Construction Injuries: Protecting Workers & Holding Negligent Employers Accountable

•The Dangers of Construction Work

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in the world, with workers facing daily risks of severe injuries or fatalities. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five worker deaths in the United States occurs in the construction industry. The combination of heavy machinery, dangerous equipment, high elevations, and often hazardous conditions makes construction work particularly perilous.

At McDonald Trial Lawyers, we are committed to protecting the rights of injured construction workers and their families. If you or a loved one has been hurt on a construction site, we can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.

•Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Despite strict workplace safety regulations, construction accidents still occur at an alarming rate. The most common causes include:

🛠 Falls from Heights – Falls from scaffolding, ladders, rooftops, and other elevated structures are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Many of these falls are due to inadequate fall protection or unstable working surfaces.

🛠 Defective Machinery & Equipment Failures – Malfunctioning power tools, cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts can cause severe injuries, including amputations and crushing injuries. When construction equipment is improperly maintained or designed with defects, workers are placed at greater risk.

🛠 Electrocutions & Burns – Exposed wiring, downed power lines, and faulty electrical systems contribute to serious electrocution injuries. Additionally, gas leaks and chemical explosions on construction sites can cause catastrophic burns and fatalities.

🛠 Falling Objects & Debris – Tools, building materials, and equipment that are not properly secured can fall from heights and cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and spinal cord damage.

🛠 Toxic Chemical Exposure – Many construction workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, including asbestos, lead, and silica dust, leading to severe respiratory conditions and long-term health issues.

🛠 Trench Collapses – When excavation sites are not properly reinforced, they can cave in, trapping and suffocating workers. Trench collapses are among the most preventable yet deadly construction accidents.

🛠 Struck-By Accidents – Workers are frequently struck by moving vehicles, heavy machinery, or swinging loads, resulting in fractures, internal injuries, and even fatalities.

•Consequences of Construction Injuries

Construction accidents often result in life-altering injuries that affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Some of the most common consequences include:

🔹 Permanent Disabilities – Severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and amputations can prevent workers from ever returning to their jobs.

🔹 Extensive Medical Treatment – Many construction injuries require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and lifelong care, leading to mounting medical bills and ongoing expenses.

🔹 Emotional Trauma – Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression are common among injured workers who struggle with pain, disability, or the inability to return to their profession.

🔹 Financial Struggles – Many injured workers face financial ruin due to lost wages, medical expenses, and an inability to provide for their families. Even with workers’ compensation, the benefits may not be enough to cover all their losses.

•Legal Rights of Injured Construction Workers

If you have been injured on a construction site, you have legal rights that allow you to seek compensation. Understanding your options is crucial to securing financial relief for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

✔ Workers’ Compensation Benefits – Most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits. However, workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

✔ Personal Injury Lawsuits – If your injury was caused by third-party negligence (such as a subcontractor, manufacturer, or property owner), you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. This allows you to seek damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

✔ Product Liability Claims – If defective machinery or equipment caused your injury, you may have grounds to file a claim against the manufacturer or distributor for unsafe products.

✔ Wrongful Death Claims – If a loved one has lost their life due to a construction accident, their family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

•How McDonald Trial Lawyers Can Help

At McDonald Trial Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling complex construction injury cases. We provide dedicated legal support and aggressively pursue compensation for injured workers. Our team offers:

✔ Comprehensive Investigations – We gather evidence, analyze worksite safety reports, and interview witnesses to build a strong case.

✔ Holding Negligent Employers Accountable – We ensure employers, contractors, and third parties comply with workplace safety laws and are held responsible for violations.

✔ Maximizing Compensation – We fight for full financial recovery, covering medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

✔ No Upfront Fees – We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

•Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Injury Claims

•1. What should I do immediately after a construction accident?

• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
• Report the accident to your employer or supervisor.
• Document the scene with photos and gather witness statements.
• Contact an experienced construction accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

•2. Can I sue my employer for a construction injury?

• Workers’ compensation generally prevents employees from suing their employers. However, if gross negligence was involved, or if a third party contributed to the accident, you may have additional legal claims.

•3. What if I was partially at fault for my injury?

• Many states follow comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

•4. How long do I have to file a claim?

• Workers’ compensation claims typically have strict deadlines, usually within 30 days of the accident. Personal injury and third-party claims must be filed within a state’s statute of limitations, which varies but is often around two years.

•Testimonial

"I hired Ike Kaludi as my lawyer for my automobile accident. He and his team were very caring, patient, and understanding. Ike always kept me in the loop with my case and was always available no matter the day or night. Thank you so much, Ike! You and your team rock!" – Jeanette Driskell

•Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on a construction site, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. McDonald Trial Lawyers is here to help you fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call us today for a free consultation.