Construction Accidents

Construction areas are one of the most common sites of serious accidents, posing risks to both workers and innocent bystanders.  Depending on the precise circumstances of the accident, different laws may apply.

When construction accident causes harm to an employee , workers' compensation laws will generally apply. There are, however, cases in which the worker can also obtain economic recovery from other parties who may be deemed liable.

When an innocent bystander suffers injury as the result of a construction accident, he/she may also be eligible to recover damages by filing a personal injury claim.

Whether you're a construction worker or merely a bystander who has suffered injury as the result of a construction accident, you may be eligible to receive economic damages for your losses and suffering.  A qualified attorney can help you understand your legal rights and determine a course of action.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

There are many ways a person may suffer an injury at a construction site.   Scaffolding accidents are the most common, constituting nearly two-thirds of all construction accidents. Other common causes can include: falls, electrocution, and improperly braced trenches.

What To Do If You've Been Injured

• Report your injury to your employer or the construction site manager immediately.
• Seek medical attention for your injuries.
• Obtain the contact information of any witnesses who may have been present.
• Try to preserve as much evidence as possible. This may include taking photos of your injuries, the site where the injury occurred.
• Save any tools or equipment that may have been involved.
• Keep a copy of all important documents including correspondence with doctors, attorneys, and insurance adjusters.
• Do not negotiate with any liable party(s) without first consulting an experienced attorney.
• Consult a Personal Injury Injury as soon as you feel you need to file a claim.

Determining Liability in Construction Accidents

Determining liability in construction accidents depends on a number of factors. Grand scale construction projects tend to involve a variety of individuals such as the site's landowner, contractors, material suppliers, and engineers and others.  Smaller scale projects, on the other hand, may only involve a small group of people.  Therefore, liability may ultimately depend on the size and complexity of the project.

When attempting to determine the liability for injuries sustained in a construction accident, it helps to understand each party's responsibilities at the site.  Total or partial responsibility involving a construction accident may include any of the following parties:

• Construction Site Owner.
• General and Sub-Contractors.
• “Prime” Contractors.
• Architects and Engineers.
• Manufacturers of Construction Machinery or Equipment.
• Insurers.

The person in charge of ensuring that OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations are complied with may also be held liable.

Know Your Legal Rights

If you have suffered an injury as the result of a construction accident, you are responsible for proving your case against the party(s) who are liable.  Frequently a personal injury attorney is required to help protect your legal rights.  It is always wise to seek competent legal counsel after a construction accident, especially since a statue of limitations applies to all personal injury cases.