Seattle Construction Accident Attorneys
Construction work has always been dangerous work. This is why the construction is subject to a wide range of federal, state, and local regulations. But no matter how many rules may be in place, accidents can and do happen at construction sites on a daily basis, often resulting in deadly or life-threatening injuries.
If you or someone you loved has been injured at a construction site, you understandably want to hold someone accountable. A qualified lawyer can help. At the Emerald Law Group, we represent individuals in bringing claims against construction companies, equipment manufacturers, and other parties whose negligence led to a preventable accident.
How Can I Receive Compensation Following a Construction Site Accident?
According to official statistics kept by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), about 1 in 5 work-related fatalities each year occur in the construction industry. This should come as no surprise. There are any number of potential construction accidents that can seriously injure or kill a construction worker, including falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught in machinery, just to name a few.
Depending on the specific facts and circumstances of a construction accident, the victim or their family may have a number of potential legal claims:
- Workers compensation. All Washington workers are covered by the industrial insurance program, otherwise known as workers’ comp. Industrial insurance provides medical and wage replacement benefits to people injured on the job. Since workers’ comp is “no fault,” you do not have to prove your employer’s negligence caused your accident, but you do have to show that you were engaged in work-related activities when you were injured.
- Personal injury lawsuits. Workers’ compensation shields employers from personal injury lawsuits that may be brought by injured employees. However, if a third-party caused your construction accident, they can still be sued for damages.
- Product liability claims. Construction sites require a lot of machinery and equipment. If any of these items were defectively designed or maintained, an injured worker may have a claim against the manufacturer or another party, such as a company that sold a defective replacement part.
- Wrongful death lawsuits. If a construction worker is killed on the job, their estate and family may be able to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties.
It is important to explore all of your legal options following a workplace accident. For instance, you might think that workers’ compensation alone will cover your losses. But workers’ comp only provides partial wage replacement and does not offer compensation for intangible losses such as your ongoing pain and suffering. Nor does it account for any potential third-party liability for your accident.
Contact Emerald Law Today
A construction accident can leave you with a host of serious injuries that require weeks, months, or even years of medical care and rehabilitation. It is therefore essential you fight for your right to all the compensation you may be entitled to under the law. If you need to speak with a skilled Seattle construction accidents lawyer, contact the Emerald Law Group today to schedule an initial consultation.
