Can I Sue for a Construction Site Accident?

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If you are working at a construction site, and get injured, you need to call an attorney as soon as possible.  You may have claims against someone other than your employer.  These are called Third-Party lawsuits – in other words, lawsuits against a company other than your employer when you are injured at work.

Third-Party Claims Possible in Construction Injuries

There are many different situations where an injured worker may file suit against a third-party:

  • If a construction worker is operating a piece of equipment at the site and is injured due to a defect in that piece of equipment – in this case, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of the defective equipment.
  • If a construction worker is injured due to the negligence of an employee of a separate contractor on the jobsite – in this case, you may have a claim against the other contractor and his/her employer.
  • If a construction worker is injured as a result of the construction plans being defective or if the plans are not properly engineered – in this case, you may have a claim against the engineering firm who drafted the plans or specified the materials that caused your injury.

Other times when you may have a claim include

  • Uneven and hazardous stairs or missing or defective handrails
  • Faulty equipment and tools
  • Electrical risks
  • Dangerous slip and fall conditions
  • Collapsing buildings and ceilings
  • Heavy equipment and vehicle crashes
  • Toxic fumes or asbestos exposure
  • Fire hazards and explosions

Which Parties are commonly sued for Third-Party Liability?

  • Owners of the construction site
  • Contractors and subcontractors
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Manufacturers of construction equipment

Third-Party Issues with Construction Injuries

It can be challenging to prove third-party liability in construction accidents. If you allege a faulty design or production of a device or tool, it will involve complex product liability law. It will often necessitate the testimony of an expert stating that the item was unreasonably hazardous.

Further, establishing what the accident site appeared like on the day of the accident is difficult as job sites change continually, and contractors are not keen to leave neglected work areas to prove their negligent responsibility. Valuable evidence of defects, omissions, impaired workers at the site, or other conditions that led to an accident can be found in testimony from co-workers, pictures, and outcomes of an OSHA investigation.

Work with the Leading Construction Accident Law Firm

The experienced construction accident attorneys at the law offices of Hedge Copeland P.C. have handled countless workers’ compensation and third-party liability in construction lawsuits. In such cases, it is vital to know how to deal with product liability actions and interpret OSHA investigation outcomes to the benefit of an injured construction worker. Our skilled lawyers can confidently negotiate a settlement with the insurance company of the employer as well as the third-party insurer. Call today at (251) 432-8844 for a detailed consultation with a dedicated construction injury law firm.