5 Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents Answered
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Construction jobs are considered among the most dangerous in the country. Although the industry is heavily regulated for safety by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), there are still plenty of hazards workers face.
A construction accident injury lawyer hears many of the same questions from clients when it comes to these types of accidents. Here are answers to five of the most frequently asked questions about construction accidents.
1. What kind of accidents are most common on a construction site?
Some types of construction site accidents are so common that OSHA has nicknamed them the “Fatal Four.” These accidents are:
- Falls, including falls from heights
- Electrocutions
- Caught-between accidents, where a worker is caught between machinery or objects
- Struck-by accidents, where someone is hit by falling tools or flying debris
These aren’t the only kind of catastrophic accidents, though. For example, workers may suffer second and third-degree burns from fires or explosions, be harmed by defective machinery, or get hit by a vehicle.
2. Who is legally responsible for my Los Angeles construction site accident?
Construction site accidents may have more than one party contributing to the liability. For instance, your accident could have occurred through a combination of a reckless co-worker cutting corners and the failure of the contractor or site owner to provide adequate safety equipment.
Depending on how your accident occurred, your Los Angeles construction injury lawyer may name one or more defendants in your construction accident lawsuit, such as:
- The property or site owner
- The general contractor responsible for the site safety
- Subcontractors and their employees
- Your co-workers on the site
- The equipment manufacturer, for releasing a flawed and dangerous product
- Any mechanic responsible for repairing heavy mechanical construction equipment
Some cases with multiple defendants may necessitate crafting several different arguments for negligence and liability.
3. Am I eligible for more than just my workers’ compensation benefits?
Construction workers are covered by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy, which usually pays for the medical treatment you need immediately after the accident and other costs associated with treating your injuries. You may also receive compensation for lost wages because you missed work to recover.
However, some people may have such serious injuries that they can no longer live independently or work in the construction field. In these cases, the worker’s compensation policy may not provide payment for reduced earning capabilities or long-term care.
This is the purpose of a construction accident injury lawsuit — to ensure that you are fairly compensated and to hold the party or parties that caused your accident responsible for their actions.
4. Can someone passing by a construction site be eligible for a construction accident injury claim?
Yes. If you were walking by a construction project and were hit by a flying object, struck by a piece of equipment, or otherwise injured, you may qualify for a personal injury claim against the party that harmed you.
The duty of care for the safety of others that general contractors have isn’t limited to just employees or people working on the site. It also extends to people walking by or site visitors, like a building inspector.
5. Do I need a lawyer if I’ve been injured in a construction site accident?
You stand a much better chance of presenting a strong, legally sound case if you hire an experienced Los Angeles construction accident injury lawyer to represent you.
A construction accident lawyer will know the laws that apply to your case and have the resources to take on challenging opponents, such as an equipment manufacturer or a general contractor.
Choose an Experienced Los Angeles Construction Accident Injury Lawyer for Your Case
If you’ve suffered a construction accident injury, you deserve to focus on your recovery instead of legal worries. The dedicated legal team at Saeedian Law Group has the experience and resources to handle even the toughest construction accident cases in Los Angeles. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.