Baltimore Construction Site Accident Attorneys

Construction site accidents are some of the most common workplace injuries. Construction sites are prone to multiple safety hazards. Some of the hazards are part of the job; however, most construction site accidents are preventable. Negligent co-workers and supervisors who are more focused on money than safety are responsible for a lot of hazardous workplace conditions. If you are injured on the job at a construction site, you may have a legal claim for damages. If a loved one was killed in a construction site accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim, to prevent these types of accidents from happening in the future.

Construction site hazards include dangerous heights, excavation work, loud noise, dust particles and other hazardous materials, power tools, and heavy machinery. As a result, construction site injuries accounted for almost 20% of all workplace injuries. In 2014, 1 in 5 workers that died in a job-related accident were construction site deaths. An average of 13 people die every day in the U.S. in a job-related accident.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the most common causes of death in construction site accidents involve falls, electrocutions, being struck by an object, or getting caught in a crushing accident. These so-called “Fatal Four” kill almost 500 people every year. These safety hazards are not news to the construction industry. Some of OSHA’s most common safety violations involve fall protection, scaffolding requirements, machinery guarding, ladders, and powered industrial trucks.

Employers and supervisors may be responsible for construction site accidents and injuries. When an employer does not address safety concerns, does not remedy hazardous conditions, and does not properly warn construction employees of the dangers involved, they are putting the workers’ lives at risk. If an individual is injured in a construction site accident, the employer may be liable for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Maryland

Workplace injuries are so common that states developed a program to compensate workers who are injured on the job. Maryland was actually the first state to pass a statewide workers’ compensation law in 1902. Under the state’s workers’ compensation program, an employee who is injured in the course of employment is given medical benefits and wage replacement. The employee may also be limited in their ability to file a lawsuit against their employer for negligence.

The workers’ compensation program is supposed to provide benefits to workers who are injured on the job. However, when an employer denies a worker’s claim, they may be left with expensive medical bills, no paycheck, and not be able to work. There are all kinds of reasons an employer may try and deny your workers’ compensation claim. However, the law offers you protections to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. If your employer has denied your claim, you should consider talking to an attorney, to make sure you get the benefits you are owed.

Personal Injury Claim After a Construction Site Accident

Depending on the type of accident involved, you may be prevented from filing a legal claim against your employer after a construction site accident. This is one of the drawbacks of having workers’ compensation coverage. However, in some cases, you may still be able to seek damages after a construction site accident. If the accident was caused by someone other than your employer or another co-worker, you may be able to file a claim against that third-party.

For example, if a worker is high up on a scaffolding and a truck delivering building supplies backs into the scaffolding, causing the worker to fall, the injured worker may have a legal claim. The injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver of the truck and the company that owns the truck. They may be able to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In cases where an employee was exposed to hazardous chemicals at the construction site, an injured worker may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer of the harmful chemicals or dangerous products. A worker injured in a construction site accidents involving a product defect or equipment malfunction may also be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

There are many cases where a worker injured in a construction site accident can file a personal injury claim against those responsible. If you are unsure if you have a claim for a construction site accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to talk about your case. Your lawyer will investigate your claim, and determine whether you have a claim against the individuals or company responsible for your injuries.

Construction Site Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was injured in a construction site accident, you should talk to an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney about getting compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Your personal injury attorney will help guide you through the claims process and advise you of your options. You should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. Do not hesitate to call Gilman & Bedigian today for a free consultation.