If you’ve suffered a construction site accident in Florida, you may be unsure how to proceed. That’s understandable. These cases are complex, and pursuing them can be stressful, especially if you don’t have a construction accident attorney guiding you. You may also be concerned that employers won’t hire you in the future if you file a lawsuit.
As a construction worker, building owner, inspector, subcontractor, or anyone visiting construction sites, you should contact a personal injury law firm promptly if you get hurt. An experienced construction accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you need and deserve. That includes determining who’s at fault, which can be difficult in these cases.
Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents
Even the most safely operated construction sites have many hazards. Workers and visitors can be injured by:
- Falls
- Electrocution
- Falling objects
- Defective tools
- Fires or explosions
- Machinery accidents
Injuries from construction site accidents can include sprains, broken bones, cuts, burns, concussions, neck and back injuries, heart attacks, brain injuries, and even death. These and other construction accidents can result in costly medical bills, time away from work, and long-term financial distress. Workers’ compensation insurance may cover some expenses for injured workers, but you shouldn’t rely on that.
It’s crucial to talk with a personal injury attorney after any significant construction site injury. You should also contact a lawyer if you’re the legal guardian of someone who suffers an injury. Without guidance, you might settle for less than you’re owed, leaving yourself with unpaid bills. Worse, you may feel intimidated and choose not to pursue your case.
Determining Fault: Construction Accidents in Florida
It’s not easy to determine fault in a construction accident case, but a construction accident attorney has expertise in this area. They can help you assess the situation.
Regardless of who is at fault, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you’re injured while working at a job site or on a construction project. If someone other than you is responsible for your injury, you may have a right to additional compensation.
Responsible parties include your employer, other contractors working on the site, property owners, equipment and tool manufacturers. The court may find them at fault after an accident occurs if you’re injury resulted from an issue like:
- Unsafe work conditions, such as tripping hazards
- Uncovered holes
- Lack of fall protection for workers on elevated structures
- OSHA violations
- Unsafe operation of equipment like cranes
- Defective equipment
- Unsafe ladders or scaffolding
Legal Options After a Construction Accident Injury
The compensation you’re owed and the compensation you receive after a construction site injury can be two different things. A construction injury attorney can help ensure that you get what you deserve. They can help you make a personal injury claim for damages related to pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
You may have grounds to pursue a claim beyond workers’ comp if any of these conditions are true:
- You’re an independent contractor rather than an employee of the construction company.
- Other third parties on the construction site acted negligently.
- The construction company failed to have legally mandated workers’ compensation insurance.
- The construction company committed an intentional tort, meaning an act or omission that contributed to the injury.
If you get hurt on a construction site, take pictures of the accident scene before any changes are made. You should also get statements from witnesses and obtain the results of any OSHA investigation or other accident review.
If you believe someone else’s negligence played a role in your accident, don’t accept a workers’ compensation payout or settlement from an insurance company immediately. Talk with a construction accident lawyer like Miguel A. Amador at Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick first. Miguel or one of our other personal injury attorneys can help you understand whether you’re entitled to additional compensation.
Call a Construction Accident Attorney You Can Trust
You face many risks if you work at or visit construction sites. If you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be fully and fairly compensated. That includes the physical, mental, and emotional harm you’ve endured.
Talking with a construction accident attorney before you accept any offer from an at-fault party helps you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact Ginnis, Krathen, & Zelnick, P.A. today for guidance on navigating a construction site accident or any personal injury case.