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Last Modified on May 07, 2026
Construction zones can be extremely dangerous places to work. What if a construction worker is injured on the job in Charlotte? Knowing what to do is beneficial to both construction workers and families who find themselves in the aftermath of a serious construction accident. The right legal counsel can help injured workers protect their health as well as their legal rights.
About Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC
Our law firm provides information and legal options for injured workers and accident victims in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Construction injuries can be stressful for workers and families. Medical care, lost wages, and financial concerns can quickly add up after an accident.
Our personal injury attorneys keep track of Charlotte construction accident laws and local procedures, including those that go through the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, to help injured individuals understand their legal options after serious workplace injuries.
Common Construction Site Accidents
When working on a construction site, there are many different ways that a worker can be hurt on the job. Some accidents are caused by negligent actions, while others are the result of ongoing safety issues or hazardous working conditions. To hold negligent parties accountable, it is essential to understand how to prove negligence in a North Carolina personal injury case. Frequently seen causes of construction accidents include:
- Falling from heights, such as roofs and ladders
- Accidents involving construction equipment or machinery
- Getting electrocuted by power lines or exposed wiring
- Tools or debris falling from overhead
- Cave-ins and structural failures
- Construction vehicle and forklift accidents
Accidents can cause fractured bones, spinal cord injuries, burns, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, and more.
Seek Medical Attention
With 36 deaths, the construction industry had the largest number of fatalities in the private sector, compared to 43 the year before. Of the 36 fatalities in the construction sector, 14 were caused by fatal falls, slips, and trips. Special trade contractors contributed to 22 of the sector’s fatal workplace injuries.
Your health and well-being should always be your top concern after a workplace accident. Some injuries may not appear severe right away, but can become even worse as time goes on. Some injuries that occur on construction sites, like internal injuries, head trauma, and spinal injuries, may not be visible immediately after an accident occurs.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
In North Carolina, injured employees are generally required to report their workplace injury to their employer in a reasonable amount of time. Giving your employer notice of the accident may prevent them from disputing how the injury occurred or when exactly the accident happened. Additionally, you must file a claim in a timely manner according to the rules of the North Carolina personal injury statute of limitations.
Provide your employer with the who, what, when, and where while reporting the accident. If there were any witnesses who saw the accident take place, be sure to include that information as well. Written notice is always preferred when reporting your injury to your employer.
Through the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act, injured employees may receive compensation for things like medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent impairment, and vocational rehabilitation.
Third Party Liability
Not all construction accidents are eligible for workers’ comp claims. Many construction projects utilize a variety of contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and independent vendors. When a party other than the employer is responsible for the accident, the injured worker may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp benefits.
Third-party liability can arise from defective equipment, negligent contractors or subcontractors, unsafe property conditions, or even reckless motorists near a construction zone. These types of claims can be more complicated because they typically involve multiple insurance carriers and parties.
Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer
Investigations into safety policies, OSHA violations, equipment maintenance records, and contractor responsibilities are common in construction accident cases. Construction workers who suffer catastrophic injuries or a permanent disability may choose to hire a construction accident lawyer to learn about their legal rights and options for compensation.
You may also want to consult a construction accident attorney if an insurance company is disputing your medical treatment, denying you benefits, or disagreeing with how the accident happened. In these challenging circumstances, it helps to know what happens if the insurance company denies your personal injury claim in North Carolina.
FAQs
Can I Lose My Job Due to an Injury?
An injury can potentially impact someone’s job if it causes them to not be able to perform their job duties for a significant amount of time. There are some state and federal laws that cover medical leave and accommodation, along with retaliation for injured workers. In some cases, it can be legal for someone to lose their job due to an injury.
How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in North Carolina?
North Carolina can award pain and suffering damages based on the severity of your injury and how it affects your everyday life. Some factors include physical discomfort, mental anguish, permanent limitations, medical treatment, and the injury’s impact on your work and personal relationships. Since every injury varies, so does the compensation you could receive. It all depends on the details of your evidence, recovery, and impact.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for an Injury at Work?
How much you can recover for a workplace injury depends on many factors, including the seriousness of your injury and treatment needs, lost income, and permanent restrictions. You may be able to receive workers’ comp benefits, including payment for medical bills and a portion of your lost income. In some cases, you can also recover from a third party whose negligence contributed to the accident. It depends on the circumstances of the accident and the resulting injury.
What Injuries Are Hard to Prove?
Certain injuries are harder to prove because they may not always show up on imaging tests/during visible examinations. Examples include chronic pain, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries, emotional pain and suffering, and repetitive stress injuries. They can require lots of medical evidence and doctor input from professionals.
Some insurance companies may deny claims like these because symptoms can come and go or may not be visible right after an accident.
Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC
Suffering an injury at a construction site is a serious thing and can affect your life for a long time. At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we can help you advocate for the compensation you need. Contact us today for a consultation.
Also Read:
Charlotte, NC Construction Worker Injury Legal Resources
