Construction Accidents

Construction Accident Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale

Hard Working people are injured in Construction accidents every day. Amazingly, over 1,000 people die annually – due to Construction accidents – in the United States alone. Thousands more are injured each year from Construction accidents.

Some Construction accident injuries are minor, while others are catastrophic. Overseas, the accident rates are much higher because of our strict labor laws and standards, imposed by OSHA. In South Florida and across the United States, Construction accident injuries are usually due to the negligence of one or more companies as a result of how they are operating and doing business. Oftentimes, it is the simple failure to follow safety standards set forth by OSHA that causes a Construction accident. Other times, it is a failure to provide proper training to employees.

You are not alone if you are the victim of a Construction accident. By calling our experienced construction accident lawyers, you will be able to fight for the maximum monetary compensation that you deserve.

What You Should Do After a Construction Accident

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. The first step is to report the injury to your employer and seek immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being are the top priority. Afterward, contacting an experienced construction accident lawyer is essential to help you navigate the complexities of your case.

At Coffey McPharlin, we understand how treacherous construction sites can be and the devastating impact an injury can have on your life. Our Fort Lauderdale construction accident attorneys are dedicated to identifying any negligence that may have caused your injury and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Compensation for Construction Site Accidents

In most workplaces, if you’re injured on the job, your options for pursuing compensation are typically limited to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, construction accidents are often more complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties, including subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and others. Each of these parties may bear some responsibility for your injury, and it’s important to identify all potential sources of compensation.

At Coffey McPharlin, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your accident to determine who is liable and pursue the maximum compensation available. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation from:

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This coverage provides benefits for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. It does not, however, cover pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
• Third-Party Claims: These claims are filed against parties other than your employer, such as subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers, who may have contributed to the accident.
• Direct Claims Against Your Employer: In rare cases where your employer’s negligence goes beyond standard workers’ compensation, a direct lawsuit may be possible.

Types of Construction Accident Claims

When it comes to construction accidents, there are generally two types of claims that can be filed:

• Workers’ Compensation Claims: These are claims filed under Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Act (F.S. 440) and provide a streamlined process for obtaining benefits for medical expenses and lost wages. The advantage of workers’ compensation is that you do not need to prove negligence to receive benefits. However, the downside is that compensation is limited, and you cannot pursue additional damages such as pain and suffering.
• Third-Party Negligence Claims: These claims are filed against third parties who may have been responsible for the accident but are not your employer. This could include the owner of the construction site, a subcontractor, a negligent driver, or a manufacturer of defective equipment. Third-party claims allow for the recovery of additional damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

Types of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and the risk of serious injury or death is always present. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is one of the most hazardous, with a high rate of fatal work accidents. In 2022 alone, over 1,000 fatal construction accidents were reported nationwide.

Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:

• Crane or Hoist Accidents: Cranes and hoists are powerful tools, but when improperly operated or maintained, they can lead to devastating accidents. Proper training and safety protocols are essential to prevent these incidents.
• Falls from Heights and Scaffolding Accidents: Falls are among the leading causes of fatal construction accidents. Workers often have to navigate scaffolding, ladders, and other elevated structures, making the risk of falling significant. Ensuring that all equipment is secure and that safety harnesses are used properly can help reduce these risks.
• Slip and Falls: These accidents can occur anywhere on a construction site due to unmarked hazards, wet surfaces, or cluttered walkways. Even a seemingly minor slip can lead to serious injuries, especially if it occurs at a height.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Construction work often involves repetitive motions that can lead to long-term injuries affecting the joints and muscles. Over time, these injuries can become debilitating, making it difficult to continue working.
• Electrical Accidents and Electrocutions: Construction workers frequently work around exposed wiring and electrical systems. Without proper safety measures, the risk of electrocution is high, leading to severe injuries or death.
• Machinery Accidents: Heavy machinery is a staple of construction sites, but without proper training and maintenance, these machines can cause catastrophic injuries, including amputations and crush injuries.
• Struck-By Accidents: These accidents occur when a worker is struck by a moving vehicle, equipment, or falling object. They are among the most common causes of fatal construction injuries.
• Trench Accidents: Working in or around trenches presents unique dangers. If trenches are not properly marked or shored up, workers can suffer serious injuries or even death due to collapses or falls.

Why Choose Coffey McPharlin for Your Construction Accident Case?

We have a successful track record of winning for our clients in construction accident cases. Our deep understanding of OSHA regulations, labor laws, and the complexities of construction site operations in South Florida sets us apart from other firms. We take on even the most challenging cases, and because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay a penny unless we win a recovery for you.

We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you understand your options and the progress of your case. With Coffey McPharlin by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve. We’re Good Lawyers Helping People. Contact us today!