If you were to get into an accident as a construction worker, you would simply apply for your workers compensation benefits and move on. However, according to construction accident law, if you can show that your accident was directly caused by the negligence of someone else, including an employer or other third-party, you may be entitled to additional compensation for your pain and suffering. Just remember, every situation is different. In order to accurately determine what type of case you may have or what kind of compensation you may be owed, you must consult with a qualified and reputable construction accident attorney who possesses both a deep understanding of construction accident law, and the integrity to use it to help you get the justice you deserve.
Owner Liability
If a project, or property owner “retains control” of a site, and a preventable accident takes place, they may be held liable, and/or subjected to litigation in the event of an injury or wrongful death. However, if a project or property owner relinquishes their control of the project or land to the contractor for the duration of the project, the owner will not be held liable if an accident occurs.
General/Sub Contractor Liability
If a construction site is not being properly maintained, and does not meet OSHA standards, or if hazards exist and no steps have been taken to correct the issue or warn employees of the potential danger, the general contractor(s) in charge could be held liable for any accidents that occur. All general contractors, and sub contractors, are also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for one another, by adhering to official safety standards. If a subcontractor’s behavior does not comply with the jobsite’s safety standards and causes or increases the likelihood of an accident, that person may be held liable for any injuries cause by their negligence.
Engineer/Architect Liability
An engineer or architect may be held liable for a construction accident if the project does not meet the appropriate safety standards during its actual construction and/or final stages, or if safety standards were neglected in the original design.
Equipment Manufacturer Liability
If a construction accident is caused by a defective piece of machinery or equipment, that was designed in an arguably dangerous manner, the equipment manufacturer may potentially be held liable for any injuries or deaths that occur as a result.
Construction sites can be exceptionally dangerous places to work as is, but if you were injured as a result of someone else’s mistakes or carelessness you need to step up at take legal action. To find the right construction accident attorneys for your case, choose Harris Law, by calling 231.347.4444 or fill out the free consultation form in the sidebar to schedule your free personal consultation.