notes if able. Once initial treatment is secured, consult an experienced construction accident attorney to discuss your options. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation or personal injury damages, depending on the specifics of your case. An attorney can help you navigate the system and advise on steps to take to protect your rights.

What Are the Benefits Of Filing A Workers' Compensation Claim?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim after a construction accident provides several valuable benefits:

Coverage of all medical expenses related to injury and rehabilitation
Partial wage replacement for missed days of work during recovery
Vocational training if injury prevents returning to previous occupation
Not having to prove employer negligence
An impartial administrative system versus civil court

Overall, workers’ compensation provides support for medical care, lost wages, and recovery without you having to prove blame. While benefits may be lower than personal injury settlements, workers’ compensation offers reliable assistance – which is especially valuable when the liability of an accident is unclear.

How Do I Know If My Accident Qualifies For A Personal Injury Case Rather Than Workers' Compensation?

If your accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of a third party outside your employer, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit in addition to or instead of a workers’ compensation claim. This includes accidents caused by:

Subcontractors ignoring safety protocols
Defective equipment or machinery
Hazardous materials providers failing to label chemicals
Architects or engineers producing unsafe designs
Vehicle drivers striking workers on a site

Consult a lawyer to explore all options after an accident. An experienced construction accident lawyer can assess if any external parties bear liability for your damages and advise whether a personal injury claim or workers’ compensation, or both, are viable avenues for compensation in your specific circumstances.

How Long Will It Take for My Case To Settle?

The duration of a construction accident case can vary substantially depending on the complexity of issues like causation and liability, the parties involved, location, injuries sustained, availability of witnesses and evidence, and other unique factors. Less disputed, straightforward cases with clear cause and injury may settle within a year, while complex cases involving multiple defendants and jurisdictions can extend to two or even three years. Your attorney should provide an estimated timeline tailored to your specific circumstances, and work diligently to resolve the case efficiently without sacrificing quality of result.

What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid After A Construction Accident?

Some common missteps that could jeopardize your case include:

Failing to promptly seek medical attention and get examined/treated. This causes issues documenting the extent of injuries.
Neglecting to report the accident to your employer and file an incident report. This raises doubt about what transpired.
Delaying consultation with a lawyer. This risks losing valuable evidence, witnesses, and rights to compensation.
Speaking extensively with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer. Any statements may be used against you.
Accepting quick, lowball settlements from insurers before fully assessing case value.
Posting details about the incident on social media. This can provide leverage against you.

You can avoid these pitfalls by immediately consulting an experienced lawyer to protect your interests from the outset

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