Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and high-risk tasks all posing a constant threat to workers. Despite strict safety regulations, accidents on construction sites happen frequently, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, an experienced construction accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

At Knapp Moss, we are committed to advocating for injured workers throughout California. Our skilled attorneys understand the complexities of construction accident claims and are dedicated to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an accident.

Why You Need a Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction accident cases can be particularly complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as the intersection of workers’ compensation laws, workers’ compensation insurance, and potential third-party liability claims. Having a knowledgeable construction accident lawyer on your side ensures that your legal rights are protected and that you pursue the maximum compensation available. Here’s why working with a lawyer is crucial:

• Handling Workers’ Compensation Claims: Most construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. However, navigating the workers’ compensation system can be difficult, especially if your claim is denied or your employer tries to dispute the extent of your injuries.
• Exploring Third-Party Liability: In many construction accidents, third-party negligence plays a role. For example, if a piece of defective equipment caused your injury, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. A lawyer can identify all potentially liable parties and ensure that you pursue additional compensation outside of workers’ compensation.
• Proving Negligence: Construction accidents often involve multiple parties, including general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove negligence on the part of these parties.
• Maximizing Compensation: Construction accidents can result in serious injuries that lead to significant financial losses. A lawyer can help calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical care and lost earning capacity, ensuring that you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Common Types of Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can occur in a variety of ways, often due to the dangerous nature of the job. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:

• Falls from Heights: Falls are one of the leading causes of construction site injuries and fatalities. Workers who fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces can suffer severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Falling Objects: Construction sites are often filled with heavy tools, materials, and equipment, any of which can fall and strike workers below. Falling objects can cause head injuries, concussions, or even fatalities if proper safety measures are not in place.
• Electrocution: Workers who come into contact with exposed wires, power lines, or faulty electrical systems can suffer severe burns or electrocution injuries. These accidents are often fatal or result in life-altering injuries such as nerve damage or cardiac arrest.
• Caught-In or Between Accidents: Construction workers are at risk of being caught in or between heavy machinery, equipment, or materials. These types of accidents can cause crushing injuries, amputations, or even death.
• Scaffolding Collapses: Scaffolding is essential for many construction projects, but if improperly erected or maintained, it can collapse and cause workers to fall from great heights, leading to catastrophic injuries.
• Trench Collapses: Workers in excavation or trenching operations are at risk of being buried or crushed if the walls of a trench collapse. These accidents are often fatal or result in severe injuries like suffocation, broken bones, or spinal cord damage.
• Machinery Accidents: Heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers are common on construction sites, but they also pose a significant risk. Workers can be injured by malfunctioning machinery, lack of training, or operator error.
• Exposure to Toxic Substances: Construction workers are often exposed to hazardous chemicals, asbestos, or other toxic materials. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory diseases, chemical burns, or even cancer.

Common Injuries in Construction Accidents

Construction accidents often result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting effects on a worker’s ability to return to their job or maintain their quality of life. Some of the most common injuries sustained in construction accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries from falls, falling objects, or being struck by heavy equipment can result in traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can cause permanent cognitive impairments, memory loss, and physical disabilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, leaving workers with lifelong medical care needs and reduced mobility. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and adaptive equipment.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Falls, machinery accidents, and being struck by heavy objects frequently lead to broken bones and fractures. These injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Burns: Construction workers are often exposed to electrical hazards, chemicals, and flammable materials, which can lead to severe burns. Burn injuries often result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and may require skin grafts or reconstructive surgery.
• Amputations: Caught-in or between accidents, machinery malfunctions, or crushing injuries can result in the loss of limbs. Amputations can severely impact a worker’s ability to perform their job and may require prosthetics and long-term medical care.
• Electrocution Injuries: Contact with live wires or faulty electrical systems can cause severe electrical burns, nerve damage, and in some cases, death.

Compensation Available in Construction Accident Cases

Victims of construction accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the nature of their injuries and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Common forms of compensation in construction accident cases include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for past and future medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any ongoing medical care required as a result of the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income. In cases of long-term or permanent disability, compensation for loss of future earning capacity may also be available.
• Pain and Suffering: Construction accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to account for the non-economic impact of your injuries, such as mental anguish, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disability and Disfigurement: If your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation to account for the long-term effects on your quality of life.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If you are unable to return to your previous job due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for vocational rehabilitation services, which help you acquire new skills or find alternative employment.
• Wrongful Death: In the tragic event that a worker is killed in a construction accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

How a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring an experienced construction accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how a lawyer can assist you in your case:

• Investigating the Accident: A thorough investigation is critical to determining the cause of the accident and identifying all liable parties. Your lawyer will gather evidence, review safety records, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
• Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Your lawyer will help you navigate the workers’ compensation system, ensuring that your claim is filed properly and that you receive the benefits you’re entitled to for your medical expenses and lost wages.
• Pursuing Third-Party Claims: In many construction accidents, third-party liability plays a role. Your lawyer will identify all potentially liable parties, such as subcontractors or equipment manufacturers, and file claims to seek additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation.
• Negotiating Settlements: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in construction accident claims. Your lawyer will handle negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit and represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Knapp Moss?

At Knapp Moss, we have extensive experience handling complex construction accident cases throughout California. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-focused legal representation and fighting for the maximum compensation available under the law. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Conclusion

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, hiring an experienced construction accident lawyer is essential to securing the compensation you need to recover. At Knapp Moss, we are here to protect your rights and help you rebuild your life after a serious workplace injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.