Construction accidents are among the most common and devastating types of workplace accidents in Texas. Construction sites can be dangerous and risky places, where workers are often exposed to hazards such as heavy machinery, heights and falling debris. Austin residents who have to walk or drive through construction zones are also at risk. Unfortunately, negligence and human error make construction accidents even more probable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. At Hill Law Firm, we have a proven track record of success handling construction accident cases. Contact us for a free case consultation in Austin to find out how we can help.
Austin Construction Site Accident Resources
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Why Choose Our Law Firm?
Types of Construction Accident Injuries
Types of Construction Accidents
Legal Options for Construction Accident Victims
Workers’ Compensation
Personal Injury Lawsuits
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Why Choose Our Austin Construction Site Accident Lawyer?
- Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of construction accident cases and are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
- We intentionally keep our caseload small so that we can dedicate our undivided attention to each and every client. We will stand by your side from start to finish.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay your Austin construction accident attorney unless he or she secures compensation for your case.
What Are Common Types of Construction Accident Injuries?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction accident, you understand the life-altering effects that such an accident can have. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction is the deadliest industry in the United States – responsible for approximately 20 percent of worker deaths each year. Even if a victim survives a construction accident, he or she can sustain life-changing injuries.
Construction accidents can cause severe injuries, including:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Electrocution or electric shock
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Eye and face injuries
- Injuries from fires or explosions
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Limb amputations
- Overexertion
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
In the worst cases, construction accidents in Austin can result in permanent disabilities, chronic pain and even death. If you tragically lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident, consult with our wrongful death attorney in Austin. We can assist your family with a workers’ compensation claim or wrongful death lawsuit in pursuit of the compensation that you deserve.
What Causes Construction Accidents?
Construction accidents can happen in many different ways. Construction sites are often full of injury risks for workers and the public as a whole. The very nature of the construction industry is dangerous due to the tasks required of workers, such as working from roofs and scaffolds. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls from heights: falls from ladders, scaffolds and other elevated areas are among the most common causes of construction injuries and deaths. OSHA cited a lack of fall protection in construction as the most frequently violated safety standard in 2021.
- Struck by falling objects: workers at construction sites and those who have to pass beneath scaffolds and work zones are often at risk of being hit by falling objects, including tools, equipment and building materials. These accidents can cause serious head and brain injuries. An Austin brain injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options following such an incident.
- Electrocutions: construction workers are often exposed to electrical hazards, such as live wires, faulty wiring and defective electrical equipment. Electrocution incidents can cause serious electrical burns, internal injuries and heart damage.Â
- Explosions and fires: flammable materials and chemicals are often present at construction sites. Accidents involving explosions and fires can cause severe burns, respiratory injuries, traumatic amputations and other catastrophic injuries.
- Machinery accidents: the use of heavy machinery and equipment is necessary in construction, including cranes, bulldozers and forklifts. Accidents involving machinery, such as struck-by equipment or rollovers can result in crush injuries, amputations and other serious injuries.
Construction accidents are often caused by the negligence of others. For example, a construction company may fail to provide proper safety equipment or training to its workers, or a contractor may fail to properly inspect equipment before it is used. In some cases, a third party, such as the manufacturer of defective construction equipment, may be responsible for the accident.
Legal Options for Construction Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may have multiple legal options available to you. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury lawsuit or a combination of claims.
Workers’ CompensationÂ
Texas law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides no-fault benefits to workers who are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation can pay settlements that cover medical expenses, wage replacement, disability and death benefits. To qualify for workers’ comp, you must meet certain requirements, including reporting your injury to your employer within 30 days. You may also need to provide medical documentation of your injury and comply with other requirements. However, you do not need to prove negligence.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
Once you accept a workers’ comp settlement, you give up the right to sue your employer. This makes it important to discuss your case with an attorney before signing anything. If your construction accident was caused by the negligence of your employer, a lawsuit may result in greater financial compensation. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
To prove negligence in an Austin personal injury lawsuit, you or your lawyer must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty and that this breach caused your injuries. If someone other than your employer is responsible for your injury or a loved one’s death, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and receive workers’ comp benefits. A construction accident attorney in Austin can help you build a strong case and fight for maximum compensation through all available outlets.
Injured in a Construction Accident? Contact an Attorney in Austin Today Â
At Hill Law Firm, we understand the devastation that a construction accident can cause. Our experienced attorneys have helped numerous clients who have been injured in these disasters. As your lawyers, we will be committed to helping you recover the compensation you need for your injuries. Learn more about your specific claim and legal options during a free case consultation. Send us a message online or call (210) 960-3939 today.