Construction Accident Lawyer
Anyone who has ever worked on a construction site in Texas knows the risks involved. Many construction sites represent barely controlled chaos, with hundreds of workers manipulating heavy machinery and materials. Even the best-run site is bound to see a few accidents.
Indeed, there are more than 150,000 construction-related accidents each year in the United States. While many of these accidents only resulted in minor injuries, some are life-threatening and even fatal. And even a relatively “minor” injury can leave a worker with a pile of unpaid medical bills and mounting expenses. So it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer regarding options for seeking compensation. Attorney Keith B. French is a qualified Texas workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyer who can offer you advice and representation following a construction accident.
Does Workers’ Compensation Fully Cover a Construction-Related Accident in Texas?
Just about every employer at a construction site is required to have workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Workers’ comp is designed to provide “no-fault” benefits to workers who are injured on the job. This means that unlike a personal injury lawsuit, you do not have to prove your employer’s negligence caused your injury. Nor can your employer refuse coverage simply because your own actions may have contributed to a construction accident.
But filing a workers’ comp claim is no guarantee of benefits. Construction companies rely on insurance companies to provide coverage. And insurance companies are quite adept at denying or limiting workers’ compensation claims for a host of technical reasons. By working with a construction accident lawyer, you can help to ensure you are not improperly denied the full amount of workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to under the law.
It is also important to note that workers’ compensation does not cover all of an injured worker’s lost wages or medical costs. That is why you may need to explore the possibility of bringing a separate lawsuit. While workers’ compensation generally protects employers from such lawsuits, such protection does not cover third parties whose negligent actions caused an accident. For example, if a worker is injured due to a defective piece of equipment, the manufacturer may be liable. Or if an accident is caused by someone who is not affiliated with the job site, they can also be sued. And in some cases, an employer’s actions may be so reckless or negligent that an employee can step outside of workers’ comp and pursue a separate legal claim.
Contact Keith B. French Law Today
Construction companies and their insurers are often quick to pressure injured workers into accepting workers’ comp settlements. Such settlements may be for far less than what the worker is entitled to under the law. That is why you should never agree to settle without first speaking to an experienced Pearland construction accident lawyer who can review your case and offer you an independent assessment of your claim. Contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents
Construction sites are known to be among the most dangerous workplaces as a construction accident lawyer can attest. The hustle and bustle of the construction industry exposes workers to many potential hazards that can cause injuries or even fatalities. In the United States alone, there were approximately 5,333 fatal work injuries in 2019, and construction jobs accounted for the largest share of those incidents. While employers are responsible for maintaining safe workplaces for their employees, it’s also essential for workers to be aware of the most common types of accidents that can occur on construction sites. Learn more about injuries that commonly occur on-site, and then contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC for help.
Falls from heights:
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs can cause severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. Employers must provide fall protection systems such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems to protect their workers from such accidents. Workers should also receive adequate training on how to properly use fall protection systems and equipment.
Struck by an object:
Workers can get hit by flying or falling objects while working on a construction site. These include falling tools, materials, or debris from above, or equipment like cranes or forklifts accidentally hitting workers. To prevent struck-by injuries, employers must ensure workers wear proper PPE, including hard hats, reflective clothing, and safety glasses. Employers should also ensure the site is well-maintained and debris-free.
Electrocutions:
Workers can get electrocuted while working on electrical wiring, or coming into contact with live overhead power lines. Employers must ensure workers receive proper training in electrical safety practices and provide personal protective equipment like rubber gloves and boots. Employers must also mark off hazardous electrical areas as advised by a construction accident lawyer.
Caught-in/between accidents:
These accidents occur when a worker is caught or crushed between two heavy objects, machinery, or equipment. Workers who operate heavy machinery or equipment, digging trenches, or laying foundations are at high risk of these types of accidents. Employers must ensure workers are properly trained on heavy machinery and equipment operations and must provide protective equipment such as high visibility vests, hard hats, and gloves.
Fires and Explosions:
Construction sites contain flammable materials and chemicals that can ignite and cause fires or explosions, putting workers at high risk of injury. Employers must ensure that workers receive training on the risks of flammable materials and chemicals in the workplace and how to safely handle them. They should also ensure that fire extinguishers are readily available on-site, and a written plan exists and that it is regularly updated.
In summary, construction sites are dangerous workplaces that pose significant injury risks to workers. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment, and workers must be aware of potential hazards that exist and have the proper training and PPE to avoid serious accidents. By implementing proper safety programs, workers and employers alike can create a culture of safety and prevent these types of tragedies on construction sites. If you are injured on a site, contact a construction accident lawyer at Keith B. French Law, PLLC for help.
