A Brief Summary of the Following Page
- Safety: Despite stringent safety measures, construction sites in Orange County witness frequent accidents such as falls, scaffolding collapses, and exposure to hazardous materials, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Legal Support: Callahan & Blaine offers comprehensive legal assistance, from investigating accidents and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance firms, aiming to secure fair compensation for victims of construction accidents.
- Accident Types: Common accidents include falls from heights, electrical accidents, machinery malfunctions, and struck-by incidents, highlighting the diverse risks present in the construction industry.
- Liability: The lawyers at Callahan & Blaine identify liable parties in construction accidents, including site owners, contractors, construction companies, and manufacturers, to pursue compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits, emphasizing the complexity of assigning fault.
- Speak with one of our Orange County construction accident lawyers today at 714-241-4444 or fill out a contact form.
In Orange County’s construction industry, the safety of workers remains a paramount concern amid the towering cranes, bustling job sites, and intricate machinery. Despite rigorous safety regulations and standards, accidents on construction sites are not uncommon, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities. At Callahan & Blaine, we offer compassionate guidance and dedicated legal support for accident victims and their families, fighting to recover compensation through a third-party claim or workers’ compensation benefits.
Our legal team meticulously investigates each case, from scrutinizing safety protocols on construction sites to gathering evidence and witness testimonies. We aim to build a compelling case that accurately represents your circumstances, pinpointing liability and advocating for present and future damages. Whether negotiating with insurance adjusters or representing clients in court, we increase your chances of a favorable resolution.
Types of Construction Accidents We Handle
Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments, with a myriad of activities occurring simultaneously that pose significant risks to workers. Despite stringent safety measures, certain types of accidents occur more frequently, leading to injuries or worse.
The following is an overview of the most common types of accidents that afflict construction sites in Orange County:
- Falls from Heights: Falls from elevated platforms, scaffolding, ladders, or roofs represent one of the leading causes of injuries on construction sites. These accidents can result from inadequate fall protection, unstable working surfaces, or failure to use safety equipment properly.
- Scaffolding Collapses: Scaffolding must be erected according to strict standards. When these standards are not met, or scaffolding is improperly used or maintained, collapses can occur, endangering the lives of workers on or near the scaffolding.
- Trench Collapses: Trenching and excavation work are essential to many construction projects, but without proper safety precautions, trenches can collapse, trapping workers under debris or causing crush injuries.
- Electrical Accidents: Exposure to live wires, incomplete electrical systems, and the misuse of electrical equipment can lead to electrocution or electric shock injuries, which are both dangerous and potentially fatal.
- Machinery and Equipment Accidents: The operation of heavy machinery, such as cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers, requires specialized training. Accidents happen due to operator error, mechanical failure, or lack of proper maintenance, leading to severe injuries.
- Struck-By or Caught-In/Between Incidents: Workers can be struck by moving vehicles, falling objects, or swinging construction materials. Similarly, accidents can occur when individuals are caught in or between equipment, such as when limbs are caught in machinery or workers are pinned between vehicles.
- Accidental Amputation: The mishandling of machinery or equipment, as well as the lack of safety guards, can lead to the accidental amputation of fingers, hands, or limbs – a devastating type of injury that is all too common on construction sites.
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Construction sites often involve the use or disturbance of hazardous materials, leading to potential exposure to toxins. Without adequate protective measures, workers can suffer from illnesses related to exposure to asbestos, lead, chemicals, and more.
For workers who have suffered injuries in such accidents, legal recourse may be available to address the harm and losses caused by negligent third parties.
Liability in a Construction Accident Claim
Californian workers who are injured on the job are entitled to benefits under their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage generally provides medical treatment and compensation for lost wages, but accepting these benefits typically means the worker cannot pursue a lawsuit against their employer for the injury. However, if the accident involved a third party’s actions or negligence, the injured worker may have the right to file a lawsuit for personal injury to seek additional compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers.
In California, several parties can be potentially liable in a construction accident, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, including the following:
CONSTRUCTION SITE OWNERS
The owners of the property on which the construction is taking place can be held liable, especially if the injury resulted from a condition of the property that was known (or should have been known) and was not disclosed to the contractor or workers.
GENERAL CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS
General contractors and subcontractors are responsible for ensuring that the work environment is safe and that all operations comply with safety regulations. They are required to warn of potential hazards and ensure that the work being performed adheres to safety standards. Failure in these duties can result in liability for accidents.
CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES
The company overseeing the construction project can be held liable for injuries if it is found that they did not provide a safe working environment, failed to adhere to safety regulations, or were negligent in hiring, training, or supervising employees.
ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
Professionals who are involved in the design and oversight of the construction project, such as architects and engineers, can be held liable if a flaw in the design or failure to oversee the project according to professional standards leads to an accident.
MANUFACTURERS OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
If your accident injuries were caused by defective machinery or equipment, the manufacturer of those products may be liable under product liability laws. This includes cases where equipment fails and causes injury or when safety features are inadequate or malfunctioning.
THIRD-PARTY VENDORS AND SUPPLIERS
Vendors and suppliers who provide materials, equipment, or services to a construction site may be liable if their products are defective or if their services contribute to an accident.
Given the intricate nature of determining fault in construction accidents, consulting with a lawyer at Callahan & Blaine who has focused knowledge of these types of complex cases can be immensely beneficial. We will thoroughly investigate accident details, pinpoint who is at fault, and advise on the best legal strategy to pursue for the compensation you deserve.
Speak With the Construction Accident Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine Today
If you were injured on a construction site in Orange County, you may have legal options to seek justice for the negligence of third parties. The experienced construction accident lawyers at Callahan & Blaine can offer you the guidance and support you need to navigate the complex process, identify responsible parties, and fight for the complete compensation you deserve. With our team of over 29 trial ready lawyers, we boast securing the largest jury verdict in Orange County history. With us by your side, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome for your construction accident claim.
Speak with one of our Orange County construction accident lawyers today at 714-241-4444 or fill out a contact form.
