One of the main causes of accidents at construction sites is negligence. Because construction work can involve multiple hazards, construction sites are heavily regulated and controlled by state and federal laws. When someone violates these rules, it may qualify as a negligent act. Some examples of negligence are:
- Property managers who do not follow safety protocol
- Other workers or contractors on site who do something dangerous
- Third parties, like a distracted driver who causes an accident at a roadside construction site
There are many nuances to construction site accidents. If an accident on a construction site injured you, it is worth investigating if someone else’s negligence may have played a role. If so, they could owe you compensation.
Common Types of Construction Site Accidents
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that creates safety regulations for many workplaces, including construction sites. According to OSHA, the four leading causes of fatal construction accidents include:
- Falling
- Getting struck by an object
- Getting caught inside of or between an object, such as a collapsed trench
- Being electrocuted
OSHA issues specific guidelines and recommendations to try to minimize construction site accidents. For example, to prevent the accident types listed above, OSHA suggests:
- Safety harnesses and fall protection practices
- The use of high visibility apparel
- Sloped trench design
- Lockout/tagout procedures for electrical systems and other guidelines for hazardous energy sources
When a group or individual at a construction site violates an OSHA regulation or a state law, they may be liable for the resultant accident in a personal injury case.
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Potentially Liable Parties in a Construction Accident Case
Depending on what the cause of a construction site accident was, the liable party may be:
- The property owner or manager
- A contractor working on the site
- An engineer or architect who designed the construction project
- A construction worker whose personal negligence harmed you
- Someone who misuses a dangerous chemical
- A non-worker party such as a motorist
Sometimes, injured construction workers may be unsure who caused their accident or if their accident may qualify for legal action. A personal injury lawyer who handles construction accident cases may be able to help you investigate the accident, figure out who caused it, and hold them accountable in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Even if you think your actions may have played a role in the accident, it is worth investigating to see if another party could be partially liable.
Evidence of a Construction Accident
It is a good idea to start collecting evidence after a construction site accident.
If applicable, you should notify your employer of the incident so they can create an accident report. If your construction accident involved a motor vehicle, you might also have to notify the local police so they can file a crash report. Both documents can help prove how the accident occurred and when. Proof of the date of your accident is important to establish the legal deadlines in your case.
You should also see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can record the cause of your injuries in your medical record. Your medical record can also help you prove the extent and validity of your injuries in your personal injury claim.
Other forms of evidence that may be useful in a construction accident case include:
- Photos that depict where and how the accident occurred
- Statements from witnesses to the accident
- Surveillance or security camera footage
- Information from the involved parties, such as a construction company’s safety record
A construction accident lawyer can gather evidence on your behalf.
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Compensation that May Be Available to Construction Accident Victims
Construction accident victims may be able to demand compensation for the ways the accident cost them money and impacted their life—also known as damages. Potentially recoverable damages may include:
- All medical expenses required to heal
- Lost wages for any income lost during the recovery
- Loss of earning capacity, if the victim can never return to the same job due to permanent injury
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a family member in a fatal construction site accident, you might be able to collect compensation for wrongful death damages instead. Wrongful death damages may include:
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of income
- Mental anguish
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Underwood Law Office Wants to Help with Your Construction Accident Case
If someone else caused your construction site accident, Underwood Law Office is ready to help you. We represent clients in and around McKinney, Texas.
Even if you are not fully sure what caused your construction site accident, we invite you to call us for a free case review at (972) 535-6377. A member of our personal injury team can review your accident and injuries during your initial consultation.
Because Underwood Law Office works for a contingency fee, you do not have to pay us attorney’s fees unless we help you collect compensation.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form