Construction Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the largest and most populated cities in America, with new construction erecting every day. And while construction companies are supposed to adhere to strict safety rules and regulations, accidents can still happen. These accidents can result in severe injuries and even death, all of which can have life-altering effects on the victim, their families, and loved ones. If you’ve been injured while working on a construction site or as a passerby, you may need the help of a construction injury lawyer in Los Angeles—and we can help.

As the country’s largest personal injury law firm, Morgan & Morgan has a reputation for aggressively pursuing justice for our clients, particularly in construction injury cases.

We have a team of lawyers with years of experience handling construction injury cases, and we use this experience to your advantage. We understand the intricacies of the law and know how to negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved in construction projects.

To start your search for the right construction injury lawyer in Los Angeles, contact Morgan & Morgan to schedule a free case evaluation.

Types of Construction Accidents: What You Need to Know

Construction work can be a dangerous job. Every day, workers may face a variety of hazards that can lead to serious accidents and injuries. From falls to equipment malfunctions, the risks on construction sites are numerous, and the injuries that result can be life-altering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it’s important to understand the types of accidents that can occur and the injuries that can result.

Work-Related Accidents

Construction workers face a variety of work-related accidents, including falls, electrocutions, and burns. Falls are one of the most common types of construction accidents, and they can happen for a variety of reasons, such as improperly secured scaffolding, ladder malfunctions, or uneven walkways. Electrocutions can occur when workers come into contact with live electrical wires or equipment. Burns can occur when workers come into contact with hot surfaces or chemicals.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen when construction work is being done in public areas. Workers must be aware of their surroundings and take steps to protect pedestrians from harm. Accidents can occur when pedestrians are hit by falling objects or are caught in between equipment and buildings. These accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries.

Car Accidents While Delivering or Picking Up Materials

Another common type of construction accident involves car accidents. Construction sites often require the delivery of materials, and this means that there are a lot of commercial vehicles on the roads around construction sites. Car accidents can occur when these vehicles are entering or exiting the site, or when they are driving to and from the site. These accidents can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, broken bones, and head injuries.

Slip and Falls

Slip and falls are among the most prevalent causes of construction accidents. Wet or uneven surfaces, debris, and obstacles are some factors that can cause a worker to slip or trip and fall. When they do, they can sustain injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe head injuries or fractures. Employers have the responsibility to ensure safe working conditions, and if they don't, workers may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions often result from the use of heavy machinery and tools on construction sites near electrical lines or gas pipelines. Electrical injuries may range from burns to organ damage or wrongful death. Workers must be adequately trained to recognize electrical hazards, use proper tools, and wear protective equipment to avoid accidents.

Caught in between

Being caught in-between objects occurs when a worker gets stuck between equipment or objects (or between equipment and walls) and cannot escape. The impact can cause fractures, internal bleeding, or lacerations. The cause might be miscommunication or lack of safety protocols on the job site. In these cases, workers may be eligible to file a workers' compensation claim.

Defective products

Machine malfunctions can cause injuries such as amputations, crushing injuries, or severe lacerations. Equipment manufacturers have the responsibility to ensure the equipment is safe and effective before it is sold. However, manufacturers or contractors can be held liable if they failed to provide appropriate warnings or instructions in the handling of the machines.

Explosions and fires

Explosions and fires can occur when flammable materials such as gas, chemicals, or combustible materials are present on the work site. When these materials come in contact with ignition sources such as welding or grinding sparks, they can cause significant injuries or death. Workers must be trained to identify and manage these hazards, and strict safety protocols must be in place to prevent accidents.

File a Workers' Compensation Claim After a Construction Accident

Construction accidents can be devastating. Not only do they cause physical harm to workers, but they can also lead to financial difficulties due to lost wages and medical bills. If you're a construction worker who has been injured on the job, filing a workers' compensation claim can help you get the financial support you need. Here are some steps you need to take:

1. Report Your Accident

The first step in filing a workers' compensation claim after a construction accident is to report your accident to your employer. Depending on the state you work in, there is a specific timeframe in which you need to report the accident. In California, this is 30 days. If you don’t report your accident to your employer within this time frame, you may not be able to obtain any benefits.

2. Seek Medical Attention

After reporting the accident, the next step is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it's important to get a medical evaluation to document your injuries. This documentation will be important in supporting your workers' compensation claim

3. Gather Documentation

In addition to the injury report and medical records, there may be other documentation required when filing a workers' compensation claim. This can include witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any other relevant evidence. It's important to gather as much documentation as possible to support your claim.

4. Submit Your Claim

Once you have all the required documentation, it's time to submit your claim. This will typically involve filling out paperwork and submitting it to your state's workers' compensation board. Your employer's insurance company may also be involved in this process. It's important to follow all instructions carefully and submit all required documentation to avoid any delays or complications.

5. Hire a Lawyer

Filing a workers' compensation claim can be a complex process, especially if your claim is denied or you encounter other complications. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in workers' compensation cases can help you navigate the process and ensure that you receive the compensation you're entitled to. A lawyer can also help you appeal a denial of your claim, if