Construction Accident Attorneys

When you’re involved in a construction accident, your actions can significantly impact your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. Here’s a step-by-step checklist of what to do immediately after an accident:

Seek Medical Attention and Report the Injury

Always seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel the full extent of your injuries right away. Many construction injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), internal injuries, and spinal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.

Report the injury to your supervisor, foreman, or other relevant personnel as soon as possible. This creates a record of the accident and ensures that it’s formally acknowledged.

Document the Accident (Photos, Witnesses)

Take photos of the accident scene, including any damaged equipment, hazardous conditions, or unsafe working practices. This can be invaluable evidence later in your claim.

If possible, gather contact information and statements from any witnesses to the accident. Eyewitness testimony can support your case and clarify the circumstances of the accident.

Preserve Evidence, Including Faulty Equipment or Materials

If the accident was caused by defective equipment or hazardous materials, preserve these items as evidence. Do not move or alter the equipment or materials until they have been inspected, as this could be crucial to your claim.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim Promptly

Workers’ compensation is the first line of defense for injured workers. It’s important to file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Workers’ compensation is an insurance program that provides financial assistance to employees who are injured on the job. In exchange for this coverage, workers are generally prohibited from suing their employers for the injury. The benefits you may be entitled to depend on the nature of your injury, your medical treatment, and your ability to work.

Benefits workers may be entitled to can include:

Temporary and Permanent Disability Benefits

If you are temporarily unable to work due to the injury, you may receive compensation for lost wages. If your injury results in a permanent disability, you could be entitled to long-term benefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If you’re unable to return to your previous job, vocational rehabilitation services may be available to help you transition into a new line of work.

Coverage for Medical Expenses and Lost Wages

Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses related to the injury, including doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. You may also be compensated for lost wages during your recovery period.

In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for construction injuries, meaning you cannot directly sue your employer for the accident. However, there are exceptions:

• Third-Party Claims: If the accident was caused by a third party (subcontractors, manufacturers of defective equipment), you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.

• Employer Negligence: If your employer deliberately exposed you to unsafe conditions or acted intentionally, in some states you may have grounds for a lawsuit outside of workers’ compensation.

The statute of limitations for filing a claim after a construction accident varies by state, but it typically ranges from one to three years. This means you must file your workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit within this timeframe, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation. Many states require that workplace accidents be reported within 30 days, and cases involving sovereign entities often have requirements that require a notice to be filed within days or months of an incident. 

It's important to consult with a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover the following damages:

• Medical Expenses
  This includes the cost of hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications.

• Lost Wages
  If you are unable to work due to your injury, you may be compensated for your lost wages, including any future income you would have earned.

• Pain and Suffering
  You may also be entitled to compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the injury.

• Permanent Disability
  If your injury causes permanent disability, you may be entitled to ongoing compensation for the impact the injury has on your life.

Ensuring safety on a construction site is a shared responsibility. Multiple parties may be liable for accidents, including:

Employers: It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe work environment and to comply with safety regulations.

General Contractors and Subcontractors: Contractors and subcontractors must maintain safety on their work sites and provide proper training and equipment.

Equipment Manufacturers: If an accident is caused by defective or unsafe equipment, the manufacturer of that equipment may be liable.

Property Owners: Property owners may also be held accountable if they failed to maintain a safe worksite or did not address hazardous conditions.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our construction accident lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a lawyer, you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

After your initial consultation, your care team will schedule regular meetings to discuss your case, provide updates, and prepare you for any upcoming proceedings. We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and keeping you informed every step of the way.

These meetings can be handled in person, virtually, and by phone, depending on your case’s requirements and your ability to do so.

Morgan & Morgan’s construction accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced construction accident attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

We take pride in holding negligent contractors, site managers, and property owners accountable for the injuries they cause. If you've been hurt on a construction site due to unsafe conditions or negligence, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.

Construction sites are home to a variety of hazards. Below are some of the most common types of accidents:

Heavy Machinery Accidents

Cranes, forklifts, backhoes, and other heavy machinery are frequently involved in accidents, causing crushing injuries, amputations, and even fatalities.

Trench Collapses

Trench collapses are particularly dangerous, often leading to serious injuries or death due to asphyxiation or crushing.

Electrocutions

Unsafe wiring or exposed cables can lead to electrocution accidents, causing severe burns or even fatal injuries.

Chemical Exposure

Construction workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, leading to respiratory issues, skin burns, and long-term health complications.

Caught-Between Accidents

Workers can be caught between machinery, debris, or walls, leading to crush injuries, fractures, and other serious conditions.

Vehicle Accidents

Vehicles on construction sites, including trucks, cranes and loaders, can cause accidents if not operated properly.

Falls and Falling Objects

Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs are a leading cause of construction injuries. Workers and even pedestrians and bystanders can be hit by falling tools, debris, or construction materials from upper floors, causing serious head or bodily injuries.

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments due to the nature of the work, the heavy machinery involved, and the complexity of tasks being carried out. Despite strict regulations and safety protocols, accidents still occur, often resulting in serious injuries. Understanding the common injuries that construction workers face can help in identifying potential risks and ensuring that adequate safety measures are in place. Here’s a look at the most common injuries in construction accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most severe injuries that can occur on a construction site. A TBI occurs when a worker suffers a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function. These injuries can happen in a variety of ways, including:

Falls from height: Workers who fall from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops can suffer severe head injuries.

Falling objects: Construction workers may be struck by falling tools, debris, or materials, leading to concussions or more serious brain injuries.

Vehicle accidents: Workers in construction zones may be struck by construction vehicles like forklifts or cranes.

Symptoms of TBIs can range from mild (headaches and dizziness) to severe (loss of consciousness, seizures, cognitive dysfunction, and even death). Long-term consequences can include memory loss, personality changes, and impaired motor skills.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are another critical category of construction accident injuries. The spine is crucial to mobility and bodily function, so damage to the spinal cord can result in:

Paralysis: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, workers may experience partial or total paralysis, affecting their ability to move their limbs.

Chronic pain: Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to ongoing pain, which may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

Loss of sensory functions: In some cases, spinal cord injuries can result in loss of feeling or sensations in certain parts of the body.

These injuries are often the result of falls from heights, being struck by heavy equipment, or accidents involving construction vehicles. They may require extensive medical treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment for mobility.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones and fractures are common in construction accidents due to the heavy machinery and materials that workers handle daily. These injuries can occur from:

Falls: Workers falling from scaffolds, ladders, or high structures can break bones upon landing.

Being struck by objects: Falling tools or debris can break bones if they strike a worker with sufficient force.

Crushing injuries: Workers caught between heavy machinery or structures may suffer fractures, especially in the legs, arms, or ribs. 

Fractures vary in severity and location, and treatment can include everything from casting and bracing to surgery. In some cases, broken bones may lead to permanent disability or the need for long-term rehabilitation.

Burn Injuries (Chemical and Thermal)

Burn injuries in construction accidents can be caused by exposure to extreme heat or hazardous chemicals. Workers on construction sites may be exposed to flames, hot surfaces, or dangerous chemicals. The two primary types of burns in construction are: 

Thermal burns: These occur when workers come into contact with fire or extremely hot surfaces, such as molten metal, electrical components, or steam pipes.

Chemical burns: These occur when workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals like acids, solvents, or caustic materials, which can cause severe skin damage.

Burns can range from mild to life-threatening, with the potential for long-term scarring, nerve damage, and infections. In severe cases, burn injuries may lead to permanent disfigurement or loss of function, requiring extensive medical treatments such as skin grafts and physical therapy.

Crush Injuries and Amputations

Crush injuries and amputations are among the most devastating injuries in construction accidents. These injuries occur when a worker is caught between heavy objects, equipment, or machinery, resulting in severe trauma to the limbs. Common causes include:

Heavy machinery accidents: Workers can be caught between moving machinery, such as bulldozers, backhoes, or cranes.

Falling materials: Construction materials, such as concrete blocks or steel beams, can crush workers if they fall from great heights or are improperly secured.

Caught-between accidents: Workers can be crushed between structures, machinery, or walls, leading to severe damage to bones, muscles, and nerves.

Crush injuries often lead to extensive tissue damage, and in some cases, amputations may be necessary to save the worker’s life or to prevent further complications like infection or gangrene. Recovery from crush injuries may involve multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and the use of prosthetics.

Fractured or Ruptured Internal Organs

In some construction accidents, workers may suffer damage to internal organs. This can occur as a result of blunt force trauma, such as being struck by equipment or debris, or from crushing injuries. Damaged internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, can lead to serious medical conditions, including:

Internal bleeding: Severe trauma can lead to internal hemorrhaging, which may require immediate surgery.

Ruptured organs: Organs like the spleen or intestines may rupture, leading to life-threatening complications.

These injuries require immediate medical intervention and may result in long-term complications, including the need for organ transplants, ongoing treatments, or permanent disability.

Lacerations and Puncture Wounds

Lacerations and puncture wounds are common injuries in construction due to the sharp tools, equipment, and materials workers handle. These injuries can occur from:

Power tools: Saw blades, drills, and nail guns can cause deep cuts or punctures.

Falling debris: Sharp objects like metal shards or glass can cause cuts if they fall onto workers.

Protruding nails or screws: Workers can be injured by exposed nails, screws, or sharp edges from materials like wood or steel.

Lacerations can range from minor cuts to severe, life-threatening wounds. Infection is a common risk, particularly when injuries occur in environments with exposure to hazardous materials or contaminants.

Hearing Loss

Long-term exposure to loud noises is a major concern on construction sites, where the use of power tools, machinery, and heavy equipment creates continuous noise. Chronic exposure can lead to:

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL): The continuous use of loud machinery like jackhammers, drills, or chainsaws can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing impairment or permanent hearing loss.

Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, often caused by exposure to loud noise, which can be temporary or permanent. 

To prevent hearing loss, workers are typically required to wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, when working in noisy environments.

Construction accident laws and workers’ compensation coverage vary from state to state. For instance:

OSHA Regulations: States may have additional safety requirements in compliance with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

State Workers’ Compensation Laws: Each state has its own workers' compensation system, with some states offering broader coverage than others.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for enforcing safety regulations at construction sites. Common violations include:

• Failure to provide adequate fall protection.

• Inadequate training on equipment usage.

• Improper handling of hazardous materials.

OSHA citations can strengthen your injury claim by proving that the employer or contractor violated safety standards.

In some cases, a construction worker may be able to file a third-party liability claim if someone other than the employer is at fault. For example:

• Subcontractors: A subcontractor’s negligence can lead to accidents that injure workers.

• Defective Products: A manufacturer may be liable if faulty equipment or materials caused the accident.

• Negligent Architects or Engineers: Design flaws can contribute to accidents.

Undocumented workers have the right to workers' compensation benefits in most states, regardless of their immigration status. You can receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages. However, suing your employer or other parties might be more complex, and consulting with a lawyer is crucial.

Even if you were partially at fault for your construction accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. In many states, you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. A lawyer can help determine how fault is allocated and ensure that you receive compensation.

If a construction accident results in the death of a worker, the victim’s family may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims are designed to compensate the family members of a deceased worker for their financial and emotional losses.

Eligibility for Wrongful Death Claims:

If a construction accident is caused by negligence or unsafe conditions on the site, the surviving family members of the deceased worker can pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of future earnings.

Compensation for Loss of Financial Support and Companionship:

Families may be entitled to compensation for the loss of the deceased worker’s financial support, as well as for the emotional distress caused by their death. This can include compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, and love.

If you or a loved one suffered a construction accident due to negligence, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.