Out of all the industries in the U.S., construction has one of the highest levels of on-the-job accidents, including workplace fatalities. Yet, while OSHA standards drastically reduced injuries in other industrial fields, construction remains unchanged.
In fact, one of every five workplace fatalities comes from construction, with most preventable. Even if the worker survives, injuries result in time off from the job and reduced or no pay, creating a stress on family members.
At the same time, employers must adhere to basic safety standards, such as conditions that comply with OSHA and state safety regulations, risk-reduction measures, and safeguards against potential injuries or work-related wrongful death. This may not be the case, however, and a company may not be following safety regulations. Recent construction-related workplace accidents have shown that fewer safety inspections correlate with increased injuries and fatalities.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe or catastrophic injuries due to unsafe working conditions, it’s crucial to consult a Connecticut construction accident lawyer. They can help you understand the complexities of workplace injury laws, hold negligent parties accountable, and seek the compensation needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
What Are The Most Common Construction Site Injuries and What Causes Them?
Despite safety procedures, accidents can still happen at construction sites since they are naturally dangerous places. The most frequent incidents in construction include people coming into contact with tools or other items, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This may consist of:
- Being struck by falling or moving objects
- Being caught in machinery
- Being compressed between objects
- Being struck by electrical equipment
Although worksites and hazards vary, injuries range from sprains, strains, cuts, puncture wounds, fractures, bruises, and soreness to permanently debilitating conditions. Injuries may result from:
- Falls from a roofing or scaffolding
- Equipment, including lifting injuries, failure, collisions, or getting run over
- Electrical shocks
- Explosions and gas accidents
- Falling objects
- Welding accidents
- Unsafe conditions, such as no guard rails, lifelines, or safety nets
- Underground accidents
- Unsafe or faulty tools
- Contamination related to asbestos or mold
- Negligence
- Over-exertion
- Collapses, including roofs, floors, and trenches
- Hazardous environments
While safety procedures and training are crucial for preventing construction accidents, negligence can often be a contributing factor. Contractors, property owners, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers may be liable for accidents caused by:
- Inadequate training
- Lack of proper safety gear
- Defective equipment
- Failure to follow safety regulations
Speak with an experienced Connecticut lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a construction accident. You can pursue damages and gain an understanding of your legal rights with the aid of our Trantolo & Trantolo construction injury attorneys.
How Can Our Connecticut Construction Accident Lawyers Help You with Your Case?
Handling a construction injury claim poses several challenges, and getting legal representation involved early on is crucial. With the varying statute of limitations and multiple parties potentially responsible for your injuries, having an experienced Connecticut construction accident lawyer on your side ensures that your claim is managed properly.
Here’s how our team can assist you throughout the legal process:
Your Connecticut Construction Accident Attorney Will Gather the Proper Evidence to Build Your Case
If you decide to pursue a claim against a third party, it’s advised you come prepared with evidence. While many construction accident claims involve proving the defendant’s negligence, the plaintiff must be prepared to address:
- How did the accident happen?
- Have you already received workers’ compensation benefits?
- Did you speak with the company’s insurance provider?
- Did a company doctor see you?
- Was the defendant aware of the safety issue?
- Were any complaints made before the accident?
- Did similar accidents occur before this incident?
- Did the defendant create or contribute to an unsafe workplace, including enforcing unsafe practices?
- Was the safety issue discussed at meetings?
- How long did the hazard exist before the accident?
- Was the unsafe area accessible or visible to the naked eye at a distance?
As a claim begins, you and your Connecticut construction accident lawyer will request and compile the following documentation:
- Information about general conditions and safety mandates
- Subcontractors
- Payroll records, change orders, safety manuals, and meeting minutes
- Photos
- Accident reports
- OSHA standards and files
- Certificate of Insurance
- Job progress notes and other written communication about the job
- Site plans and blueprints
Additionally, expert witnesses, such as doctors, accident reconstruction experts, and economists, may testify in court about your injuries, how the accident happened, and economic damages suffered by the plaintiff.
Your Connecticut Construction Accident Lawyer Can Establish Liability
Claims concerning construction accidents pose several challenges, and getting legal representation involved early on becomes particularly crucial. Because of statute of limitations, which varies by state, injured workers are advised to bring the claim to a lawyer after medical treatment.
At the same time, state laws concerning the construction industry add further complications: In some states, workers may be given more rights, or because of Workers’ Compensation laws, the injured worker may be blocked from suing the employer.
Nevertheless, multiple factors, depending upon the injury and circumstance, go into a construction accident, and along with pursuing a Workers’ Compensation claim, the injured worker may work with a lawyer to go after a third party. Possible third-party defendants include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Building or property owners
- Safety consultants and inspectors
- Engineers
- Architects
- Construction site owners
- Construction managers
Your Connecticut Construction Accident Attorney Will File Your Lawsuit on Time
Filing a claim within the statutes of limitations is essential in any personal injury case, and construction accidents are no different. In Connecticut, you usually have 2 years to file a claim for negligence, but special circumstances may shorten this period. For example, if your injury involves a defective product, you may have three years, while claims against government entities could require early notification.
Our Trantolo & Trantolo construction accident attorneys will make sure your claim is filed within the state statute of limitations. Whether you’re pursuing a workers’ compensation claim or filing a third-party lawsuit, we will make sure that all legal steps are taken promptly to avoid delays.
Your Connecticut Construction Accident Lawyers Can Maximize Your Compensation Beyond Workers’ Compensation
Workers hurt on the job in Connecticut are entitled to payments under the state’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, no matter who was at fault for the incident. Although this structure makes it possible for injured workers to get the money they need, it also restricts their capacity to sue their employers directly. The state mandates that almost all employers carry workers’ compensation insurance, which pays for
- Medical costs associated with illnesses or injuries sustained at work;
- Partial wage replacement, usually approximately 75% of the employee’s average weekly wage;
- Vocational rehabilitation and counseling to support employees in returning to the workforce;
- Disability benefits, for those who meet the requirements; and
- Death benefits, in the event that an employee passes away from an accident or occupational illness.
However, workers’ compensation does not account for personal injury damages like pain and suffering or loss of future earning capacity. Our construction accident lawyers can help you explore additional avenues for compensation by identifying third-party liability.
Our team will work to secure compensation beyond workers’ compensation, which may include:
- Product liability claims: If defective equipment or machinery caused your injury, we can pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturer for failing to provide safe products or proper warnings.
- Third-party personal injury claims: If another party on the job site, such as a subcontractor or property owner, was negligent and contributed to unsafe conditions, we will file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your injuries.
- Damages from motor vehicle accidents: If your injury occurred due to a motor vehicle accident at the construction site, we will file a claim against the responsible driver or company.
We will gather critical evidence, such as accident reports, OSHA safety violations, medical records, and expert testimony, to ensure you receive compensation for:
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Medical costs, including future medical care and rehabilitation
- Anguish and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket costs include travel for medical care and rehabilitation, in-home medical care, household help, and modifications to your home and car for accessibility.
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium or enjoyment of daily activities
Don’t Become a Silent Victim – Seek Justice for Construction Accidents!
Construction sites are dangerous places by nature, and mishaps can have disastrous results. In 2020, more than one-third of occupational injuries in the construction industry were caused by object contact incidents, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The High Cost of Construction Accidents
In Connecticut, the construction sector is frequently ranked as the riskiest. Construction workers account for more than 30% of workplace fatalities in the state. Many wounded workers are reluctant to report safety issues or make claims against their employers, despite these concerning figures.
Why Report Safety Violations?
Reporting safety violations is crucial for several reasons:
- By reporting hazards, you can help prevent future accidents and injuries.
- Compensation can provide vital financial support for injured workers and their families.
- Reporting violations can lead to improved safety practices and safer working conditions.
Whistleblower Protection
The law protects workers who report safety violations to OSHA from retaliation by their employers. This means you can report concerns without fear of losing your job or facing other consequences. Consulting with our Connecticut construction accident lawyers is essential to understand your rights and proceed appropriately. Our experienced attorneys can provide guidance on reporting safety violations, going through the legal process successfully, and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Contact Us for Expert Legal Help in Your Connecticut Construction Accident Claim
To increase your chances of success, contact a Connecticut construction accident attorney as soon as possible. A timely investigation can be conducted while evidence is still fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear.
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, whether due to unsafe work conditions, defective machinery, or third-party negligence, our Connecticut construction accident lawyers are here to help. Reach out now via phone or online form for a free consultation and let us guide you through the legal process until you get the damages that are rightfully owed to you.