Construction is one of Americaโs most dangerous industries. For example, the risk of being struck by a piece of heavy equipment is far higher than in other industries.
The construction accident attorneys at Gerling Law have experience representing workers who have suffered serious injuries in job site accidents. An Indianapolis construction accident attorney is prepared to thoroughly review your or your loved oneโs claim in a construction site accident.
Common Worksite Accidents
Accidents happen on constructions site for many reasons. According to OSHA, falls, burns, heavy falling materials, equipment malfunction, explosions and electric shocks are some of the common causes of construction injuries.
When it comes to fatal injuries, workers in transportation and material-moving occupations as well as construction and extraction occupations account for nearly half of all fatal worksite injuries. For the most part, these fatalities are caused by falls, being caught in between something, and electrocutions. Struck-by objects is another leading cause of construction-related deaths. Approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes.
Even the most conscientious construction worker can find themselves in a dangerous situation that canโt be managed and suffer an injury. For a construction worker, an injury can mean being out of work for weeks, months or even years โ and sometimes, it means never being able to work again.
While most construction accident cases involve an injured worker, a construction mishap could also harm visitors, non-construction workers, and bystanders passing through worksites.
If a construction mishap caused your injuries, and youโre not a construction employee, a construction accident attorney in Indianapolis can still help with your case.
The list of potential construction site dangers is endless. If you donโt see the cause of your injury in this article, it doesnโt mean that you donโt have a case.
Common Injuries Associated with Construction Accidents
A serious construction accident can change your life forever. Common worksite injuries include:
- Broken bones,
- Amputations,
- Back and neck injuries,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Paralysis,
- Burns,
- Hearing loss, and
- Vision loss.
Additionally, dealing with medical appointments, procedures, physical limitations, and your financial situation can add stress to an already devastating situation.
Although workersโ compensation insurance covers almost all types of employees after an injury in Indiana, if a third partyโs negligent actions have caused you harm, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of an Indianapolis construction accident lawyer.
You Need an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney to Help You Through This Time
Employees working on construction jobs are generally covered by workersโ compensation insurance. These policies cover financial risk when an employee suffers injury on the job. If you received Indiana workersโ compensation benefits after a construction injury, you may not bring a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against an employer. Workersโ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer.
However, if the injury resulted from the negligence of a non-employer, you could be eligible to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim against that โthird party.โ
Examples of third parties who could be held liable for a construction site fall are:
- Construction site owner,
- General contractor,
- Subcontractor, or
- Manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment (such as a ladder).
In a third-party liability claim, you must prove negligence. To prove negligence, you must show that the third party had a duty to exercise reasonable care, that they breached that duty, and that their breach caused your injuries.
For example, if an electrician left debris on the ground that caused you to slip, fall, and become injured, the electrician may be liable for your injuries based on the principles of negligence.
Because multiple entities could be liable, itโs important to contact a construction accident lawyer in Indianapolis before filing a claim to determine potential parties in your claim. Also, be aware that in the majority of construction accident cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury or death in Indiana.
Gerling Lawโs experienced construction accident attorneys understand all these facts of a case and will provide you with the personal attention your case demands. After an accident, you will most likely experience lost wages, be unable to work, suffer pain and be unable to enjoy any of your normal activities. You may also have huge medical bills and have a difficult time supporting your family.
Through a third-party claim, injured workers or victims of a construction accident may be entitled to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Reduced earning capacity, and
- Pain and suffering.
We will thoroughly investigate your case and draw upon the ability of professionals to determine who is at fault and how the injuries could have been avoided. Our attorneys will also consider how the injuries will affect your future quality of life and the cost of any additional care that will be needed to ensure that the compensation received is adequate and just.
Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Construction Accident. Call Gerling Law.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a construction accident, itโs important that you act quickly to protect your rights. Talking to a law firm with experience in accident cases makes sense.
Call Gerling Law today at 1-888-GERLING (888-437-5464) or complete the free case review form for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Remember, Go with Experience. Go with Gerling.