Construction accidents are unfortunately common in California, often resulting in serious injuries, even fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 1,000 construction workers die on the job each year in the U.S., with thousands more injured. Construction accidents are often covered by an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy, but when construction accidents are caused by unacceptable safety violations or gross negligence, further legal intervention may be warranted in order to obtain compensation that addresses the full extent of the harm suffered.
The experienced construction accident team at MI ABOGADO ® is committed to helping injured workers get the compensation they need and deserve. If you or a loved one were injured as a result of a construction accident, trust MI ABOGADO ® to help you see justice. We proudly serve clients across the state of California. MI ABOGADO ® has represented over a quarter of a million clients like you, with a 96% success rate. At MI ABOGADO ®, we understand the devastating impact that a construction accident takes on the injured worker and on their loved ones, and we are committed to delivering results. We take construction accident claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless you see your rightful settlement. We’re ready to start fighting for you today.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Construction Accident
If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of a construction accident on-the-job, you should:
- Report it to your supervisor immediately
- Seek prompt medical attention
- Document witness names and statements
- Keep all accident records and medical paperwork
- Follow your doctor’s orders closely
- Contact our office as soon as possible
The sooner you seek out the assistance of an experienced California construction accident lawyer, the better your chances are of recovering a favorable settlement. In California, you normally have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, so don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the financial compensation you need and deserve. Your first consultation with MI ABOGADO® is free and confidential, so get in touch with a member of our team today.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Just as there are many roles and duties associated with construction work, there are many different types of accidents that can occur on a construction site.
OSHA’s “Fatal Four”
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the leading causes of fatalities on construction sites, referred to as the “fatal four”, include:
- Falls, which account for approximately 38 percent of construction site fatalities. This includes falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, cross beams, and more.
- Struck-by Accidents, which occur when tools, equipment, machinery, and construction materials that have not been properly secured fall, striking the workers beneath. These accidents account for over nine percent of fatalities.
- Electrocutions, caused by exposed wires, improperly grounded materials, malfunctioning machinery, and more account for more than eight percent of fatalities.
- Caught-in/Between Accidents, occurring when a construction worker gets caught or trapped between equipment, machinery, objects, or collapsing structures, accounting for over seven percent of fatalities.
Beyond the “Fatal Four”
In addition to OSHA’s “fatal four”, there are many ither ways construction workers can be injured on the job, including:
- Brazing and welding accidents
- Explosions and fires
- Collapses
- Equipment, machinery, and tool injuries
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Scaffolding accidents
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Cuts, abrasions, and lacerations
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries, including spinal cord injuries
- Crush injuries
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Electrocution and burn injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Hearing loss and vision loss
- Heart attacks and stroke
- Wrongful death
Compensation for Construction Accident Injuries
If your construction accident happened on the job, you have two potential compensation options: a personal injury lawsuit or workers’ compensation benefits.
Personal Injury
A personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek compensation from negligent third parties. In these cases, our attorneys will fight to recover damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation provides limited benefits regardless of fault for injuries occurring on the job or within the scope of work duties, paid by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. Such benefits include:
- Medical treatment covered
- Partial wage replacement for missed work time
- Permanent disability benefits if you cannot fully recover
- Job retraining assistance if you cannot return to your previous occupation
Our legal team can advise you on the best approach to maximize compensation for your injuries. With our boutique firm’s personalized representation, we can pursue damages through either option when appropriate.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Accidents?
Construction accidents are especially devastating because they’re largely preventable. With adequate safety measures put in place, the proper protective equipment, and a strict adherence to safety protocols, the risk of construction accidents can be reduced significantly.
Workers’ compensation benefits provide a framework for employees to receive partial compensation from their employer through a third-party workers’ compensation insurance policy following an injury on the job. However, when a construction accident occurs due to negligence, the injured worker may be able to pursue compensation against many parties, including:
- Site owners
- Equipment and machinery manufacturers, distributors, and retailers
- Supervisors
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Engineers
- Architects
- Machinery operators
If a loved one was killed as a result of a construction accident, surviving family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm MI ABOGADO ® Can Help You with Your Construction Accident Claim
MI ABOGADO ® believes that nothing comes before the health and well-being of our clients. Our comprehensive construction accident services include medical care coordination, where we put our extensive network of trusted medical professionals to work for you, ensuring you’re receiving the highest quality medical care. We want you to focus on your recovery while we take care of the rest.
Once we know that you’re on the road to recovery, the skilled team at MI ABOGADO ® will conduct a thorough investigation of the construction accident, collecting evidence and gathering statements from witnesses. Using that information, we will determine which parties can be held liable for the accident, building the strongest possible case tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.
From there, negotiations begin. MI ABOGADO ®’s steadfast commitment to upholding your best interests is exemplified in our relentless advocacy, fighting for the maximum possible settlement at every juncture. If we cannot reach a settlement that addresses the full extent of your pain through negotiations, we’re ready to take your case to court to ensure you see justice and just compensation. MI ABOGADO ® does things differently, offering the timely, responsive, and effective advocacy only a boutique practice can provide.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Construction Accident Attorney Today
MI ABOGADO ® proudly serves clients from San Diego and San Jose from our office in Los Angeles. It is our core belief that injured construction workers should never be further burdened by attorney’s fees just to see accountability for the harms they have faced. That’s why we take construction accident claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you see your rightful settlement.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation, or reach out for a second opinion. We’re committed to helping you see justice and rightful compensation.