Alabama Construction Site Accidents Lawyers

Most people go to their job knowing that, for the most part, their workplace is safe and secure. For workers in the construction industry, it’s a different matter. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in terms of workplace accidents and deaths. An employee or subcontractor faces daily hazards that can threaten their safety, health, life, and financial security.

If you have been injured in a construction site accident or have lost a loved one to one of these tragedies, it is important to understand that these can be complex matters. The construction site accident attorneys at Greene & Phillips have been protecting the rights of workers and their loved ones for more than two decades. Contact our office now for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.

Injured in a Construction Site Accident? You’re Not Alone

In a typical year, more than 10 million U.S. workers are employed in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this remains a growing industry, and over 90% of all construction operations have fewer than 20 employees.

Each year, there are roughly 200,000 construction-related occupational injuries and illnesses in this country. Even more tragic, about 1,000 construction site workers lose their lives annually across the U.S.

Types of Construction Site Accidents

Construction zones are inherently dangerous environments. From shooting nails to elevated platforms to falling equipment, the opportunity for serious injuries is never-ending. The trend towards less regulation and faster build times has made these jobs even more treacherous. The risks are amplified even further by a system that awards contracts to the lowest bidder and then gives financial rewards for meeting impossible completion deadlines.

Construction site accidents are caused by a variety of factors. According to OSHA, the “Fatal Four” are the top offenders, and elimination of these alone would save the lives of nearly 600 workers each year. Those four causes are:

• Falls– Falls account for over 36% of all construction site deaths each year. These include workers who fall off of ladders, from scaffolding or roofs, into holes, or from other unmarked or uneven surfaces.
• Struck by Object– More than 10% of all construction-related deaths are due to falling, swinging, or misplaced objects. These include vehicle and equipment strikes and rigging failure.
• Electrocutions– Working around electrical lines and unsafe machinery, construction workers face electrocution dangers, which account for 8.5% of deaths annually.
• Caught-in/Between– Responsible for 5.5% of construction fatalities, these accidents include workers hurt or killed when caught-in or compressed by objects or equipment, or crushed by collapsing equipment, materials, or structures.

While these are some of the biggest offenders, there are many ways to get injured on a construction site. Our construction accident lawyers also handle claims involving:

• Fires and explosions
• Chemical exposure
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Asbestos exposure
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Welding accidents
• Defective equipment and products
• Heavy equipment and crane accidents

Compensation for Construction Site Accidents

Depending on the nature of your accident or condition, negligence may or may not become a factor. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is the government body responsible for regulating safety in the workplace.

OSHA demands that all employers adhere to a set of regulations, which are enforced by state and local laws. Most states have regulatory bodies that may also create additional safety regulations for employers as well as run various health and safety programs.

It is the employer’s responsibility, not the employee’s, to ensure that a workplace is safe. When a worker is injured on a construction site, it is generally the employer that will be responsible to pay for medical care, lost wages, and other benefits through workers’ compensation.

But an injured or sick employee, as well as a surviving family member, may have other ways to recover damages. These include filing a claim against negligent subcontractors, general contractors, vendors, equipment manufacturers, and other employees. Even though you can’t sue your employer in most cases, there may be many options for financial recovery.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

Construction-related accidents can be particularly complicated and often require significant financial resources to prove liability or obtain a positive and fair result. If you have been injured in an accident or been diagnosed with a work-related illness, you should take some immediate steps to protect your rights.

• Report the accident– If you weren’t rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, your supervisors might not know that you’ve been hurt. Your first step should be to immediately report the accident to the project owner or your construction supervisor. Ask them to fill out a First Report of Injury for the purposes of workers’ compensation benefits.
• Collect documentation– When possible, take pictures of the accident scene or ask someone else to do so. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. If another contractor was present, document their name and other details. If any machinery was involved, write down model numbers and ask that someone safeguard it instead of destroying it.
• Seek medical attention– Get your injuries or condition treated and documented as soon as possible. The longer you delay, the more difficult it will be to prove your claim.
• Consult with an attorney– Construction site accidents are rarely straightforward affairs. You can protect your interests by consulting with an attorney that can help you hold the right parties accountable.

Speak with an Experienced Alabama Construction Site Accident Attorney

When you work in the construction industry, you have the right to safe working conditions and access to benefits when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, working out who is responsible for a construction site accident can be a complex and contentious matter.

Given our Alabama construction accident experience, we work aggressively to protect your rights, pursuing full compensation from a variety of sources. Our attorneys will address issues related to multiple layers of insurance coverage and other problems that will be difficult to handle without qualified representation. And we don’t charge you anything for our services until we collect benefits on your behalf.

Call us today at 1-888-510-1020 or come by our office for a free consultation.