Even with safety measures in place, construction accidents still occur. If you were hurt in one, a Daly City personal injury lawyer can help you take legal action.
Construction accidents can be physically and emotionally traumatizing. A construction accident lawyer in Daly City from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can take on your case and help you obtain financial compensation.
Why Hiring a Daly City Construction Accident Lawyer Matters
Construction accidents often involve multiple parties, which can make determining liability challenging. A Daly City construction accident lawyer can:
- Conduct a detailed investigation: They can collect evidence, review safety records, and interview witnesses to reconstruct the accident.
- Identify all responsible parties: They can help ensure that those who are liable for your injuries are held accountable.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: They can handle negotiations with the insurance company and help you avoid making mistakes that would undermine your claim.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney can fight for you in court.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents often happen due to preventable hazards or unsafe conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Falls from heights: Unstable ladders and scaffolds and unfinished structures often cause falls.
- Improperly maintained equipment: Malfunctioning machinery or tools can lead to serious injuries.
- Electrical hazards: Exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or a lack of proper training can result in shocks, burns, or electrocution.
- Trench collapses: Poorly shored or unsupported excavation sites can cave in, trapping workers.
- Falling objects: Tools, debris, or construction materials can strike workers, causing severe trauma.
- Unsafe work practices: Inadequate training, ignoring safety protocols, or rushing tasks increases accident risk.
- Repetitive strain or overexertion: Continuous lifting, bending, or operating machinery can result in chronic injuries over time.
Common Injuries in Construction Accidents
Injuries on construction sites can range from minor to life-changing. Some of the most common ones include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Amputations
- Burns and electrical injuries
- Soft tissue damage
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident
In the aftermath of a construction accident, it’s important to:
- Call 911 immediately if there are injuries.
- Report the accident to your supervisor or employer.
- Document the scene with photos or video if possible.
- Collect witnesses’ contact information for future statements.
- Get medical attention, even for minor injuries.
- Consult a construction accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Determining Liability in Construction Accidents
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a construction accident. Depending on the circumstances, those who may be held responsible include:
- Employers or general contractors who fail to maintain a safe work environment
- Subcontractors whose negligence caused the incident
- Equipment manufacturers for defects that contribute to injuries
- Property owners, if unsafe conditions played a role
A construction accident attorney in Daly City can help establish liability and hold the at-fault parties accountable for your losses.
How Much is My Construction Accident Claim Worth?
Construction accident settlement amounts depend on factors such as injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and the clarity of liability. Minor injuries may result in settlements worth tens of thousands of dollars, while catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or brain trauma can lead to multi-million-dollar recoveries.
A lawyer can help estimate a fair settlement that accounts for both your current and future costs.
Timeline for Construction Accident Claims
The time required to resolve a construction accident claim varies from case to case. Straightforward claims may be settled within a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or multiple parties can take years. Your attorney can estimate your case’s potential timeline based on the specifics of your situation.
What is a Reasonable Settlement Offer?
The answer as to what a reasonable settlement offer looks like depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the strength of your case. In general, a fair offer should:
- Cover all medical costs related to the accident, including future treatment
- Compensate you for lost wages and any reduced earning potential
- Include damages for pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Account for long-term disability or permanent injuries, if applicable
A construction accident lawyer can evaluate any offers you receive and advise you on whether to accept them.
Who Can File a Construction Accident Claim?
Not everyone on a construction site is automatically eligible to file a claim. Those who can generally include:
- Injured workers: Employees who are hurt while performing their job duties have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Subcontractors or independent contractors: Individuals working under a subcontractor agreement may file claims if their injuries are caused by negligence on the site.
- Family members: If a construction accident results in death, dependents or close relatives can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for loss of support and companionship.
- Passers-by or visitors: Individuals who are injured on or near a construction site without being employed there may be able to file a claim if unsafe conditions or negligence caused their injuries.
Contact a Construction Accident Attorney in Daly City
If you suffered a preventable injury on a construction site, you have the right to pursue damages. A Daly City construction accident attorney from Omega Law Group can handle every aspect of your case and negotiate with the insurance company so you can focus on healing from the accident.
Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can get paid for your injury.