California Construction Accident Lawyers

When a construction accident is caused by negligence on the part of a construction company, a contractor, subcontractor, manager, or coworker, this devastation can increase.  Whether the project involves residential development, high-rise construction, or highway expansion, every supervisor and worker on the job site needs to be constantly aware of the dangers and risks inherent in their job.  Recovering from broken bones or a burn injury, spinal cord injury, brain injury, or another serious calamity after a construction accident may take months or may be something that a person struggles with for the rest of his or her life.  Filing a claim or lawsuit may help an injured construction worker receive money for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages.  While workers’ compensation may help an injured construction worker or the family members of a deceased construction worker, the amount of money may not be sufficient enough for the losses suffered.  At The Shirvanian Law Firm, our lawyers have the experience and know-how to help seek full compensation.  Call us at (818) 835-5396 or (877) 809-4223 to speak to an attorney immediately.  There is no-obligation or fee involved until we win your case.

Causes of Construction Accidents

There is no denying the limitless risks of a construction site. However, construction companies and other responsible parties are in charge of following, enforcing, and maintaining numerous safety standards put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Safety violations, cutting corners, and even inattention can cause a serious injury accident. If any of these circumstances causes a construction worker to suffer injury, illness, or death, workers’ compensation can be helpful, but it may not be enough to cover the extent of the damages.

Even though the cause of an accident may seem obvious, the burden of proof is on the claimant when pursuing a claim or lawsuit for compensation. This is why many injured construction workers or the families of wrongfully killed workers turn to attorneys with years of experience in this area of law. For most individuals taking legal action for a construction site accident, it is their first time facing such an obstacle. The Shirvanian Law Firm handles serious injury and wrongful death cases year-round, lending us the experience and knowledge to best serve our clients.

A few of the most common causes of construction accidents include:

• Crane, forklift, or other vehicle accidents
• Falling from heights or scaffolding
• Falling objects
• Defective or malfunctioning machinery
• Electrocution
• Asbestos and toxic exposure

Common Types of Injuries in Construction Accidents

Construction workers can fall victim to some of the most serious and lasting injuries as a result of construction accidents. Regardless of the severity of the injury you have suffered, it is important that you consult with an expert personal injury lawyer at The Shirvanian Law Firm to discuss your injuries.

A few of the most common injuries which can be suffered in a construction accident include:

• Shoulder injuries
• Back injuries
• Knee injuries
• Lacerations
• Burn injuries
• Broken bones
• Sensory deficiency
• Other catastrophic injuries

Workplace Safety Practices and Avoiding Construction Accidents

Hazardous Materials

In a construction environment, all employees should be aware of the hazards posed by chemicals and other toxic substances. Chemicals that are flammable, corrosive, or poisonous should be handled with care and stored in an appropriate environment. Employers should take reasonable steps to do the following.

• Properly label dangerous materials.
• Tell workers what actions to take in the event of an accident.
• Ensure toxic substances are stored away from common areas.
• Show employees how to dispose of hazardous chemicals and substances.
• Make sure workers wear protective gear when handling chemicals.

In addition to the steps above, employers should make sure their workers are educated and adequately trained. Inhaling, ingesting, or coming in contact with certain chemicals can result in death for an employee.

Scaffolds

Scaffolds allow construction workers to perform tasks at high altitudes, but if a scaffold is poorly maintained or improperly used, a worker can fall to their death. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that scaffolds are safe to operate, and if an employee is injured or killed due to inadequate scaffold maintenance, the employer can be held liable. Workers should also be taught to inspect each scaffold for ice and other slippery substances before operating it.

Unsafe Equipment

As mentioned above, employers in the construction industry have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their employees have access to safe and functional equipment. This equipment should be extensively inspected by a professional on a regular basis to ensure its safety, and all workers should undergo training before they are allowed to operate equipment. Equipment that is old or poorly maintained can malfunction during use, leaving an employee in a precarious situation. Employers who disregard safety regulations can be held responsible for the death or injury of a worker.