According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), construction consistently ranks among the industries with the highest number of fatal work injuries. In the United States, construction-related fatalities account for a significant portion of all workplace fatalities each year. Non-fatal construction accidents can result in everything from minor cuts and sprains to more serious injuries such as fractures and amputations. Construction workers experience a higher rate of non-fatal injuries compared to many other industries.
Construction accident claims can be complex and require the expertise of a construction injury attorney that has the proficiency of navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding construction accidents, which often involve multiple parties such as contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and insurance companies. Javier Perez and his team can help construction accident victims fight the insurance companies to recover fair compensation for their lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering caused by their injuries.
Construction Injury Lawyer
The construction industry is a pillar of the economy, but it is also one that involves significant risks. Every day, thousands of people in Dallas and throughout Texas perform dangerous work that can lead to severe injuries. When an accident occurs at a construction site, the effects can be permanent, impacting not only the worker’s body but also their finances and emotional well-being.
If you have suffered an accident at a construction site, it is vital to know that you are not alone and that you have rights. Nuestro Campeón, attorney Javier Perez, is dedicated to helping injured workers in Dallas, fighting tirelessly to ensure they receive fair compensation for their damages and losses. He is here to help you understand your legal options and guide you through every step of the process.
What are the Risks in the Construction Industry?
Construction sites are busy and challenging environments, where heavy machinery, work at heights, defective equipment, and unclear safety rules create a high risk of accidents. Despite regulations designed to protect safety, construction accidents remain a serious problem, often resulting in serious injuries and sometimes fatalities. Poor training, broken equipment, or negligence by supervisors and their staff can turn an ordinary day into a tragic one.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Many construction site accidents are preventable and often result from negligence or failure to comply with safety standards. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Falls. The leading cause of fatal accidents and serious injuries in construction. They can occur from scaffolding, roofs, ladders, or unprotected openings.
- Being struck by objects. Falling tools, materials, or debris from heights, or collisions with moving machinery.
- Electrocution. Contact with exposed wires, high-voltage lines, or defective equipment.
- Caught-in/between accidents. Becoming trapped between objects, machinery, or collapsing structures.
- Equipment failures. Malfunctions of cranes, lifts, excavators, or power tools.
- Explosions and fires. Caused by gas leaks, flammable materials, or defective electrical systems.
- Exposure to toxic substances. Inhalation of fumes, dust, or hazardous chemicals without adequate protection.
Common Injuries at Construction Sites
Injuries sustained in construction accidents are often severe and can have long-lasting impacts on the worker’s life and family. Among the most common are:
- Bone fractures. Especially in limbs, the spine, or skull.
- Spinal cord injuries. Which may result in partial or total paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Caused by head impacts, with possible long-term effects on cognitive and emotional functions.
- Amputations. Loss of limbs due to dangerous machinery or tools.
- Severe burns. From contact with electricity, fire, or chemicals.
- Internal damage. Injuries to internal organs or hemorrhaging.
- Chronic pain. Particularly in the back or neck.
These workplace injuries often require extensive medical care, multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and may prevent the worker from returning to their regular job.
Key Steps After a Construction Accident
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is crucial to be evaluated by a doctor. This is not only essential for your recovery but also creates an official record of your injuries.
- Report the incident. Inform your supervisor or employer about the accident as soon as possible. Make sure a formal record of the event is created.
- Gather evidence. If it is safe and possible, take photos of the accident site, including any hazards, broken equipment, or poor signage.
- Collect witness information. If anyone witnessed the accident, request their contact details, as their testimony can significantly strengthen your case.
- Keep documentation. Save all medical records, invoices, medication receipts, and any other documents related to your treatment and expenses.
- Consult a trusted attorney. Before speaking with insurance companies or accepting any settlements, seek specialized legal advice. Insurers may attempt to offer you a settlement that fails to cover all of your needs.
Compensation for Construction Workers: Your Rights
Construction workers who are injured may be entitled to different types of compensation, depending on the specific circumstances of their accident. In Texas, the forms of assistance may include:
- Medical expenses. Covering hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and therapy.
- Loss of income. If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you may receive compensation for lost wages.
- Pain and suffering. Payment for the physical and emotional disruption in your life caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages. If there is evidence of serious misconduct by your employer or a third party.
It is important to understand that a workplace accident at a construction site may involve both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits against other parties, such as general contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers of defective equipment, or property owners who are not your direct employer. Nuestro Campeón can help you determine the best course of action for your situation.
Why do You Need a Construction Accident Lawyer?
Construction accident cases are notoriously complex. They involve multiple parties, intricate safety regulations, and often the resistance of insurance companies. A construction accident lawyer provides the necessary knowledge to:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident. Identify all potentially responsible parties and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case.
- Navigate the legal system. Handle the bureaucracy of workers’ compensation claims and personal injury cases, ensuring compliance with deadlines and procedural requirements.
- Confront insurance companies. Insurers will attempt to minimize payouts. A skilled lawyer knows how to negotiate and fight for the true value of your claim.
- Accurately calculate your damages. Ensuring that all losses, including future medical expenses and the long-term impact on your life, are considered in your compensation.
Acting quickly is crucial because Texas law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, starting from the date of the accident.
Nuestro Campeón, attorney Javier Perez, is highly experienced in defending the rights of injured workers in Dallas and the surrounding areas. His dedication, deep knowledge of the Texas legal system, and commitment to the Spanish-speaking community make him the ally you need in these difficult times.
An accident at a construction site can change a worker’s life forever. You do not have to deal with the consequences alone, nor should you face the challenges of the legal system while recovering from your injuries. Having a knowledgeable attorney at your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Were you in a Construction Accident in Dallas?
Call us today at 214-499-0667 or send an email to [email protected]. Schedule your free consultation now and let us help you protect your rights.