Construction accidents can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries, devastating the lives of victims and their families. The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in Texas and throughout the United States. Slip and fall accidents, injuries caused by heavy machinery, and electrocutions are only a few ways victims can become seriously injured in construction accidents.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a Texas construction accident, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. When another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you shouldn’t have to pay your medical expenses and other damages. The attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC have helped many Houston-area clients recover the full and fair compensation they need and deserve.
Construction Accident Cases We Handle
Many different hazards exist on Texas construction sites, including heavy machinery and other dangerous types of equipment. Construction workers are routinely exposed to harmful and toxic substances, construction vehicles, scaffolding, and other dangers that put them at a higher risk of injury than other workers. At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we handle all types of job site injury accidents. Some of the most common we see include the following:
- Falling from heights, such as ladders or scaffolding
- Slip and fall accidents
- Electrocution
- Overheating
- Construction vehicle collision
- Toxic substance exposure
- Explosions and fires
- Collapsing trenches
- Collapsing structure
- Equipment malfunction
- Wall and building collapse
- Unsafe demolition
- Asbestos and other toxic substances
Even if you don’t see the specific type of accident that caused your injuries here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The nature of construction sites can make it difficult to protect and preserve evidence unless you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. When you work with us, we will immediately begin investigating the accident and preserving crucial evidence at the construction site. We will also speak to witnesses who still have a clear memory of the event.
Injuries Caused by Falling on Construction Sites
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of fatal construction accident injuries. The majority of fall deaths are preventable. When employees fail to engage in proper planning and fail to give workers proper training and equipment, fall accidents can result. The following types of employee negligence can cause fall accidents on construction sites:
- Dangerous machines, such as cranes and forklifts
- A lack of guardrails or inadequate guardrail maintenance
- Defective or unsafe scaffolding
- Incorrect or improper use of ladders, tools, scaffolding, and safety gear
- Failure to provide employees with safety training or institute safety protocols
- Lack of construction safety equipment
- Failure to provide fall protection equipment, such as personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)
- Unmarked fall hazards, including unguarded or uncovered holes
Injuries Caused By “Caught Between” Accidents
Another one of the top four construction hazards involves workers being stuck or caught between machinery and fixed objects. A “caught between” accident can involve any of the following scenarios:
- Cave-ins during excavation and trench work
- Workers being pulled into or caught by machinery
- Being caught between machinery and other equipment and fixed objects
Employers can reduce “caught between” accidents by covering open holes and trenches. They should also shore up excavation sites and trenches. When they can’t take these steps, they should clearly warn employees of the dangers of being caught between fixed or moving items.
Struck-By Construction Accidents
Struck-by accidents happen when a worker is struck by a piece of equipment, a vehicle, or a flying or falling object. Falls are the primary cause of fatal construction accidents. However, struck-by incidents primarily cause non-fatal injuries among construction workers. Struck-by accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic injuries.
Electrocutions
Construction workers are more likely to be electrocuted than workers with other injuries. Electrocutions can occur in the following ways:
- Contact with live wiring or electricity
- Indirect contact with lights, control panels, and circuit breakers
Employers can avoid electrocution injuries by employing trained electricians, using only grounded or properly insulated tools, using ground fault circuit interrupters, and taking proper precautions around overhead power lines.
Pursuing an Insurance Settlement or Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you’ve been seriously injured in a construction accident, it’s important you understand your options for recovering compensation. If the accident occurred while you were on the job, you will likely have a valid claim for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost income. Before accepting workers’ compensation benefits, speaking to an experienced attorney is important.
If you accept workers’ compensation benefits, you’ll be required to waive your right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. Pursuing a lawsuit against your employer could be a better strategy to recover the full compensation you deserve. By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you can pursue additional damages for your pain and suffering, disability, loss of consortium, and other types of damages.
Similarly, you may have a right to pursue compensation through an insurance claim. While this may be the best option in some cases, pursuing a lawsuit may be a better option. The attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC will carefully listen to the facts of your case and help you understand the best strategy for recovering compensation. Whether you pursue an insurance compensation claim or a lawsuit against a liable third party, we will aggressively pursue the compensation you need moving forward without risking your financial future.
Discuss Your Case with a Construction Accident Attorney in Houston
When a party’s negligence or recklessness causes a construction accident that results in a victim’s injuries, they should be held accountable. At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we use our knowledge and experience with the legal system in Texas to guide you through every step of your case. We will carefully investigate your case and help you understand all of your legal options, answering any questions so you can make informed decisions. Don’t hesitate to contact Ceja Law Firm PLLC to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation.
