Construction Site Accidents
There are numerous possible hazards on a construction site at any given time. A single mistake in such a potentially dangerous environment can result in serious injuries or death. When a construction accident does occur, who can be held accountable?
Contractor/general contractor (employer worker compensation)
The general contractor and other construction companies on site are responsible for following and enforcing the safety regulations that have been established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and every party in the construction industry must obey these rules. California law prohibits employees from suing their employers for on-the-job accidents. Claims due to the direct negligence of your employer are handled through Workers’ Compensation. In this instance, benefits are paid by the employer or through a Workers’ Compensation insurer and will include medical costs along with compensation in part for lost wages. You may also receive disability benefits should you become disabled because of the accident.
Third party liability in construction site accidents
Although it may not be possible to sue your employer for injuries suffered from work, responsibility can be placed on third parties, and you may have a claim for injuries or death (through a relative) against them. In the event of injury or death, when there is third party liability such as negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, architects, or property owners, an injured worker may file a claim to hold these third parties accountable in relation to their personal injury or wrongful death claim. This allows for greater compensation than traditional compensation claims for work relate accidents.
Causes of construction site accidents
There are numerous hazards on a construction site, which is why contractors and subcontractors have a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment and to use care and caution while on the job. If someone is careless or reckless on a construction site, the results can be disastrous. There are many types of construction site accidents including:
- Falls and ladder accidents
- Scaffold accidents
- Falling objects and debris
- Machinery accidents
- Fire and explosion accidents
Securing compensation for construction site accidents
When an accident does occur on a construction site, it is not uncommon for those who are injured to suffer traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and spinal cord damage. Such catastrophic injuries often require lifelong medical care. Serious injuries can consume your life, and getting better should be your first priority. Our first priority is to make sure that you have the financial resources you need to make that happen. We will guide you through the entire legal process whether it leads to settlement or judgement. We handle construction site accident cases on a contingency basis, which means we are only paid when we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured while working on a construction site, contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with Ken Behzadi, an experienced construction site lawyer. We are available for flexible scheduling and can come to you if travel is impossible.
Contacting a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles
If you are in need of a personal injury attorney you should contact Ken Behzadi immediately to learn more about your rights and the legal system process.