Construction Accident Victims May Be Entitled to More Than Workers’ Compensation in California
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 132 workers were killed in natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations in 2016. No other industry had a higher total.
The construction industry is known for being very demanding and dangerous labor. Despite this understanding, employers are still expected to maintain a safe workplace for their employees and accidents can often occur as the result of a third party’s negligence.
If you suffered severe injuries or your loved one was killed in a construction accident anywhere in Southern California, do not make any kind of statement to an insurance company without legal representation. Instead, you will want to contact the Los Angeles Injury Group as soon as possible.
Types of Construction Accidents in California
Most job sites for construction workers are very busy locales with multiple people performing various functions. Certain responsibilities involve inherent dangers, while others do not.
Construction accidents can occur as the result of any one of a number of possible causes. In some cases, a worker’s negligence may be to blame but in many other cases, defective or poorly-maintained equipment can also be a common cause.
Some of the most frequent kinds of construction accidents in California include, but are not limited to:
- Falls from heights;
- Scaffolding collapses;
- Falling objects;
- Electrocutions;
- Motor vehicle accidents;
- Explosions;
- Heavy machinery accidents;
- Forklift accidents;
- Trench collapses;
- Crane accidents; or
- Machine failures.
Third-Party Negligence in California Construction Accidents
In many cases, injured construction workers rely on the workers’ compensation provided under state law to all injured workers, regardless of fault. For many victims, however, workers’ compensation is only a fraction of a worker’s regular earnings, and thus inadequate for the costs of daily living as well as newfound expenses for medical bills stemming from construction accidents.
The good news for construction accident victims is that while they are prohibited from filing lawsuits against employers when workers’ compensation is provided, other parties whose negligence caused or contributed to causing the accident can be held liable. In such cases, this is commonly referred to as a third-party negligence claim.
A few of the most common examples of possible third parties that could bear liability for a construction accident include the manufacturers of certain defective equipment, architects who created flawed designs, or drivers of other motor vehicles involved in accidents on construction sites or with construction workers.
Find a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Did you suffer catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in a construction accident in Southern California? Contact the Los Angeles Injury Group today for immediate assistance protecting your legal rights and getting justice.
Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney will fight to help you get the compensation you need and deserve for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. You can have our firm provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.