Construction Accident Lawyer | Los Angeles

If you were injured in a construction site accident, a construction accident lawyer Los Angeles could help.

If you suffered a life-changing injury while working at a construction site in Los Angeles, it is your right to receive compensation for your injuries.

An attorney will work with you and navigate you through the legal process to ensure you are taken care of.

Strict safety regulations are designed to keep construction sites safe for workers and civilians alike.

But lax enforcement, failure to provide proper safety equipment, and careless employee conduct continue to contribute to many accidents every year.

Over 100,000 construction workers suffer injuries, and another 10,000 die annually. And many of these accidents are avoidable, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

At the Weinberg Law Offices, we understand workplace accidents and will connect you with a seasoned Los Angeles construction accident lawyer who can determine what your case is worth.

We believe in working tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Common Accident Causes at California Construction Sites

Construction accidents are no joke, and construction site accidents have increased by 25% since 2011.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 4,764 fatal work injuries occurred on the job in 2020.

That’s an average of one worker’s death every 111 minutes. And 20% of those deaths happened to workers in the construction industry.

Construction accidents occur for a variety of reasons. The top OSHA infractions involved in construction accidents in 2020 include:

• Fall Protection Infractions, 
• Scaffolding Infractions, 
• Ladder Infractions, and
• Eye and Face Protection Infractions. 

Now let’s take a look at the frequency of incidents that cause fatal accidents in descending order.

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Frequency of Accident Types Resulting in Death

Slip and Falls

Falls, slips, and trips are the leading cause of work-related deaths in construction. They account for more than one in three (36.4%) of this industry’s total number of fatalities.

Most construction site falls result from uneven surfaces, improper mounting, and dismounting from equipment, improper ladders, or failing to use fall protection equipment.

Additionally, slips and trips are often caused by misplaced items or spills and leaks.

Struck-by Incidents

The rate of struck-by incidents follows the rate of falls at 15.4% of the industry’s total fatalities.

OSHA defines a struck-by incident as the impact between a person and an object or piece of equipment.

For example, a worker being hit by a machine or falling materials is considered a struck-by accident.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions account for 7.2% of fatalities, making them the third most common cause. Electrocution most often results in burns, but it can also lead to cardiac arrest and nerve damage.

OSHA regulations focus on covering requirements, proper design and use of electrical equipment, and using electrical protective devices and adequate insulation.

Caught-in-Between Incidents

At 5.4%, caught-in-between incidents are the fourth most common cause of construction-related deaths. These accidents occur when a worker becomes caught between two or more objects.

Examples include when a vehicle traps a person against a wall, a body part is pulled into a machine or materials collapse on someone.

Other Hazards

Other hazards include machinery accidents, ground collapses, explosions and demolitions, chemical spills, repetitive motion injuries, heatstroke and overexertion, and vehicle accidents in highway construction zones.

As you can see, construction site hazards are abundant.

Avoiding construction site injuries and other job site accidents caused by these hazards begins with ensuring a work culture that values safety first. 

Injury Types Common to California Construction Sites

No matter how careful a worker or employer is, construction work is still one of the most dangerous professions. Using heavy machinery to construct large structures sets the stage for severe injuries and accidents.

Some of the most common construction site injuries include:

• Burns;
• Chemical exposure illnesses;
• Head injuries;
• Eye injury and vision damage;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs);
• Neck and back injuries;
• Broken bones or fractures;
• Amputations;
• Contusions;
• Sprains and strains; and
• Cuts and lacerations.

Any injury, even a small one, can prove harmful to your future and overall health. A severe injury can also cause financial difficulty for you and your family, especially if you experience a permanent disability.

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, inform your employer and seek medical help immediately.

Compensation You May Receive in a Construction Accident Case

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation through various legal avenues.

In California, workers injured on the job are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, compensation may also extend beyond what is provided through workers’ comp, especially in cases where third-party negligence contributed to the injury.

The compensation you may receive in a construction accident case can include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all necessary medical treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation related to your injury. This includes future medical care if your injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.
• Lost Wages: Temporary disability benefits help replace wages you lose while recovering. If your injury prevents you from returning to work in any capacity, permanent disability benefits may provide financial assistance.
• Pain and Suffering: If your injury has caused severe physical pain, emotional distress, or diminished quality of life, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. This is often awarded in personal injury lawsuits.
• Disability Benefits: If your injury leads to permanent disability, you may receive permanent disability benefits, either partial or total, depending on the severity of your condition.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: If you cannot return to your previous job due to your injury, you may be entitled to supplemental job displacement benefits. These benefits can help cover the costs of retraining for a new job or career.
• Death Benefits: If a worker tragically dies due to a construction accident, their surviving spouse, children, or dependents may be entitled to death benefits under workers’ compensation.

In addition to workers’ compensation, if third-party negligence played a role in your injury—such as a defective tool, unsafe equipment, or a vehicle collision involving a negligent driver—you may be able to pursue a third-party lawsuit to recover additional damages.

Every construction accident is unique, and a skilled Los Angeles construction accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand the full extent of the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Los Angeles Construction Accident Injury Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation is the required first step to seeking financial assistance. Under California law, workers injured on the job can collect certain benefits under workers’ compensation regardless of fault.

Workers’ comp insurance provides five essential payments:

• Medical care—paid for by the employer for a worker recovering from an injury or illness caused by work;
• Temporary disability benefits—payments that cover lost wages from an injury that prevents an employee from doing their usual job while recovering;
• Permanent disability benefits—payments when an employee doesn’t wholly recover;
• Supplemental job displacement benefits—vouchers to help pay for retraining or skill enhancement when an employee doesn’t recover completely and can’t return to their previous job; and
• Death benefits—payments made to spouses, children, or other dependents if an employee dies from a job injury or illness.

Workers injured on the job should report any injuries to a supervisor right away.

Then, they should fill out and file a Workers’ Compensation claim form. Prompt reporting helps prevent problems and delays in receiving benefits.

If an employer isn’t notified of an employee’s injury within 30 days, the delay can prevent that employer from thoroughly investigating the injury.

For the employee, this can result in losing the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Unless an employer’s wrongful act caused a worker’s injury, California’s workers’ compensation system precludes injured workers from filing a lawsuit against an employer.

However, an injured worker may file a construction accident lawsuit against a third party in some instances.

For example, a worker that sustains injuries from a speeding vehicle that crashed into a highway construction site might be able to file a third-party claim against the negligent motorist.

A worker injured by a defective tool may also have a third-party claim against the toolmaker. This is true even after the worker obtains workers’ compensation benefits.

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Why You Should Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

A construction accident attorney Los Angeles plays a vital role in ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve after a workplace injury. Construction accidents can lead to life-changing injuries, and navigating the complex legal and insurance systems can be challenging without expert assistance.

An experienced construction accident lawyer Los Angeles will guide you through every step of the process—from filing workers’ compensation claims to pursuing third-party lawsuits if applicable. They will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you’re not taken advantage of.

In cases where third-party negligence is involved, such as when a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or motorist caused your injury, a Los Angeles construction injury lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit. This can provide you with additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.

Ultimately, your attorney’s goal is to help you recover both physically and financially, ensuring you have the support you need to move forward after a construction-related injury.

FAQS about Construction Accidents in Los Angeles

What Should I Do if I’m Injured at a Construction Site in Los Angeles?

If you’re injured at a construction site, it’s important to immediately report the injury to your supervisor, seek medical attention, and document the accident scene if possible. Taking these steps will help ensure that your injury is properly recorded, which can be critical for any future legal claims or workers’ compensation benefits.

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim is generally one year from the date of the injury. However, if you are filing a lawsuit against a third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer), you may have two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to consult with a construction accident lawyer to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

Will I Have to Go to Court if I File a Construction Accident Claim?

Not necessarily. Many construction accident claims are settled out of court, either through negotiations with the insurance company or through a workers’ compensation settlement. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may need to go to trial. A construction accident attorney can advise you on the best course of action and represent your interests throughout the process.

Contact our Los Angeles Construction Accident Lawyers | No Fee Unless We Win

An unexpected construction injury can cause devastating and lasting damage.

If you need a construction accident attorney in Los Angeles, we can help you recoup the compensation you deserve.

Depending on the facts of your case, we can help you file a workers’ compensation claim or a construction site accident lawsuit.

Whatever your situation, we can help you recoup damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of earnings.

Our ultimate mission is to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call the Weinberg Law Offices at (818) 697-1079 or visit us online to schedule a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.