Riverside Construction Accident Attorney

Construction companies, manufacturers, and other organizations have a clear responsibility to maintain a safe working environment during construction projects by following all relevant safety precautions and regulations. Sadly, it is a responsibility that many fail to meet.

When it comes to avoidable accidents, construction accidents are some of the most common. Often the result of negligence they can cause property damage and injury to workers or private citizens who were unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. They can also create significant medical and financial troubles for their victims. If you have suffered harm in a Riverside, California, construction accident triggered by someone else’s negligence, you are likely entitled to compensation. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help you as you work to secure it.

Construction Accident Injuries by the Numbers

Construction has long had a reputation for being one of the most dangerous industries for workers in the United States. When reviewing information about the injuries caused by construction accidents, even a quick glance at the numbers is unsettling:

• Each year, one in 10 construction workers is injured, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• In the course of a 45-year career, a construction worker has a one in 200 chance of dying from a work-related event.
• Annually, the construction field is responsible for one in five worker deaths. Nearly 1000 construction workers died in 2017.
• The non-fatal injury rate in construction is 71% higher than that of any other industry.
• A single fatal injury at a job site is associated with an average of $990,000 in hospital costs.
• Individuals between 25 and 34 years old are the most likely to be injured while working in the construction industry.
• Experts believe nearly 50% of serious workplace injuries go unreported.

Construction Accidents: Cause and Effect

Despite the existence of safety and health standards designed to safeguard workers and the oversight efforts of organizations like OSHA, construction accidents remain a major threat to workers in this field. The majority of these incidents are the result of negligence in the form of carelessness or a failure to follow required safety protocols. In some cases, improperly serviced equipment or defective or dangerous products may be to blame. Some common causes of construction injuries include the following:

• Falls. Falls are one of the deadliest job site accidents, and they are a notorious issue at construction sites. Plunging from ladders, scaffolds, elevations, or heavy machinery can result in severe injury or death.
• Falling objects. Heavy objects are exceedingly common on construction sites. Falling tools, materials, or debris can be incredibly dangerous for the workers below.
• Caught between incidents. Crush injuries resulting from being caught between heavy machinery and other surfaces or beneath heavy loads can be devastating.
• Electrocutions. According to OSHA, nearly 10% of worker deaths are the result of electrocutions. With unshielded wires and other electrical dangers on site, contact with high voltage is a real danger.
• Trenching accidents. Collapses and cave-ins during excavations and trenching operations are a significant source of both fatalities and injuries.
• Forklift accidents. Rollovers are a serious concern that can injure or kill equipment operators and nearby workers. Untrained or unlicensed operators increase the danger.
• Explosions and burns. Fire and electrical hazards are common on construction sites, and many items routinely used by construction workers carry a risk of fire, explosion, chemical burns, or scalding.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

When vital considerations like safety regulations, equipment maintenance, and training requirements are ignored or overlooked, accidents happen, and the results can be devastating. Construction accidents often cause catastrophic injuries like amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damages, back and neck injuries, broken bones, crush injuries, and other serious internal injuries. A disability may be temporary or permanent, and in many cases, lifelong medical care will be necessary. Even in less severe scenarios, victims often find themselves in need of extensive medical treatment and unable to work for lengthy periods.

Why You Should Contact a Riverside Construction Accident Attorney

When you’ve been injured, your focus should be on getting the medical treatment that you need to get better. However, it is also crucial that evidence regarding your case be collected and preserved. That’s why reaching out to a skilled construction accident attorney as soon as possible is so important. An experienced legal professional can review your case, identify potential negligence and the parties responsible, explain your options, and gather the evidenced needed to make a convincing case. They can also deal with the insurance company and other entities that might be pushing you to settle for less than you truly deserve and help you take the steps needed to preserve your legal rights.

Recovery and Compensation

Recovering from a severe injury can take significant time and energy, and the combination of mounting medical bills and lost wages can be incredibly stressful. Securing the compensation that you deserve for your injury can help to ensure that you have the resources needed for your care, but it isn’t an easy task. After reviewing your case, your construction accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation through various types of claims, including workers’ compensation claims, personal injury claims, product liability claims, or wrongful death claims. In many cases, there are strict deadlines for making a claim and procedures that must be followed. Your lawyer can help you determine the best strategy for maximizing your compensation so that you can focus on your recovery.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a construction accident? Don’t wait. Reach out to Rizio Lipinsky Heiting today. As top California injury and employment attorneys, we’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for those injured by the negligence of others. Our compassion for victims and their families means that we not only aggressively represent you in negotiations and litigation but also work to see that you have the care that you need while your case is ongoing. Discover how we can help you gain the resources necessary to rebuild your life. Contact our Riverside office today to request a free consultation.