Orlando Construction Accident Attorneys
Construction sites can be dangerous by their very nature. Heavy machinery, power tools, bulky materials, and dangerous implements are just a few of the hazards typically present at a construction site. Not surprisingly, construction site accidents are relatively common. While some accidents only cause minor injuries, others can lead to severe injuries or death. If you were injured in an Orlando construction accident, or you are the surviving family member of someone killed in one, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or loss.
The Orlando construction accident attorneys at Bailey Fisher are committed to advocating for victims and families of victims injured or killed in a construction accident. Navigating the legal system can be particularly challenging when a construction accident causes injuries given that there are two potential avenues an injured victim can pursue – workers’ compensation and a traditional personal injury lawsuit. Our Orlando construction accident attorneys are dedicated to holding the responsible party (or parties) accountable and helping victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
What Are Some Common Construction Accident Injuries?
In an average year, about three million workplace injuries occur in the United States. In 2020, 4,764 workers died on the job in the United States, meaning a worker died every 111 minutes. Workers in transportation and material moving occupations and construction and extraction accounted for nearly half of those fatalities, with 1,282 and 976 workplace deaths, respectively, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Although construction sites increase the risk of all types of injuries, the most common causes of construction fatalities, according to OSHA, are:
- Falls. Constructing, repairing, or remodeling a structure are common activities on a construction site. As such, there are numerous opportunities for a fall to occur. A worker might trip over materials or equipment, fall off of an open area, or fall through an incomplete floor. In 2020, 351 people were fatally injured as a result of falling to a lower level on a construction site, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- “Struck by an object” injuries. A construction site is a virtual beehive of activity with people and machines constantly in motion. Injuries caused by being struck by an object are common. Anything from a wayward nail to a bulldozer could hit a person at any time while on a construction site.
- Caught in/between injuries. These injuries include situations such as being trapped under heavy construction material, being wedged between machinery and an object, falling into a hole, and other similar injury accidents.
- Electrocution. A tremendous amount of electrical power is usually needed on a construction site. Generators, electrical wires, power cords, and electrical tools all present a potential hazard. The risk of electrocution also increases if existing electrical lines must be repaired or replaced or if a new electrical system is being installed on the site.
When Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Injuries?
In the State of Florida, an employer engaged in the construction trade is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance if the employer has one or more employees. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that was developed to provide workers with a quick pathway to compensation when injured on the job. The benefit of filing a workers’ compensation claim is that an injured worker is not required to prove that the employer’s negligent or wrongful conduct caused his/her injuries. On the other hand, the amount and type of compensation available through a workers’ compensation claim is limited.
Can I Pursue a Traditional Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The other avenue an injured construction worker may be entitled to pursue is a traditional personal injury lawsuit. Generally, workers are limited to the workers’ compensation system when injured on the job; however, there are situations where an injured worker may file a personal injury lawsuit, including:
- If the employer’s intentionally wrongful conduct caused or contributed to the worker’s injuries
- If a third party’s negligent or wrongful conduct caused or contributed to the accident.
Third-party liability is the most often used justification for moving outside of the workers’ compensation system and into the traditional civil court system. When injuries are sustained on a construction site, the negligence of numerous potential third parties may be a factor. Some common third-party defendants include:
- Owner of the property
- General contractor
- Subcontractor
- Equipment manufacturer
- Equipment maintenance providers
- Leasing company (if the equipment was leased)
Get Help from Experienced Orlando Construction Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member were injured in an Orlando construction accident, you could be entitled to compensation from your employer and/or from a third party whose negligent or wrongful conduct contributed to the accident. Compensation may be available for your physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses attributable to the accident. At Bailey Fisher, we have extensive experience helping construction accident victims and their families receive a full and fair settlement for all their injuries and losses.
Call us at 407-628-2929 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced Orlando construction accident attorneys will evaluate your case for free. For viable personal injury cases, we will follow up with the necessary legal action to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence and recover the financial compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and losses.