Construction Accident Lawyers in Seattle

Helping Injured Workers and Civilians in Seattle Area

Construction sites are naturally dangerous places to work and visit, regardless of the safety regulations the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) puts into place. Despite the inherent risk, there is a need for the services and labor that the construction industry provides, so there is almost always a need for construction workers.

If you sustained injuries as a worker at a construction site in Seattle–or if you were merely a visitor or passerby who was unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and suffered harm due to a construction accident–you likely have legal rights to seek compensation for any injuries or losses you suffered. While the insurance company may offer a measly settlement to get rid of you, an experienced construction accident attorney will make it their mission to hold any at-fault party liable and seek maximum compensation for your personal injury case.

By securing damages for the construction accident with the help of a personal injury lawyer, the injured worker or visitor can obtain much-needed compensation to recover from their injuries without worrying about medical expenses, lost wages, or lost future earning capacity.

Khan Injury Law’s construction accident lawyers have years of experience helping clients recover the compensation they deserve following an accident. We represent construction workers and civilians throughout the greater Seattle area. Contact us to request a free consultation to learn of your rights and options to pursue compensation and how we might represent your construction site accident claim.

What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Construction Accidents?

Construction accidents can occur due to various reasons, but some of the most frequent causes include:

Falls: Falls from heights, such as ladders, scaffolds, or roofs, are a leading cause of construction accidents. Inadequate fall protection or safety measures can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Struck-by incidents: Workers can be struck by moving objects, such as heavy equipment, vehicles, or falling debris, resulting in injuries.
Electrocution: Contact with live electrical wires, faulty equipment, or improper grounding can cause electrocution accidents on construction sites.
Caught-in/between: Workers can get caught in or compressed by equipment, objects, or collapsing structures, leading to severe injuries or death.
Slips, trips, and falls: Uneven surfaces, obstacles, or slippery conditions on the construction site can cause workers to slip, trip, and fall, resulting in injuries.
Overexertion: Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or working in awkward positions can lead to overexertion injuries, such as strains or sprains.
Machinery accidents: Improper use, maintenance, or guarding of machinery and tools can cause accidents, such as amputations or crushing injuries.
Trench collapses: Excavation work and trench collapses can cause workers to be buried or trapped, leading to suffocation or crushing injuries.
Vehicle accidents: Construction workers can be involved in accidents with construction vehicles, such as trucks, cranes, or forklifts, on the site or while traveling between sites.
Hazardous materials: Exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos, lead, or chemicals, can cause acute or chronic health problems for construction workers.

To minimize these accidents, employers must provide proper safety training, personal protective equipment, and supervision. Workers should follow safety guidelines and report any potential hazards promptly.

Because of the inherent danger of construction sites, any negligence or oversight can be a recipe for disaster. If your attorney can prove your employer or another party’s negligence or wrongdoing led to the construction accident that injured you or killed a close family member, you may be able to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Are Common Construction Site Injuries?

Construction job sites pose many hazards and risks for injury. Construction site accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Common injuries that occur in construction site accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Falls, struck-by incidents, or vehicle accidents can cause head injuries ranging from concussions to severe TBIs.
Spinal cord injuries: Falls or caught-in/between incidents can result in spinal cord damage, leading to paralysis or other long-term consequences.
Broken bones: Falls, struck-by incidents, or machinery accidents can cause fractures in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs, or ribs.
Amputations: Machinery accidents or caught-in/between incidents can lead to the loss of fingers, toes, or limbs.
Burns: Electrical accidents, explosions, or exposure to hazardous materials can cause burn injuries of varying degrees.
Eye injuries: Flying debris, chemicals, or welding sparks can cause eye injuries, including abrasions, punctures, or blindness.
Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise from construction equipment can lead to occupational hearing loss.
Respiratory problems: Inhalation of dust, fumes, or hazardous materials can cause respiratory issues, such as asthma, silicosis, or mesothelioma.
Lacerations and punctures: Contact with sharp objects or tools can cause deep cuts or puncture wounds.
Soft tissue injuries: Overexertion, slips, trips, and falls can lead to sprains, strains, or tears in muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Crush injuries: Caught-in/between incidents or trench collapses can cause crush injuries, which may result in internal organ damage or compartment syndrome.
Psychological trauma: Witnessing or being involved in a severe accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues.

The severity and long-term impact of these injuries can vary depending on factors such as the nature of the accident, the worker’s age and health, and the availability of prompt medical attention.

If you have suffered a construction injury, then you may be entitled to seek workers’ compensation or pursue compensation through a third-party injury claim. Please speak to a construction accident lawyer at our law firm today to learn how you can hold your employers or another party accountable for negligence and unsafe working conditions.

What Are the Different Types of Construction Site Accident Cases?

There are several different types of construction site accident cases, depending on the circumstances of the incident and the parties involved. Here’s an overview of the main categories:

Workers’ Compensation Claims

When a worker is injured on a construction site, they are typically entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides benefits to injured workers, such as medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for injured workers, meaning they cannot sue their employer for additional damages.

However, there are some exceptions where a worker may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against their employer, such as when the employer intentionally caused harm or acted with gross negligence.

Third-Party Claims

In some cases, the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor, subcontractor, tool manufacturer, or material supplier, may cause a construction worker’s injuries. In these situations, the injured worker may be able to pursue a separate personal injury claim against the negligent third party, in addition to their workers’ compensation claim.

Examples of third-party claims include:

A subcontractor failing to properly secure a scaffold, causing a worker to fall.
A tool manufacturer producing a defective power tool that malfunctions and injures a worker.
A material supplier providing faulty or dangerous materials that cause an accident on the construction site.

Claims by Non-Workers

Construction accidents can also injure individuals who are not construction workers, such as pedestrians passing by the site or visitors to the construction area. In these cases, the injured non-worker can pursue a personal injury claim against the parties responsible for their injuries.

The liable parties may include the property owner, general contractor, subcontractors, or any other entity whose negligence contributed to the accident.

Examples of non-worker claims include:

A pedestrian being struck by falling debris from a construction site due to inadequate safety measures.
A site visitor tripping and falling due to unmarked hazards or poorly maintained walkways.

When pursuing compensation for construction site accidents, it’s important to identify all potentially liable parties and gather evidence to support the claim. This may involve investigating the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, reviewing safety records, and consulting with experts in construction safety and accident reconstruction.

The specific legal options available will depend on the facts of each case and the applicable state laws. It’s advisable for injured individuals to consult with an experienced construction accident attorney who can evaluate their case, explain their rights, and help them pursue the maximum compensation available.

Employers Must Provide Proper Safety Equipment to Construction Workers

Construction work often involves potential safety hazards, which is why employers are legally obligated to provide their workers with appropriate safety equipment and training. Here are some key points about an employer’s responsibility to ensure proper safety measures for construction workers:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers must provide PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility clothing at no cost to the workers.
Fall Protection: When working at heights, employers must provide fall protection systems like guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (harnesses and lanyards).
Respiratory Protection: If workers are exposed to dust, fumes, or other airborne hazards, employers must provide appropriate respirators and ensure workers are trained in their proper use and maintenance.
Hearing Protection: In high-noise environments, employers must provide hearing protection devices like earplugs or earmuffs to prevent hearing damage.
Training: Employers are responsible for providing safety training to workers, including proper use of equipment, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures.
Maintenance: Employers must ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained and replaced when necessary.
Compliance with Regulations: Employers must follow all applicable safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other relevant authorities.

Failure to provide proper safety equipment and training can result in accidents, injuries, and legal consequences for the employer. Workers have the right to a safe work environment, and they should report any safety concerns or violations to their supervisor, union representative, or OSHA if necessary.

You should also contact an experienced construction accident attorney near you right away if your employer neglected or failed to provide proper safety equipment or follow regulations.

What Should I Do If Injured in a Construction Accident?

If you are injured in a construction accident, there are several important steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and well-being should be the top priority. If the injury is severe, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Also, you’ll need documentation of your injury and the treatment you received for your injury claim.

Report the Incident

Inform your supervisor or employer about the accident and injury as soon as possible. Make they file an official incident report, and obtain a copy for your records.

Document the Accident

If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any equipment or machinery involved. Collect names and contact information of any witnesses.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim (if applicable)

Most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages resulting from work-related injuries. Follow your employer’s procedures for filing a claim.

Keep Records

Maintain copies of all medical reports, bills, correspondence with your employer and their insurance company, and any other relevant documents.

Follow Medical Advice

Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This is crucial for your recovery and to demonstrate the extent of your injuries in a potential legal case.

Be Cautious when Communicating

Be careful about signing any documents or providing recorded statements to your employer or their insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer.

Consider Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney

If your employer denies your claim, if your injuries are severe, or if you believe a third party’s negligence caused the accident, consult with an experienced construction accident attorney to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.

Remember, construction accidents can be complex cases, and it’s essential to have professional legal guidance to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

What Types of Compensation Can an Attorney Help Me Get for My Construction Accident Injuries?

An attorney who handles construction accident cases can help you seek various types of compensation for injuries sustained on a construction site. The specific types of compensation will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries, as well as the circumstances surrounding the accident. Some common types of compensation include:

Medical expenses: This covers the cost of medical treatment related to your injuries, including hospital bills, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost and will continue to lose in the future.
Pain and suffering: This type of compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Disability: If your injuries result in a temporary or permanent disability, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the costs associated with your disability, such as home modifications or adaptive equipment.
Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to earn the same income as before the accident, you may be compensated for the difference in your earning potential.
Disfigurement or scarring: If the accident causes significant scarring or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress and impact on your quality of life.
Wrongful death: If a construction accident killed a loved one, eligible surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

An experienced construction accident attorney can assess your case, determine the types of compensation applicable to your situation, and work to secure the full financial recovery you need through negotiation or litigation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Seattle?

In Seattle, and throughout Washington state, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

If the injury was not discovered immediately (such as in cases of medical malpractice), the three-year period may start from the date the injury was discovered or should have been reasonably discovered.
If the injured person is a minor, the three-year period typically doesn’t begin until the minor turns 18.
If the defendant is a government entity, shorter time limits may apply. In most cases, you must file a formal claim with the government entity within a specified period, often much shorter than three years.

It is important to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident or injury. They can help you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case and ensure that your lawyer files your claim within the appropriate time frame. Failing to file within the statute of limitations may result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

Get a Free Consultation with an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney Today

A Seattle construction accident lawyer may be able to hold employers, general contractors, architects, manufacturers, and site owners for your injuries. However, you first need to consult an attorney and tell them about your case.

Khan Injury Law offers a free consultation to prospective new clients. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that if we are unsuccessful in obtaining compensation for your case, you will owe us nothing in legal fees.

To request your free case consultation, call our Seattle office at (206) 430-6096 or contact us online. We’re here to answer your questions, advise you of your options, and fight vigorously to protect your rights and improve your chances of getting the full and fair compensation you deserve.