Get Help Now If You Have Suffered Construction Site Injuries
For a dedicated construction worker‚ suffering a serious injury can be heartbreaking. When a construction accident is caused by negligence on the part of a construction company‚ a contractor‚ subcontractor‚ manager‚ or coworker‚ this devastation can increase. At the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers‚ our lawyers know the ins and outs of the legal system and have established a reputation in San Diego courts. Our commitment to justice extends to our clients as we apply our years of experience to help them seek full compensation. Call us at (888) 233-5020 for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.
What are the Advantages of Legal Action after a Construction Accident?
Recovering from broken bones or a burn injury‚ spinal cord injury‚ brain injury‚ or another serious calamity after a construction accident may take months or may be something that a person struggles with for the rest of his or her life. Filing a claim or lawsuit may help an injured construction worker receive money for pain and suffering‚ lost wages‚ medical expenses‚ and other damages. While workers’ compensation may help an injured construction worker or the family members of a deceased construction worker‚ the amount of money may not be sufficient enough for the losses suffered.
If it is determined that you have a legitimate case‚ the legal team at the Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers may begin a detailed investigation in order to strengthen your case to prove fault and obtain restitution. Attorney Ross Jurewitz and his fellow lawyers are straightforward and personable with clients. It is through this personal attention that we get successful case results.
Causes of Construction Accidents‚ Proving Fault
There is no denying the limitless risks of a construction site. However‚ construction companies and other responsible parties are in charge of following‚ enforcing‚ and maintaining numerous safety standards put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Safety violations‚ cutting corners‚ and even inattention can cause a serious injury accident. If any of these circumstances causes a construction worker to suffer injury‚ illness‚ or death‚ workers’ compensation can be helpful‚ but it may not be enough to cover the extent of the damages.
Even though the cause of an accident may seem obvious‚ the burden of proof is on the claimant when pursuing a claim or lawsuit for compensation. This is why many injured construction workers or the families of wrongfully killed workers turn to attorneys with years of experience in this area of law. For most individuals taking legal action for a construction site accident‚ it is their first time facing such an obstacle. The Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers handles serious injury and wrongful death cases year-round‚ lending us the experience and knowledge to best serve our clients.
Workplace Safety Practices and Avoiding Construction Accidents
Forklifts
Forklifts are some of the most commonly used equipment vehicles in the construction and packaging industries‚ and with their aid‚ workers can transport heavy objects and materials easily. To avoid construction accidents‚ forklifts should only be operated by specially trained personnel‚ but unfortunately‚ some companies do not take forklift operations seriously. It is the responsibility of the construction company (the employer)‚ not the employees‚ to ensure the following.
- Employees are trained to operate forklifts safely.
- Workers know what to do in the event of a forklift accident.
- Accidents are recorded and reported to the proper authorities.
- Forklifts are functional and safe to use.
- The workplace is designed for the safe use of forklifts.
- All equipment is regularly inspected by a professional.
If an employer fails to engage in the actions listed above‚ he or she could easily endanger the lives of countless workers.
Hazardous Materials
In a construction environment‚ all employees should be aware of the hazards posed by chemicals and other toxic substances. Chemicals that are flammable‚ corrosive‚ or poisonous should be handled with care and stored in an appropriate environment. Employers should take reasonable steps to do the following.
- Properly label dangerous materials.
- Tell workers what actions to take in the event of an accident.
- Ensure toxic substances are stored away from common areas.
- Show employees how to dispose of hazardous chemicals and substances.
- Make sure workers wear protective gear when handling chemicals.
In addition to the steps above‚ employers should make sure their workers are educated and adequately trained. Inhaling‚ ingesting‚ or coming in contact with certain chemicals can result in death for an employee.
Scaffolds
Scaffolds allow construction workers to perform tasks at high altitudes‚ but if a scaffold is poorly maintained or improperly used‚ a worker can fall to his or her death. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that scaffolds are safe to operate‚ and if an employee is injured or killed due to inadequate scaffold maintenance‚ the employer can be held liable. Workers should also be taught to inspect each scaffold for ice and other slippery substances before operating it.
Unsafe Equipment
As mentioned above‚ employers in the construction industry have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their employees have access to safe and functional equipment. This equipment should be extensively inspected by a professional on a regular basis to ensure its safety‚ and all workers should undergo training before they are allowed to operate the equipment. Equipment that is old or poorly maintained can malfunction during use‚ leaving an employee in a precarious situation. Employers who disregard safety regulations can be held responsible for the death or injury of a worker.
OSHA Rules and Regulations
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a government agency that establishes rules and regulations regarding workplace safety. These rules are extensive and in-depth‚ and all employers are required to follow them. OSHA regulations are especially helpful to construction workers‚ who spend most of their time around heavy equipment. If an employer fails or refuses to follow an OSHA regulation‚ the government can take legal action against their business. OSHA rules and regulations must be posted in a common area‚ and if a worker notices an employer disobeying a rule‚ they can place an anonymous complaint with the agency. It is illegal for an employer to fire an employee for filing an OSHA complaint.
Is Your Employer Responsible for Your Injury?
If you were injured in a construction accident‚ you might be able to hold your employer responsible if OSHA regulations were violated. Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers understands that taking legal action against an employer can be scary‚ but our San Diego work injury lawyers will stand by your side every step of the way.
Aggressive Representation for Construction Accidents in San Diego
When injustice has shaken your life‚ it can seem impossible to fight back. However‚ with the right legal help on your side‚ you may have the opportunity to set things right. Our San Diego personal injury attorneys provide aggressive representation for construction accident victims. Helping our clients receive complete compensation so that they can move on with their lives is what matters most. Fill out a contact form or call us at (888) 233-5020 for a no-cost consultation.
