Workplace and Construction Injuries

Construction sites, warehouses, factories, refineries and farms are among the most dangerous places to work. When a worker is hurt, workers' compensation is usually only part of the picture — a contractor, property owner or equipment manufacturer whose negligence contributed may also be responsible.

Our attorneys focus on identifying these third-party claims, which can provide compensation that workers' compensation does not, such as pain and suffering and full lost earnings.

Case Types We Handle

Our Workplace and Construction Injuries practice includes 24 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Construction Site AccidentsConstruction site accidents involve falls, equipment, electrical hazards and struck-by incidents, often with several contractors on site.
• Falls from HeightsFalls from heights involve roofs, scaffolds, ladders and openings without proper guardrails or fall protection.
• Scaffolding AccidentsScaffolding accidents occur when scaffolds are improperly built, overloaded or missing guardrails.
• Ladder AccidentsLadder accidents involve defective ladders, improper setup and lack of fall protection.
• Crane AccidentsCrane accidents involve collapses, dropped loads and contact with power lines.
• Forklift AccidentsForklift accidents include tip-overs, pedestrian strikes and falling loads in warehouses and job sites.
• Heavy Machinery AccidentsHeavy machinery accidents involve excavators, loaders and industrial equipment that lack guarding or are operated unsafely.
• Excavation and Trench Collapse AccidentsTrench collapse accidents occur when excavations lack shoring, sloping or protective systems.
• Falling Debris InjuriesFalling debris injuries occur when tools and materials fall from upper levels without nets or barriers.
• Struck-by Object AccidentsStruck-by accidents involve workers hit by vehicles, equipment, tools or materials.
• Caught-in / Caught-between AccidentsCaught-in or caught-between accidents involve workers crushed by machinery, equipment or collapsing materials.
• Workplace ElectrocutionWorkplace electrocution involves contact with live wires, power lines and faulty equipment.
• Workplace Burn InjuriesWorkplace burn injuries result from fires, explosions, chemicals and hot surfaces.
• Factory and Manufacturing AccidentsFactory accidents involve unguarded machinery, repetitive processes and hazardous materials.
• Warehouse AccidentsWarehouse accidents involve forklifts, falling stock, loading docks and fast-paced picking operations.
• Loading Dock AccidentsLoading dock accidents involve trailers pulling away, dock plate failures and falls from dock edges.
• Industrial Plant AccidentsIndustrial plant accidents involve heavy equipment, chemicals, pressure systems and explosions.
• Oilfield and Refinery AccidentsOilfield and refinery accidents involve blowouts, explosions, fires and equipment failures.
• Agricultural Workplace AccidentsAgricultural workplace accidents involve tractors, machinery, grain bins and chemical exposure.
• Workplace Vehicle AccidentsWorkplace vehicle accidents involve employees injured while driving or struck by vehicles on the job.
• Defective Workplace Equipment InjuriesDefective workplace equipment injuries may support claims against the manufacturer even when workers' compensation applies.
• Third-Party Workplace Injury ClaimsThird-party workplace claims target contractors, property owners or manufacturers — not your employer — whose negligence caused your injury.
• Fatal Workplace AccidentsFatal workplace accidents may involve workers' compensation death benefits and separate wrongful death claims against third parties.
• Workers' Compensation ClaimsWorkers' compensation provides medical and wage benefits for work injuries regardless of fault, through a separate system with its own rules.

Common Causes of Workplace and Construction Injuries

• Falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolding
• Struck-by and caught-between incidents
• Crane, forklift and heavy machinery accidents
• Trench and excavation collapses
• Electrocution and burns
• Defective tools and equipment

Injuries and Losses We See

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Burns
• Fractures

Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

Workers' compensation generally provides medical and wage benefits regardless of fault, but it usually prevents a lawsuit against your own employer. When someone other than your employer — a general contractor, subcontractor, property owner or manufacturer — contributed to your injury, you may also have a third-party claim. Safety violations can be important evidence. Workers' compensation itself is a separate specialty; we will explain how it interacts with any third-party case.

How We Investigate Workplace and Construction Injuries Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Incident reports and safety inspection findings
• Site safety plans and training records
• Equipment inspection and maintenance logs
• Witness and co-worker statements
• Medical and employment records

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• General contractors and subcontractors
• Property owners
• Equipment manufacturers and rental companies
• Other third parties whose negligence contributed

What to Do After an Incident

1. Get medical care and report the injury to your employer in writing
2. Note the equipment, conditions and companies involved
3. Photograph the scene and equipment if it is safe to do so
4. Collect co-worker and witness names
5. Keep copies of medical and employment records
6. Speak with an attorney about third-party claims

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.