Construction work can be perilous. Workers find themselves surrounded by heavy equipment daily, and face the risk of falling from great heights, being crushed by debris, or being mangled in the course of operating a saw or other piece of machinery. Catastrophic injuries are common on construction sites, and because most construction workers are independent contractors, they may not qualify to apply for workers’ compensation benefits the way that salaried or hourly employees do. This leaves injured construction workers with limited options when it comes to seeking compensation after suffering a workplace injury. If you were hurt while working in the construction industry, contact Russell & Hill, PLLC to discuss your case.
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields for workers in the United States. According to data made available by the National Safety Council, construction is the fifth-leading field in workplace injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that falling, slipping and tripping, making contact with equipment, and being exposed to hazardous materials were all among the top causes of workplace fatality in 2017—all of which are common in the construction industry.
While employees have the benefit of being able to file a workers’ compensation claim in the event of an on-the-job injury, many construction workers are independent contractors and are thus not eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This means that their client is not legally obligated to provide medical benefits or vocational rehab services in the event of an injury. However, this does not mean that construction workers are unable to receive financial compensation for their pain and suffering. If your client’s negligence resulted in your on-the-job injury, you can sue them for damages in civil court.
If your client’s worksite was unsafe and the lack of safety protocols led to your becoming injured, this could be considered an act of negligence on your client’s part, making them responsible—or liable—for any damages that occurred because of their unsafe worksite. If a party is negligent in some regard (i.e., being aware of hazards and taking no steps to mitigate them), they can be held accountable for the injuries that occurred because of that negligence in the court of law.
If you were hurt while working in construction and you want to talk over your legal rights with a construction accident attorney in Seattle, the experienced lawyers at Russell & Hill, PLLC is available for a free consultation. We are passionate about helping injury victims get justice, and we specialize in handling personal injury cases. Our track record of courtroom wins and cash settlements speaks to our ability to recover damages for injury victims, and we do not charge any fees until your case has been won or settled. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
