Working in the construction industry is a dangerous undertaking by nature. Workers have to contend with difficult labor using heavy machines, sometimes at great heights. This not only poses a safety risk to them, but also to pedestrians and other motorists.
Non-workers are sometimes injured or killed by falling debris. And while the construction industry plays a very pivotal role in the economic growth of a state or country, development site accidents are in the same manner detrimental to the affected persons.
Sadly, over 800 people are killed in construction incidents every year while at least 180,000 others suffer severe injuries in the United States. With the growth of the industry during economic prosperity, these numbers will likely continue. To mitigate these cases, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), a subsidiary of the Department of Labor has enacted several regulations to protect workers and non-workers in construction sites.
If you were injured in a construction site, whether as a worker or bystander, you have the right to file a compensation claim. Our Pearland construction accident lawyer may help you recover both economic and non-economic damages for your injury. Working with a qualified personal injury attorney could put you on the right path to financial compensation.
Every state in the United States has special laws that protect the interests of workers involved in construction accidents. Under these laws, employees are liable for compensation even when the accident is due to a minor negligence on the part of the employer.
However, many businesses choose not to carry worker’s compensation insurance. If your employer does not have insurance coverage, you have the right to file a construction accident claim with the legal assistance of a seasoned attorney.
Given that the majority of development site injuries are severe, the employer’s insurance company’s initial offer will likely not be enough. Fortunately, you can still sue your employer to hold them accountable for the full extent of your injuries. The complexity of this legal course requires the input of an experienced lawyer who fully understands the personal injury laws pertaining to construction site accidents. Some of the instances where you may file a personal injury claim for construction-related injuries include:
Talk to your lawyer to determine if you would be able to file a claim.
Of course, not every person who suffers harm in a construction accident works at the site. There are many other persons who may sustain injuries at a development site. For example, falling debris can kill or injure pedestrians, poorly marked construction zones can cause a car crash, and in some cases, or an adult may trip over debris discarded on the sidewalk.
Every contractor has a duty of care towards other persons, and he/she is required by law to clearly warn the public concerning unsafe construction zones. If this duty of care is breached, and you are injured in the process, you may retain a dedicated construction accident attorney to help you advance your legal rights for compensation.
Unlike the worker’s compensation plan, the justice system for injury claims is fault-based. Generally, you can find one or more parties responsible for your injuries. They may include:
These parties may be held liable for damages such as:
A knowledgeable attorney could help you calculate what compensation may be available in your construction site case.
Immediately after an accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical assistance for your injuries. While doing so, it is recommendable to retain a Pearland construction accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The earlier your lawyer knows about your case, the better. This will help your attorney in assessing your claims and legal options as well as lay the baseline for a possible lawsuit. To understand more about filing a development site accident claim, contact us today online or over the phone to set up a free consultation.
