Construction Accidents

Construction workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country on a daily basis. Although there are regulations, statutes, ordinances and industry standards that mandate employers must provide a reasonably safe working environment, construction workers still suffer serious injuries at an alarming rate.

The sheer number of hazards on a construction site makes it virtually impossible to prevent all injuries from occurring. These hazards include falls from scaffolds and other elevations, being struck by moving or falling machinery, electrocution, health hazards resulting form exposure to asbestos and chemicals, injuries caused by defective or unsafe equipment, and lifting and repetitive motion injuries.

Who May Be Liable For A Construction Site Accident?

There are many different parties who may be liable when a construction worker suffers a work-related illness or injury:

• Property owners

• General, prime and subcontractors

• Architects, engineers or other designers

• Construction managers

• Suppliers and manufacturers of equipment and materials

• Insurers

The liability of these various parties depends on the type of management and oversight system on the construction project. The main legal question with regards to liability for construction workers' injuries concerns who maintains control and authority over the property where the work is being done and the type of work that is being done. For example, in larger projects, much of the work is delegated out, whether by general contractors or a construction management organization.

It is important to name all of the potential liable parties at the outset of any litigation to preserve your claim against them. An experienced construction litigation attorney can help you determine who the responsible parties may be according to the specific circumstances of your case.

Pursuing a Claim for a Construction Accident Injury

If you have been injured as a result of an accident at a construction site, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your legal rights:

• Report the injury to your employer and/or construction site manager as soon as possible, and note the name and the position of the person you notified

• Get the names and contact information of anyone who may have witnessed the accident

• If possible, try to preserve any evidence related to your injury be taking photographs of the area where you were injured (and the injuries themselves), or keeping the equipment or tool that was involved in your injury

• Get medical attention for your injuries

• Consult an attorney as soon as possible to help you evaluate any potential claims and discuss your workers' compensation rights.

Your case may be won or lost based on work done before it ever goes to trial. Discussing your case with an attorney who is experienced in the area of construction injury law is the best way to protect your rights.