Construction sites are among the most dangerous of workplaces, as workers must navigate hazards like temporary walkways, heavy-duty machinery, and toxic materials on a daily basis. Not even stringent safety regulations can prevent serious accidents entirely—accidents that leave workers with severe injuries and significant financial burdens. Hire a construction accident lawyer in Summerville, SC from Murphy Crantford Meehan.
It can be overwhelming to deal with skyrocketing medical bills and lost income, but you don’t have to do so alone. The complexities and challenges of filing a construction injury claim can be daunting, but the team at Murphy Crantford Meehan can help you understand your rights and pursue a path toward financial and medical recovery. Contact us today for a free construction accident attorney in Summerville, South Carolina, and let’s explore that path together.
Can You Sue For a Construction Accident Injury?
You may be able to sue for a construction site accident under certain circumstances, generally those involving negligence or misconduct from a third party—that is, someone other than your employer or a coworker. While workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and certain other expenses if you are a covered employee, it does not cover all losses associated with an accident. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek further compensation for losses such as pain, suffering, and the full extent of your missing income.
Common Construction Site Accidents
Various hazards on construction sites can cause accidents, leading to injuries and deaths among construction workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most common construction site accidents in 2022 include:
- Falling Objects – Tools, equipment, and materials can fall from heights, posing a serious risk to workers below. Even with hard hats, workers can suffer traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and other serious injuries.
- Machinery Accidents – Heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers is integral to construction work but poses significant hazards to workers. Accidents involving machinery can lead to crush injuries, amputations, and other severe injuries. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are crucial.
- Falls from Heights – Workers frequently operate at elevated heights, such as on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops. Falls from these heights can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Proper use of safety harnesses and guardrails can help prevent these accidents.
- Electrocutions – Construction sites often have exposed wiring, faulty electrical systems, and high-voltage equipment, increasing the risk of electrocution. Electrocution can cause burns, nerve damage, cardiac arrest, and other serious injuries.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Slip and fall accidents are prevalent on construction sites due to uneven surfaces, debris, wet or slippery floors, and unmarked hazards. Workers can sustain injuries such as fractures, sprains, head injuries, and spinal cord damage.
- Vehicle Accidents – Construction sites, including trucks, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery, often have high vehicle traffic. Vehicle accidents can occur due to operator error, poor visibility, or lack of proper traffic control measures, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Caught-in or Between Accidents – These accidents occur when a worker gets caught, crushed, or squeezed between two or more objects, such as heavy machinery and a wall. They can result in severe injuries, including crush injuries and amputations.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which can be life-threatening or result in long-term disabilities. Some of the most common types of construction accident injuries include:
Amputations
Severe injuries from machinery accidents, falls, or being caught in/between objects can lead to amputations of fingers, toes, or limbs. Workers who have suffered injuries such as amputations face life-altering consequences and often require extensive rehabilitation and the use of prosthetics.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can occur due to falls, falling objects, or being struck by machinery. These injuries can have severe and long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical functions.
Eye Injuries
Exposure to chemicals, flying debris, or welding arcs can cause eye injuries, including corneal abrasions, chemical burns, or vision loss.
Burns
Burns can occur from electrical hazards, chemical spills, or construction site fires. They vary in severity, with third-degree burns being the most severe, potentially requiring skin grafts and long-term medical care.
Cuts and Lacerations
Sharp tools, machinery, and construction materials can cause deep cuts and lacerations. These injuries can lead to significant blood loss and may require stitches or surgery to repair.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repeatedly performing the same motion can lead to repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or bursitis. These injuries can cause pain and reduce the ability to perform tasks.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result from falls, being struck by objects, or heavy machinery accidents. These injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Falls, being struck by objects, or machinery accidents often result in fractures and broken bones. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery periods.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma from falls, falling objects, or machinery can cause internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries are severe and require immediate medical attention.
Respiratory Injuries
Inhaling dust, asbestos, chemicals, or other hazardous substances can cause respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or cancer.
Available Compensation In a Construction Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you could be entitled to benefits under workers’ compensation. A specialized law firm can provide the legal assistance needed to secure fair compensation for your injuries. Furthermore, if someone other than an employer or coworker caused the accident, you could be entitled to additional compensation for your:
- Medical Expenses – You can pursue compensation for all past and future injury-related medical costs, including hospital or emergency room visits, prescription medications, doctor’s visits, physical or occupational therapy, and surgical costs.
- Lost Wages – You can seek compensation for missed income if your injury prevents you from immediately returning to work by calculating what you would’ve made if you had returned to work. You may be able to include benefits, bonuses, or paid time off (PTO) in your calculations.
- Loss of Future Earning Potential – If your injury results in permanent disabilities that prevent you from performing your previous job at the same level, you can pursue compensation to cover this loss.
- Pain and Suffering – This compensation addresses the physical and emotional distress and discomfort caused by your injury, which reduces your overall quality of life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injury diminishes your ability to participate in and enjoy everyday hobbies and favorite activities, you deserve compensation for the emotional and psychological toll that this loss can have on your life.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Construction Accident Case?
It’s always a good idea to work with experienced personal injury attorneys in Summerville for a construction accident case. Construction accident cases can be complex, involving multiple parties, intricate industry regulations, and extensive evidence.
Taking on a claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with painful injuries and should be focusing on your recovery. Your injury may prevent you from being able to dedicate the time and energy needed to pursue a claim. Personal injury attorneys in Summerville can handle all the legal work on your case for you, allowing you to pursue a claim without having to navigate the process yourself.
How Can A Summerville Construction Accident Attorney Help?
A construction accident lawyer in Summerville can provide critical help during a physically and emotionally challenging time. They can do this by:
Evaluating Your Claim
A Summerville construction accident lawyer can review the details and circumstances of the accident during a free consultation, during which they will assess the viability of your claim.
Collecting Evidence
A lawyer can gather and preserve evidence that supports your claim, such as photo or video of the scene, safety records, accident reports, witness statements, equipment maintenance logs, and medical records.
Identifying Liable Parties
Many legally distinct parties often work together on the same project, including contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. A construction attorney will identify all parties who may be liable for your injuries. This allows you to pursue compensation from all responsible sources.
Navigating Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you are eligible for workers’ compensation, your attorney can file your claim with your employer’s insurer. They can do so on time and with all the necessary supporting documentation.
Pursuing Personal Injury Claims
In addition to a workers’ compensation claim, you may be entitled to file a personal injury case to claim various types of damages. A construction attorney can pursue both claims for you, further simplifying the process.
Negotiating Settlements
An attorney knows how to deal with deep-pocketed insurance companies who want to pay as little as possible for claims. They can use their past experience and knowledge to counter lowball offers and pursue a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for what you’ve suffered.
Litigating in Court
If the liable party won’t make you a fair settlement offer, a construction injury attorney can take your case to court. They can also put it before a judge and jury for adjudication. Furthermore, filing a lawsuit can put pressure on insurers to settle.
Contact a Summerville Construction Accident Attorney
If you’re dealing with a construction site injury, our Summerville personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. As a dedicated personal injury law firm, Murphy Crantford Meehan is committed to helping clients navigate the challenges of life after a construction site injury. Our team believes your focus should be on your health and healing. We’ll handle your claim and take legal action so you can move forward with your life. Contact for your free consultation to learn about your legal options.
