Were you injured on a construction site? Have you or someone you care about been harmed on or near a construction site? Whether you were a passerby or a construction worker, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. That’s where Belal Hamideh can help. An attorney with experience dealing with construction accidents in Encino cases, he can help you to recover maximum compensation. Hablamos Espanol.
What are Common Types of Construction Accidents?
Construction sites, by their very nature, are fraught with risks. Accidents can happen at any time, and both construction workers and passersby can become victims. Common accidents include:
- Falls: Falling from elevated positions is perhaps the most prevalent type of construction accident. Defective railings, unstable ladders, inappropriate scaffolding, and various other hazards can lead to severe injuries.
- Equipment Accidents: Heavy equipment, such as cranes, ladders, and tools, can pose a significant threat to workers and bystanders if they malfunction or are not used correctly.
- Electrocution: Construction sites are rife with electrical equipment, and electrocution injuries can occur due to power tools, faulty wiring, lighting issues, and more.
- Fires: The potential for fires on construction sites is higher compared to many other settings, leading to potentially devastating injuries.
- Caught Between Accidents: Construction workers are frequently exposed to situations where they may become trapped between heavy machinery, bulky equipment, or moving vehicles.
- Improper Placement: Materials scattered around construction sites can create tripping hazards or more severe accidents if not appropriately positioned.
- Lack of Signage: Holes, ditches, and other potential hazards must be clearly marked to prevent accidents among construction workers and passersby.
- Not Enough Safety Equipment/Improper Use: The absence of safety equipment, such as hard hats, gloves, and goggles, can result in significant injuries.
Those are just some of the most common types of construction accidents. There are many others. If you’re injured on a construction site, Belal very well may be able to help.
What Causes Construction Site Accidents?
Construction accidents can transpire for a multitude of reasons, making them challenging to predict and prevent. Construction workers are often under pressure to meet strict deadlines, which may lead to fatigue and potentially dangerous mistakes. Distractions are also common on construction sites due to the sheer volume of activity and noise.
Furthermore, repetitive motion injuries can result from performing the same tasks repeatedly over the years. In some cases, construction companies may cut corners to save time or money, potentially compromising safety protocols, equipment quality, or employee training. Regardless of the type of your construction accident, legal recourse is available to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Kinds of Injuries Can Be Suffered in Construction Accidents?
Catastrophic injuries, short of fatal accidents, are some of the most severe injuries that a person can sustain. These injuries typically involve disfigurement, brain damage, limb loss, and other life-altering consequences. Recovery from catastrophic injuries can be complex and prolonged, and some individuals may never fully regain their previous quality of life. These injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Severe trauma to the head can lead to lasting neurological damage and worse.
- Skull Fractures: Fractures to the skull can have severe consequences for victims.
- Amputation of Limbs: Losing a limb is a life-changing event that could necessitate extensive rehabilitation and adjustment.
- “Crush” Injuries: These injuries involve heavy objects crushing limbs or the body, causing significant damage.
- Paralysis from Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting a person’s mobility, independence, and more.
- Burn Injuries: Exposure to dangerous chemicals and high temperatures can result in burn injuries that require specialized medical care and rehabilitation.
- Fractures: Bone fractures can be severe and may necessitate surgery and rehabilitation.
- Internal Bleeding/Internal Organ Damage: Internal injuries can be challenging to diagnose and treat promptly, leading to long-term health consequences.
These are just some examples of catastrophic injuries that can occur on construction sites.
How Do Accidents Occur on Construction Sites?
Construction sites rely on heavy equipment to complete various tasks, and accidents involving this machinery are all too common. Even diligent and safety-conscious construction workers can be at risk of equipment-related injuries, including:
- Falls: Working on cranes, scaffolding, or other elevated positions often presents the risk of falling when entering or exiting equipment or trying to reach controls.
- Electrocution: Heavy equipment near live power lines or defective machinery can lead to electrocution incidents.
- Cuts: Saws, blades, and similar equipment can cause injuries on construction sites.
- Burns: Welding and metalworking equipment can harm even experienced construction workers.
- Rollovers: Overloaded equipment or uneven terrain can lead to dangerous rollovers, a common type of construction accident.
- Collisions: Backhoes, trucks, and other vehicles may collide with equipment or other vehicles on the construction site.
While these are some of the most prevalent equipment-related accidents, numerous other scenarios can lead to injuries caused by construction equipment.
What Should You Do After a Construction Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a construction site accident, your immediate priority should be seeking medical attention. Even if you feel fine, many injuries sustained on construction sites can be internal and may not manifest symptoms immediately. Prompt medical assessment is essential to ensure your well-being.
Additionally, it’s crucial to notify your employer of the incident. Reporting the accident is not a sign of weakness; it’s the responsible course of action. If possible, document important details at the accident site. Take photographs of the equipment, the surroundings, and your injuries, as this documentation can be invaluable in building your case.
Once you’ve done all of that, reach out to Belal for a free case evaluation.
What Has to Be Proven in a Construction Accident Case?
To pursue a successful construction accident case, you must demonstrate several key elements:
- Duty or Obligation: The defendant, the party you intend to sue for negligence, must have owed you a legal duty. For example, if you were a construction worker, your employer had a duty to provide a safe work environment, functional equipment, compliance with safety protocols, and more
- Breach of Duty: You must prove that the defendant failed to meet their duty or obligation.
- Accident at the Construction Site: It must be evident that the accident occurred at the construction site.
- Injury: You, the plaintiff, must have sustained an injury as a result of the accident.
These are the fundamental elements of a construction site accident case. If you believe there’s any chance you have a case, it’s worth it to reach out to an experienced attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Case?
Construction accident cases are subject to statutes of limitations, which set a finite period within which you can file a lawsuit. In California, many personal injury cases, including construction accidents, have a two-year statute of limitations.
Waiting too long to initiate legal proceedings could jeopardize your chances of obtaining compensation. Moreover, crucial evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and environmental data, may become unavailable or unreliable over time.
By promptly contacting Belal Hamideh, you can preserve essential evidence and enhance your chances of a successful case.
Workers’ Comp vs. Personal Injury Claims
If you’re a construction worker injured on the job in California, your case falls under workers’ compensation. However, if a third party, other than your employer, played a role in the accident (such as a defective equipment manufacturer), you may also pursue a personal injury claim.
This distinction highlights the importance of consulting a construction accident attorney well-versed in handling both types of cases. Failing to explore all possible avenues could result in missed opportunities for compensation.
What is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
In a construction accident case, you may be eligible for compensation to cover various aspects of your injuries and losses:
- Medical Bills: Compensation for medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, medications, therapy, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time away from work caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for diminished earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or performing the same tasks.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and diminished quality of life.
- Maximum Compensation: A construction accident attorney can help you secure the maximum compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of your injuries.
After Your Construction Accident in Encino, Contact Belal Hamideh
If you’ve experienced a construction site accident, you may very well deserve rightful compensation for your suffering. We can help you through the entire process, from the initial free case evaluation through a successful ending.
To schedule this consultation, complete the contact form at our site or call.