Construction sites present numerous hazards and can prove incredibly dangerous when safety protocols are not met. Even the most responsible workers can sustain serious and often life-threatening injuries, including burns, amputations and paralysis. These accidents can be caused by falling objects, building collapses and equipment failure, as well as negligence on the part of an employer or manufacturer.

If you or your loved one has been injured on a construction site, contact our firm today to discuss your legal options. Construction accident lawyer Shane R. Kadlec in Houston, Texas, has successfully secured significant compensation for work injury victims, and he is ready to go to trial to collect the damages you deserve.

Why Are Construction Sites Dangerous?

By nature, construction sites are dangerous places to work, and even the most safety-conscious workers are vulnerable to injury. Scaffolds and structures can collapse, explosions can occur, machines can fail, cranes can tip over, and chemicals can spill. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five workers killed annually are in construction.

Causes of Construction Accidents

The most common causes include:

  1. Falls
  2. Strikes by objects
  3. Electrocutions
  4. Getting caught in-between compressed objects or equipment

The OSHA has termed these accidents the “fatal four.” If eliminated, over 600 American lives could be saved each year.

How Do They Happen?

Unfortunately, many of these accidents are the result of someone else’s negligence, whether that be:

  • Lack of training
  • Carelessness
  • Fatigue
  • Poor signage
  • Poor supervision

In these situations, we will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Mr. Kadlec has successfully secured significant compensation for work injury victims, and he is ready to go to trial to collect the damages you deserve.

Common Injuries Suffered

Construction accidents can cause serious and often permanent injuries, including:

Often, these injuries require ongoing medical care, including surgery and physical therapy, home modifications and at-home services, resulting in a significant financial burden on victims and their families.

Damages Awarded To Victims

Construction accident litigation can be complex because multiple parties can be held responsible in an accident. Liable entities may include:

  • Employers: Employers must take all reasonable measures to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Should they fail to do so, they can be held liable for an injury.
  • Property owners: If there is a dangerous condition on the property and the owner fails to address it, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries that occur.
  • Machine or tool manufacturers: If a defective machine or tool was directly responsible for an accident, the manufacturer can be found liable.

Regardless of who is at fault, you could receive restitution in the form of lost wages, lost earning potential, past and future medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

Requirements for Employers

Employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance to cover work-related injuries and illnesses. If you wish to collect workers’ compensation, there are several steps involved:

  • You should report an accident to your employer in writing using DWC Form-041. This must be completed within 30 working days of the accident.
  • Your employer will report the injury to the insurance company within eight days.
  • After evaluating your claim, the insurance company will either pay or deny it. Claims can be denied if the insurer concludes there is insufficient information regarding the accident, or the accident was not work related.
  • If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

Filing Personal Injury Claims

In addition to workers’ compensation, we can also pursue a personal injury claim, which enables us to establish fault. This, in turn, offers more opportunities for reparations, which extend beyond economic compensation to include damages such as pain and suffering.

Construction Accidents FAQs

Answer: No. Texas is the only state that lets most private employers “opt out.” Those that do are called non-subscribers and must file notices with the state and post signs at the workplace.

Answer: You can sue the company directly in civil court, and it loses many common defenses, such as blaming you for the accident. You must still prove negligence, but juries often look harshly on employers that chose not to buy coverage.

Answer: Yes. Neither Texas workers ‘ comp benefits nor personal injury courts discriminate based on immigration status; undocumented laborers have the same right to seek medical and wage losses as any other employee.

Answer: OSHA rules require hard hats, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respirators, and other PPE whenever hazards exist. Employers must supply and enforce proper use of this equipment.

Answer: A GC owes a duty when it retains control over the manner or means of your work. Texas courts allow claims if the GC’s directives or site-wide safety failures contribute to the injury.

Answer: All employers must report a work-related fatality within 8 hours and any in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss within 24 hours. Failure can lead to heavy fines.

Contact Us to Protect Your Rights

Construction accidents can result in long-term physical, financial and emotional suffering. Personal injury attorney Shane Kadlec can alleviate your financial burden and assist you on your road to recovery.

For your benefit, he works on a contingency basis, meaning he will not collect attorney’s fees until he has secured compensation on your behalf. To learn how Mr. Kadlec can help you, schedule a consultation online today or call 281-643-2000.