Construction Accident Attorneys

What to do After a Construction Accident Injury

If you have been injured in a construction accident, take prompt and appropriate action to protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests. The following steps outline the necessary measures to take after such an incident:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt medical evaluation ensures that your injuries are properly documented and treated, which is essential for both your recovery and any future legal claims.
• Report the Incident: Notify your employer or site supervisor about the accident as soon as possible. Ensure that the incident is officially recorded in the company’s accident log or incident report system. This documentation is vital for any workers’ compensation claims and legal actions you may pursue.
• Document the Scene: If you are able, gather evidence from the accident scene. Take photographs of the location, any equipment involved, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who can provide statements about the incident. This evidence can be crucial for establishing liability and supporting your claim.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing, equipment, or tools involved in the accident. Avoid making any repairs or alterations to the items as they may serve as critical evidence in your case. Preserve all medical records, receipts, and correspondence related to your injuries and treatment.
• Consult a Legal Professional: Contact an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the complex legal landscape, help you understand your rights, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
• File for Workers’ Compensation: File a workers’ compensation claim promptly to receive benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Your attorney can assist you in navigating the claims process and addressing any disputes that may arise.
• Avoid Discussing the Incident: Refrain from discussing the accident, your injuries, or potential legal actions with anyone other than your attorney. Statements made to employers, insurance adjusters, or on social media can be used against you in legal proceedings.

By following these steps, you can protect your well-being and strengthen your position in any legal or compensation claims. Construction accidents can have severe and long-lasting impacts, and taking the right actions immediately can make a significant difference in your recovery and future stability.

Getting Help from Construction Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one have been involved in a construction accident, you can file a personal injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. It’s important to find a qualified construction accident lawyer to take your case. They’ll ensure you understand your legal options. They can fight with your best interests in mind, too.

The best construction accident attorneys will build your case & fight to get you maximum compensation. They’ll ensure you don’t leave money on the table. With experienced legal help, you can maximize your claim and cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Below are a few legal practice areas a construction accident attorney will know in detail.

Legal Practice Areas for Construction Law

• Alternative Dispute Resolutions (Arbitration, Mediation, Negotiations, etc.)
• Contract Law
• Contract Negotiation
• Contract Preparation
• Construction Litigation
• Defective Design and Construction Litigation
• Bankruptcy
• Bidding disputed
• Insurance Issues (Damage, Liability, Indemnification, Surety)
• Claims being delayed
• Payment Issues and Disputes
• Personal Injury
• OSHA investigations and other federal agencies
• Violations of safety
• Permits for buildings
• Wage requirements
• False claims
• Work-related injuries
• Litigation on construction cases

What to Consider When Choosing a Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Suppose you or a loved one have experienced construction site injuries resulting from an accident. In that case, you may be considering hiring a construction site accident lawyer who specializes in this area. Selecting the right construction site accident attorney for your case doesn’t have to be complicated. It is, however, vital that you do a little background work to make sure you’re hiring the best possible construction site accident lawyer for your case. So in this article, we’re walking you through what to look out for to ensure you make the right choice for yourself.

Here are 5 tips that can help you find the right construction accident lawyer to handle your case.

1. Consider Your Situation

Before rushing to hire a construction accident lawyer, take a moment to consider your unique situation. You’ll want to find a lawyer who understands your specific legal issue. Otherwise, their lack of experience with your situation could impact your case.

Ask yourself:

• Was I denied workers’ compensation?
• Did I sustain injuries as a result of a defective product?
• Am I a construction employee who was injured on the job?
• Was I assaulted while on a construction site?

Once you’ve determined your specific issue, you can find the right personal injury attorney with your situation in mind.

Construction accident claims fall under personal injury claims. However, not every personal injury lawyer will have the experience you need. In fact, construction accident claims involve their own unique challenges.

For example, there are additional parties involved with construction accident claims, including:

• Distributors
• Employees
• Suppliers
• Manufacturers
• General contractors
• Owners

You can start your search for a construction site accident attorney by using online resources. First, check out your local bar association website. Create a list of attorneys who are certified to handle workers’ compensation and personal injury claims for your state.

You can also use the Hubbel-Martindale directory to find a list of attorneys in your area.

Otherwise, talk with people in your inner circle. Do you know a colleague who experienced a similar legal issue? Ask them about the attorney they hired.

Once you have a list of options, you can use the rest of these tips to find the best construction accident injury lawyer for your case.

2. Look at Years of Experience

Remember, not every construction accident lawyer will have the experience or expertise you need. There are now over 135,000 personal injury lawyers in the US. You need to find the right personal injury lawyer with your situation in mind.

First, determine how long each personal injury attorney on your list has practiced law. Look for someone with years of hands-on experience.

Remember, personal injury lawyers handle a mix of different cases. For example, someone might specialize in auto accidents, slip and falls, or medical malpractice. Ask each lawyer about their case specialty.

Look for someone with years of experience handling construction site accidents. Ask how many construction accident lawsuits they’ve handled over the years.

Ask how many of those cases were recent, too.

You might find a personal injury attorney who says they have experience with construction cases. However, there’s a chance they’ve only handled 10 construction accident lawsuits and 100 car crash cases. Choosing someone with the right specialty will give you peace of mind.

Someone with experience handling construction site accident lawsuits will understand the laws and procedures relevant to your case. They’ll know about recent cases they might need to reference when building your lawsuit, too.

Someone who lacks the experience you need, on the other hand, might make a costly mistake when arguing on your behalf.

3. Review Their Courtroom Experience

It’s not enough to find a lawyer with years of hands-on experience settling cases. Instead, make sure to ask each construction accident attorney about their courtroom experience. How many cases have they handled that went to court?

Some lawyers are apprehensive about arguing cases in front of a judge and jury.

These lawyers won’t have your best interests in mind. In fact, they might rush to settle your case before it reaches a courtroom. Their haste could leave money on the table.

They might accept the first lowball offer they receive.

If you find a lawyer who is nervous about going to court, keep searching. The best construction site accident attorney for your case will have your best interests in mind.

4. Their Case History

Once you find a construction accident injury lawyer with relevant experience, learn more about their case history. You’ll want to have a winner at your side. Otherwise, they might struggle to accomplish your case goals.

Ask how many construction site accident cases they’ve handled overall versus in the last year. Then, ask how many cases they won.

You might notice their track record has grown stronger over the years. If that’s the case, great! These lawyers have learned from trial experience.

Ask how much they were able to win for their clients, too.

Before hiring a construction accident lawyer, ask if they’ve handled a case that was similar to yours. Then, ask about the process involved with that case. Discussing a similar case can help you develop realistic expectations moving forward.

For example, maybe you were injured due to negligence by a company other than your employer. You might consider filing a third-party liability claim. In these cases, you can recover money damages for:

• Emergency room care
• Ambulance fees
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pharmaceutical drugs
• Medical equipment
• Pain and suffering
• Diminished earning capacity
• Physical rehabilitation
• Mental distress
• Long-term disability
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Scarring or disfigurement
• The wrongful death of a family member

Before your consultation appointment, make sure to gather any documents that are relevant to your case. For example, it’s important to keep track of your medical bills. That includes emergency room care, prescription drugs, and trips to specialists.

Keep track of your lost wages, too.

Gathering these documents will help your construction site accident lawyer calculate your losses. They’ll fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Bringing these documents to your consultation appointment will help you develop realistic expectations about the monetary compensation you’re due.

5. Request References and Reviews

If you want to find the best construction accident attorney for your case, learn from the people who were once in your shoes. Ask for references and reviews. You can also find reviews on the law firm’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listings.

Try to read a handful of reviews from different sources.

Consider each client’s comments about how the lawyer communicated. Were they professional? Was the lawyer able to dedicate time to the client’s case?

After reading a few reviews, try to narrow down your options to three construction accident attorneys in the area. Then, schedule a consultation appointment with each one.

6. Schedule a Consultation Appointment

Scheduling a consultation appointment will give you the chance to meet each lawyer in person. If your research wasn’t able to answer your questions, ask them yourself.

Discuss the specifics of your case. Then, ask each lawyer how they might help.

For example, your construction accident lawyer should:

• Listen to your story and answer your questions
• Help you understand your rights and legal options
• Investigate your case to gather evidence
• Work with your doctors and medical experts
• Gather documentation about your medical damages
• Identify defendants that may bear liability
• Use legal tools to recover additional evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies and defendants
• Take your case to court
• Fight for the full financial compensation you deserve

During your consultation appointment, pay attention to how the lawyer speaks and holds themselves. Look for a strong communicator. Make sure they have active listening skills, too.

The best construction site accident lawyer will know how to listen before forming a response. Otherwise, they might struggle to keep up with opposing counsel.

If the lawyer interrupts you during your consultation appointment, consider hiring someone else.

Are they confident in their ability to handle your case? If they don’t sound confident, keep searching. You’ll want someone who is willing to fight at your side with confidence and conviction.

7. Consider the Cost

During your consultation appointment, ask each personal injury lawyer about their fee structure. Look for someone who fights on a contingency fee basis.

Your construction site accident lawyer will only accept a percentage of the financial compensation they win on your behalf. You won’t have to worry about legal fees on top of your losses. In fact, lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis might fight harder to maximize your claim.

About 10% of the world’s deaths are the result of injuries. If you lost a loved one due to a construction site accident, finding the right lawyer is essential.

Once you’ve consulted at least three lawyers, review your notes. Choose a lawyer you feel confident in.

Types of Accidents in a Construction Site

Considering construction site employees make up 6% of the US workforce, 20% of all worker deaths in the US are in construction. There are many types of onsite construction accidents, including:

• Falling from a height, e.g., from a crane or scaffolding
• Tripping
• Excessive noise
• Struck by falling objects
• Electrocution
• Vehicle accident
• Getting caught in equipment
• Defective and/or dangerous machinery
• Exposure to heat, e.g., when welding
• Explosions

The Role of Safety Protocols in Preventing Construction Accidents

Introduction to Safety Protocols

Safety protocols on construction sites are critical measures designed to protect workers from potential hazards associated with construction activities. These protocols include the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), regular safety training sessions, and adherence to safety standards set by organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Importance of Adhering to Safety Protocols

Adhering to established safety protocols can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of accidents on construction sites. For instance, using harnesses and guardrails effectively prevents falls—which are the leading cause of construction-related deaths. Moreover, regular safety drills and training ensure that workers are prepared to handle emergency situations effectively.

Implementation and Enforcement of Safety Protocols

The implementation and enforcement of stringent safety protocols are not just recommended practices; they are pivotal in fostering a safe working environment. Employers who prioritize these protocols not only protect their workforce but also reduce their liability risks in the event of construction accidents.

Legal Outcomes of Construction Accidents and the Impact on Families

Introduction to Legal Outcomes of Construction Accidents
Handling the legal outcomes following a construction accident involves multiple considerations, such as determining liability, the extent of negligence involved, and the adequacy of the compensation claimed relative to the damages suffered.

Discussion of Compensation for Families
For families of injured or deceased workers, securing the right compensation is paramount. This compensation should adequately cover medical expenses, potential future medical care, loss of income, and where applicable, pain and suffering. In tragic instances that lead to death, families must navigate wrongful death claims, which can provide them with resources to deal with the financial and emotional aftermath.

Concluding Remarks
The legal implications of construction accidents are complex and often require the expertise of skilled attorneys who understand the nuances of construction and personal injury law. For families affected, these legal battles are not just about financial compensation but finding justice for the wrongful injury or loss of their loved one, which reinforces the importance of choosing experienced legal representation.

Commonly Asked Construction Accident Questions

What is the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction?

Falls are the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction, accounting for more than one-third of the total number of industry fatalities. These incidents are highly prevalent and can result in serious injuries or death, emphasizing the need for strict safety protocols and effective safety equipment on construction sites.

Why is it important to hire a construction accident lawyer if you have been injured on the site?

Hiring a construction accident lawyer is crucial because they specialize in navigating the complexities of construction law and personal injury claims. These attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options, ensuring that you receive maximum compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other related damages. They advocate on your behalf, especially against large construction companies and their insurers.

What types of legal issues do construction accident attorneys handle?

Construction accident attorneys handle a range of issues, including personal injury claims, workers’ compensation, defective design and construction litigation, safety violations, insurance disputes, and payment issues. They are well-versed in the specific challenges and regulations of the construction industry, which can significantly influence the outcome of a legal battle.

When considering a construction accident attorney, what should be checked to ensure the right fit for your case?

It is essential to check the attorney’s experience specifically with construction accident cases, their case history, and success rates. Also, their courtroom experience and willingness to take a case to trial if necessary should be considered. Understanding their expertise in dealing with complex construction litigation and their familiarity with the unique aspects of construction law is crucial.

How can construction site accidents impact a worker’s life and their family?

Construction site accidents can have devastating impacts on a worker’s physical and financial health. Serious injuries can lead to long-term disability, affecting the ability to earn an income. Furthermore, the emotional and psychological stress can affect the worker’s family life, highlighting the need for comprehensive compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and loss of livelihood.

What are some common types of accidents on construction sites?

Common types of accidents on construction sites include falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, electrocutions, vehicle accidents, and getting caught in or between machinery. Each type of accident has specific risk factors and often requires targeted prevention strategies to ensure worker safety.

What compensation might be available for victims of construction accidents?

Victims of construction accidents might be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of future earning capacity, and more. In cases of fatal accidents, families might seek wrongful death claims, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.

How do safety standards and regulations affect construction accident claims?

Safety standards and regulations are crucial in construction accident claims as they establish the expected safety practices that employers must follow. Non-compliance with these regulations can be a significant factor in proving negligence in a personal injury claim. Attorneys often use a violation of safety norms as a basis to argue for the liability of the employer or other parties.

Can you sue for damages if you were a bystander injured in a construction accident?

Yes, bystanders who are injured in construction accidents may have the right to sue for damages. If the injury resulted from negligence, such as failing to secure a construction site properly, bystanders could claim compensation for their injuries, medical treatment, and other related damages through personal injury lawsuits.

How does the experience of a construction accident attorney influence the outcome of a lawsuit?

An experienced construction accident attorney brings a critical understanding of construction laws and regulations and a strategic approach to litigation. Their experience negotiating with insurance companies and presenting cases in court can greatly influence the amount of compensation awarded. They are often better prepared to challenge opposing arguments and can leverage their knowledge to benefit their clients effectively.

Speak to an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer Today

You don’t have to hire the first construction accident lawyer you find online. Finding the right legal help can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

Want to discuss your case with lawyers you can trust? We’re here to help. There are no fees until you win. Our dedication and experience will guide you every step of the way. Contact us at Heidari Law Group 24/7 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.