Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, and accidents can happen at any time. If you’ve been involved in such an accident as a construction worker, you may be able to secure compensation for various economic losses (such as your medical bills) by filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
However, workers’ compensation doesn’t cover the non-economic losses you might sustain as a result of a construction site accident, such as pain and suffering. That doesn’t mean there are no circumstances in which you can seek compensation for these losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the negligent parties responsible for the accident.
Negligent third parties in a construction site accident case may include:
Property owner
If the construction site accident occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held responsible if they were aware of the dangerous conditions and failed to take action to correct them.
Equipment manufacturers
If a piece of equipment malfunctioned or was defective, the manufacturer may be held responsible for any accidents that occurred as a result.
Government agencies
If a government agency was responsible for maintaining the construction site or overseeing the project, they may be held liable for any accidents that occurred due to their negligence.
Architects and engineers
If a design flaw or error in the construction plans contributed to the accident, the architects and engineers who created the plans may be held liable.
It is important to note that construction site accidents can be complex cases and determining the negligent parties may require a thorough investigation.
Investigating your accident to identify the liable parties isn’t a task you need to handle on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you identify the negligent parties and build a strong case to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Additional ways in which a lawyer may help you in these circumstances include:
- Handling all administrative tasks your case involves
- Gathering evidence of negligence
- Determining how much compensation you may deserve based on the extent and severity of your losses
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement on your behalf
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Again, although workers’ compensation benefits may cover certain economic losses, such as your medical bills and lost wages, you’ll need to file a third-party claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for non-economic losses.
At Russell & Hill, a Washington construction accident attorney is on hand to review your case. We’ll explain whether it appears that you have the option of filing a third-party claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. If this is an option, we’ll also provide the aggressive representation you deserve, improving your chances of winning your case. Allowing us to handle your claim will also give you more time to focus on your recovery. Get started today by calling us at 800-529-0842 to schedule your consultation.