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California Construction Accident Attorney

The construction industry—with all the potential accidents and serious injuries—can be extremely dangerous if appropriate occupational health and safety measures are not put into place.

In the United States, construction accidents account for approximately 20% of all workplace fatalities.

If you have been injured on the job site, you must speak with a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible.

This article will discuss various construction accidents and injuries, the different defendants you may encounter on-site, and the benefits of getting a lawyer to represent you for workers’ compensation claims or personal injury claims. 

What is considered a construction accident?

Construction accidents are defined as accidents that occur during the construction, renovation, or repair of a building or other structure. Various factors, including hazardous materials, dangerous equipment, or weather conditions, can cause construction accidents.

While some construction accidents are unavoidable, others could be prevented with better safety precautions. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that workers wear proper safety gear when working on a construction site.

Additionally, OSHA recommends that employers provide employees with adequate training on using equipment and safely handling hazardous materials.

By taking these precautions, employers can help reduce construction accidents’ risk.

Common Causes of Construction Site Personal Injuries

There are various causes of personal injuries in construction sites:

Falls

The most common type of construction accident is a fall, which can occur when workers slip on wet surfaces, trip over loose cords or tools, or lose their balance while working on scaffolding or roofs.

According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of construction accidents, accounting for nearly 40% of all fatal accidents.

It is important to note that in many cases, falls can be prevented with adequate safety measures. OSHA recommends that employers provide workers with a fall protection system, such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems.

Additionally, OSHA recommends that workers wear non-skid shoes and use the proper ladders and scaffolding for their tasks.

Falling Objects

According to OSHA, falling objects account for nearly 10% of all construction fatalities. Employers must ensure that tools and materials are adequately secured before beginning work.

Additionally, OSHA recommends that workers wear hard hats to protect themselves from falling objects.

Caught-In/Between Accidents

Caught-in/between accidents occur when workers are trapped between two objects, such as a piece of machinery or a wall. They are relatively common, accounting for 4% of construction fatalities.

These accidents can often result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, and amputations.

Electrocution

The third leading cause of construction fatalities is electrocution, which occurs when workers come into contact with live electrical currents. Electrocutions make up 7% of construction fatalities.

To reduce the risk of electrocution, it is vital for employers to properly train their workers on how to handle electrical equipment and inspect power lines for any signs of damage.

Additionally, employers should ensure that workers wear protective gloves when dealing with electricity and use the proper tools and extension cords.

Explosions & Fires

Fires can occur when workers are handling flammable materials, such as gasoline and propane tanks, or when equipment is not maintained correctly.

To reduce the risk of explosions and fires, employers should ensure that their workers are adequately trained to handle hazardous materials and maintain the proper safety protocols.

Defective Power Tools & Heavy Machinery

Defective power tools and heavy machinery can also cause serious injuries at construction sites. Employers should ensure that their workers are appropriately trained to operate safely to reduce the risk of accidents caused by defective tools or machinery.

Additionally, employers should ensure that all tools and machinery are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent potential issues.

Inadequate Safety Equipment

Employers must provide workers with safety equipment, such as hard hats, safety goggles, and non-skid shoes. They should ensure that workers are adequately trained to use the safety equipment and follow established protocols.

Downed Power Lines

Downed power lines can cause severe injuries on construction worksites. Therefore, employers must train their workers to correctly identify and respond to downed power lines. Employers should also ensure that all workers wear non-conductive clothing and rubber-soled shoes to reduce the risk of electrocution.

Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment is a common cause of construction accidents. To reduce the risk of injury, employers should ensure that their workers are properly trained to operate heavy machinery and inspect it for potential issues safely. Additionally, all workers should wear the proper safety gear when operating heavy equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots.

Crane Collapses

Cranes are common at construction sites, and crane accidents can cause severe injury or death. Therefore, employers must ensure that their workers are properly trained on how to operate cranes safely. Additionally, all cranes should be inspected regularly and maintained to prevent potential problems.

Call Frantz Law Group, toll free at (855) 735-5945 for a free case evaluation.

Common Construction Site Injuries

Construction sites can be dangerous places, and workers often suffer from serious injuries. Some of the most common construction accident injuries include:

Defendants in Construction Accident Cases

Construction site accidents can happen for several reasons, such as faulty equipment or negligence on the part of the employer.

To receive compensation for your injuries, it is essential to identify all defendants in your case. This may include the following:

Owners of the construction site: The people who own the construction site are responsible for making sure that everyone is safe while they’re working. If someone gets injured, they might have to pay money to the person who was hurt.

Construction company: The construction company ensures the site is safe and up to code. They should also provide proper safety equipment and training to their workers.

General contractors: The general contractor must ensure that the subcontractors they hire are qualified and that their work is up to code.

Subcontractors: The subcontractors handle the actual work at the construction site. They should be adequately trained and have the right tools to do the job safely.

Engineers: The engineers design and implement the construction project and must ensure that it meets all safety regulations.

Architects: The architects design the plans for the construction project and must likewise heavily consider health and safety regulations.

Manufacturers of machinery and work equipment: The manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products they make are safe for those who use them. They could be liable for any injuries resulting from using defective equipment or work machinery.

Benefits of Construction Accident Lawyers

There are many benefits to getting a construction accident lawyer to represent you, including being able to maximize compensation, finding hidden value, focusing on healing, and a free case evaluation. 

Maximize Compensation

Though you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, these can be low compared to the damages you have suffered.

A construction accident lawyer will investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove that the other party was at fault. This can allow you to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Furthermore, construction accidents often result in costly medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer will work with you to build a strong case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Construction accident attorneys will also make sure that all deadlines are met and that you receive the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

Find Hidden Value

A construction accident lawyer can bring much-hidden value to a case. For example, they may be able to find evidence that the other party was at fault or that mitigating circumstances contributed to the accident. They may also be able to find witnesses who can testify on your behalf.

In addition, a construction accident lawyer will have a thorough understanding of the legal process and will be able to navigate the complex web of laws and regulations that apply to construction accidents. As a result, they will be able to ensure that you receive the full compensation that you are entitled to.

In some cases, you may even be able to file a wrongful death claim if the accident resulted in the death of a loved one.

Construction Accident Victims Can Focus on Healing

After being involved in a construction accident, victims often have to worry about medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. However, with a construction accident lawyer, victims can focus on their recovery while the lawyer handles the legal details.

When a construction worker is injured on the job, they may be unable to work for an extended period. This can result in lost wages and mounting medical bills. A construction accident lawyer can help victims recover the compensation they need to cover these expenses. By handling the legal aspects of the case, the lawyer allows victims to focus on their recovery.

In some cases, victims may also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering.

An experienced legal advocate can give you peace of mind knowing that you have someone fighting for your best interests.

Free Case Evaluations

Many accident lawyers offer free case evaluations to help you understand your options and whether you have a case worth pursuing. This is a massive benefit because it allows you to get expert legal advice without paying a retainer or hourly rate.

Furthermore, a free consultation allows you to ask questions and get a feel for whether you would be comfortable working with that particular lawyer.

Frantz Law Group Can Get You the Compensation You Deserve

At our law firm, Frantz Law Group, construction accidents are one of our key practice areas. We understand the complexities of construction accidents and have the experience to help our clients get the compensation they deserve.

If you or a family member have been injured in a construction accident, contact our legal team for an initial consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.

 

Take action today and call Frantz Law Group. Our team of knowledgeable California construction accident lawyers will provide clients from San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland, and the rest of the state with a free case evaluation to get you started with your personal injury claim.

Please call our firm today at (855) 735-5945 for professional legal help with your construction accident case. Frantz Law Group, APLC is ready to assist you.

CONTACT FRANTZ LAW GROUP, APLC TODAY

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