Construction Accidents Lawyers in Columbia

Helping You Understand Your Options

Working in construction has many benefits. You get to use your skills to build structures that will last for decades afterward. You get to work outside in the fresh air instead of in a closed-up office. And you can count on the fact that every day has its own surprises and challenges, and it’s difficult to get bored. However, it also has its unique challenges, such as working with dangerous equipment, working out in the elements, and being at the mercy of your employer when it comes to ensuring equipment and safety policies and procedures are up to date. And if even one small thing isn’t done correctly, it can spell disaster for you or another member of the team.

Unfortunately, construction accidents are all too common. While workers’ compensation is designed to help provide monetary relief to those injured on the job, it’s not always that easy. Employers may attempt to deny claims, or there may be medical bills and expenses that go beyond the realm of workers’ comp. When that happens, you need a construction accident lawyer you can trust to represent you and take the reins when navigating your case.

Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, but that’s where construction accident attorneys come in. If you’re dealing with a claim that has been denied by an employer or you are thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit if an employer was negligent, our law firm can help you understand your options and provide counsel on the right way to move forward.

What Are Common Construction Accident Injuries?

A construction site has a lot of hazards and obstacles, and it only takes a second for something to go wrong. Accidents can still happen even when you are doing everything you can to protect yourself and others. Here are some of the most common injuries that construction accident attorneys see.

Electrocution

Electrocutions are one of the most common types of construction site injuries for several reasons. The first is that construction sites often have uncovered power lines or open electrical work if there is building construction or a new site being hooked up to the power grid. This exposed electrical can make it more likely for someone to be injured by electrocution. Power tools being out in the open where conditions could be damp or wet can also increase the chances of electrocution.

Falls

Falls are one of the most common types of construction injuries, accounting for more than half of the total construction accidents across the country. Falls can happen due to improper signage, distractions on the job site, or miscommunications. Fall accidents can be extremely serious, causing injuries such as broken bones, brain damage, and spine injuries.

Being Struck by an Object

Construction sites have many moving parts, which means there’s more opportunity for injury. Being struck by an object on a construction site can lead to devastating injuries because these objects are often very heavy or very sharp — and sometimes both. For example, if someone is moving a steel beam through the construction site and a worker is struck by it, this could cause anything from a concussion to broken ribs.

Falling on an Object

We’ve already mentioned falls in general above, but this one bears repeating twice. Construction sites are often peppered with objects, from tools to large pieces of rebar and the like, and falling onto an object can cause devastating injuries. Puncture and stab wounds are common construction accident injuries that come from falls on objects, but it’s even possible for these types of injuries to end in death.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents?

When it comes to construction accidents, no two incidents are alike. However, there are often common themes with construction accidents, and being aware of these themes can help you protect yourself and help you better understand the events that may have led up to your accident.

We already discussed that falls are one of the main types of construction accident injuries, so it should be no surprise that a lack of safety equipment or damaged fall protection equipment is one of the primary contributing factors to construction accidents. Similarly, if employees working on a lower level don’t have proper protection against dangers, such as falling objects, from above, this could lead to serious safety concerns.

Other common causes of construction accidents include lack of proper signage when it comes to hazardous materials or dangerous site conditions and other people cutting corners when it comes to safety. For example, not wearing the proper equipment, such as steel-toe boots and hard hats, or using the appropriate guards and safeties on power tools can all increase your risk of a construction accident.

What Happens If the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

It’s possible that some construction workers could be injured on a construction site, and the accident is partially their fault. However, this usually isn’t relevant when it comes to workers’ compensation. As long as the worker wasn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol, fault generally doesn’t matter when paying out a workers’ comp claim. However, if you are interested in talking with a construction accident attorney about a personal injury lawsuit, this is where fault can be a determining factor. In the state of South Carolina, you would need to be less than 50 percent at fault for an accident to be able to file a lawsuit.

Does Workers’ Compensation Apply to Accidents on the Construction Site?

Workers’ compensation benefits come into play whenever you are injured on the job. A worker’s compensation claim would apply if your job includes working on a construction site. However, construction accidents can have some unique properties that can have legal implications. If you’re unsure whether your case would qualify for a workers’ compensation claim or you want to find out if there are other legal options, reach out to a law firm that handles workers’ comp and construction accident cases.

How Can a Construction Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you have filed for workers’ compensation or you would like more information on how you may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses or lost wages, a construction accident lawyer can help. These attorneys have experience handling cases involving accidents on construction sites. They are able to go through the details of your case, walk you through your options, and execute those options once you make a decision on how you want to move forward.

Attorneys can be especially helpful if you have filed a workers’ compensation claim but it was denied. Employers may try to deny claims inappropriately; however, there are only a few reasons a claim can be denied. You cannot file a claim if the injury didn’t happen at work or if you weren’t following the company’s policies, including safety guidelines, when you were injured.

If you believe your claim has been inappropriately denied, a personal injury attorney can fight for your rights and represent you as you appeal the denial and move through the court system. Attorneys can also be a valuable resource for what is fair if a company facing a personal injury lawsuit tries to offer a settlement.

Contact our law firm by calling today speak with a construction accident lawyer about your case. If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you may have legal recourse to hold the negligent parties accountable. We can also help those dealing with challenges related to workers’ compensation claims. Call today to schedule your free consultation.