Charlotte Construction Accident Lawyer

Charlotte Construction Accident Attorney

Construction sites are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the country. Workers face the daily risk of falling from heights, being struck by heavy equipment, or being exposed to hazardous materials. Any mistake can bring about disastrous outcomes that extend beyond physical harm to include emotional distress and monetary loss. A Charlotte construction accident lawyer from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can help you seek justice and recover compensation.

Understanding Construction Accidents

Construction is a dangerous occupation, but that doesn’t mean injuries should be viewed as part of the job. Many injuries on the job are preventable. Negligence from various parties causes many accidents, such as employers ignoring worker safety measures, or equipment manufacturers failing to include necessary safety devices, along with subcontractors who overlook essential site safety protocols.

When it comes to falls, they are one of the main causes of construction fatalities. In 2020, 805 workers died from falls in the United States, and 211,640 had severe injuries. Workplace falls account for about $70 billion each year.

If you’ve been injured on a job site, our personal injury lawyer in Charlotte can help determine whether negligence played a role and fight for the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s carelessness—legal support is available to help you recover.

Examples of Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can occur in a variety of ways. Whether a slip-and-fall or a massive equipment collapse, the potential for injury can vary, depending on the work site and how safe or unsafe it may be. Some common examples of construction accidents include:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or other unsafe heights
• Electrocutions from exposed wires
• Crane or forklift accidents
• Being struck by falling materials
• Crushed between machinery
• Burns from fires or explosions
• Equipment malfunctions or operator errors
• Toxic exposure to asbestos or other chemicals

Most times, these incidents can be avoided with better safety measures and proper protocols.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Workplace mishaps, which seem to happen unexpectedly, have causes that develop over months or years. A primary cause of job site injuries is non-compliance with state or federal safety regulations. Some of the most common causes of construction site accidents include:

• Lack of protection. This includes having missed, malfunctioning, or broken guardrails, ladders, and harnesses.
• Insufficient training. This refers to the improper training given to workers to properly prepare them for safety.
• Faulty equipment. Machinery must be properly monitored and maintained, such as cranes and forklifts, to ensure they remain safe.
• Unsafe working conditions. Working in unsafe conditions, such as inclement weather and unstable worksites.
• Violating OSHA standards. Federal rules are in place to protect workers by implementing construction accident laws. When employees or employers don’t follow these rules, they increase the risk of serious injury.

Liability in a Construction Accident

Liability for construction accidents can be complicated, as there are often a number of different parties on a job site at one time. North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system can take care of basic medical expenses and provide a portion of lost wages, but this may not provide sufficient recovery, especially in the case of serious or permanent injuries.

In many situations, injured workers are allowed to pursue third-party claims against the negligent party or parties that caused the accident.

The general contractor or subcontractor faces liability for injuries that occur due to their failure to observe safety protocols or properly train workers and maintain a secure work setting. Equipment manufacturers or rental companies may also be found at fault, especially if the injury was caused by a defective or poorly maintained tool.

In some cases, the property owner or developer who failed to ensure that their site was in compliance with safety standards may share liability for the accident.

Depending on the specific conditions of the accident, architects, engineers, and third-party vendors present at the site could be identified as responsible. A thorough investigation of the site as well as the events leading to the fall is necessary to determine liability between multiple parties who failed to uphold safety protocols.

About Us

Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC bases its practice on compassion, integrity, and passionate advocacy. For over 10 years, we have been working with injured workers and their families throughout Charlotte and Spartanburg when they have faced some of the worst days of their lives.

We confront powerful companies and insurance carriers head-on and employ all our legal abilities to make sure you have the most effective representation. We can fight to level the playing field, whether it’s through negotiating a fair settlement or representing you before a jury in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. Hire a construction accident lawyer to help fight for compensation.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Not Say When Speaking to an Injury Lawyer?

A: When speaking to an injury lawyer, don’t minimize your injuries, take the blame, or guess who is at fault. During discussions with your Charlotte construction accident attorney, only state facts about the incident that led to your injury. Only factual information should be provided to your lawyer, not speculation or self-incriminating statements that insurers can use against you.

Q: How Long Does a Construction Claim Take?

A: The length of a construction accident claim can range from several months to more than a year, depending on the complexity of the case. When multiple liable parties, continuous medical treatment requirements, and responsibility disputes exist, they tend to extend the claim process. While some claims may be settled quickly, others will go to trial, which can take more time. However, an experienced lawyer can help navigate the process smoothly.

Q: Can I Take Legal Action Against My Employer for a Construction Accident?

A: Whether or not you can take legal action against your employer for a construction accident depends on the circumstances of the accident. In most cases, workers’ compensation covers construction site accidents. If your employer intentionally caused your accident or was extremely negligent in safety practices, you may be able to file a claim against them.

Q: What Is an Example of a Construction Accident?

A: A worker falling from a scaffolding that lacks proper security measures is an example of a construction accident. Injuries that result from this could include fractures, head injuries, and others. The scaffolding might have lacked safety rails, had a faulty harness, or workers may not have been provided with fall protection. Employers and potentially third-party contractors can be held liable in this situation for not ensuring a safe work environment.

Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer From Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC Today

If you were injured in a construction accident, Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC can help you fight for the compensation you are due. We are knowledgeable about construction accident cases and can assist you in the legal process. Contact us today to speak with a representative.