The construction industry has one of the highest rates of injury among all job types. Construction sites are dangerous places to work, and they also pose hazards to people nearby.
If you were injured in an accident on a construction site, contact The Florida Firm. A Kissimmee construction accident lawyer from Colling Gilbert Wright could help you hold the responsible parties accountable, whether you were working on the site or were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our personal injury attorneys are well known among other legal professionals for our legal skills and unwavering commitment to our clients.
What Injuries Can a Passerby or Neighbor Suffer at a Construction Site?
People who are visiting a construction site, who live nearby, or who pass nearby are sometimes injured in construction accidents. If you suffered injuries due to construction activity, you could bring a legal claim seeking compensation from the responsible parties. Depending on the specifics of your case, responsible parties could include the property owner, companies working on site, equipment owners and manufacturers, and others.
Construction sites pose numerous hazards. Some examples of situations that could cause serious injuries to neighbors and passersby include:
- Tools and materials blowing or falling offsite and hitting someone
- Cranes collapsing and causing damages to nearby structures
- Fires igniting nearby buildings
- Explosions or spills releasing toxic substances into the air, water, or ground
- Heavy machinery being involved in accidents with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists as it enters or leaves the site
Our Kissimmee attorneys at The Florida Firm could investigate the circumstances of your construction site accident, identify the parties responsible, and collect evidence of their negligence. You could receive reimbursement of your medical costs and lost wages, as well as money to compensate for your pain and suffering.
Getting Hurt While Working Construction
If you were injured while working on a construction site, you cannot sue your employer. However, you can access benefits through the Workers’ Compensation program. State law requires any construction business employing one or more people to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance.
You are covered from your first day of work, regardless of whether your employment is part-time or seasonal. Workers’ Compensation provides free medical treatment until your injury is healed or you reach the point of maximum medical improvement. If your injury keeps you from working, the program will pay you a partial wage until you recover.
At various points, the Workers’ Compensation insurer may make a decision that you disagree with. Our attorneys have represented numerous Kissimmee construction workers in Workers’ Compensation disputes, and we could help you access your benefits after an accident.
Third-Party Claims for Injured Construction Workers
When a third party’s conduct caused or contributed to the accident, you could bring a lawsuit against that party. For example, various trades often work on a construction site simultaneously, and many of the people working there are likely independent contractors or work for someone other than your employer. In addition, faulty machinery or a defective product might have been a factor in causing the incident.
When you sue a third party, you could claim the portion of your lost wages that Workers’ Compensation does not cover, including future wages if your injury prevents you from returning to your old job. You could also seek compensation for your incidental expenses and your pain and suffering. The Florida Firm has obtained many large settlements and verdicts against third parties in favor of injured workers.
If you were partially responsible for the incident, Florida Statutes § 768.81 could impact the amount you collect. A court would deduct a portion of your damages to reflect your degree of blame. Our construction injury lawyers in Kissimmee could explain how this law may impact the damages available in your specific case.
Speak With a Kissimmee Attorney About Your Construction Site Injury
Construction accidents can lead to severe injuries. If you were badly hurt because of someone else’s careless or reckless conduct, you deserve compensation. A Kissimmee construction accident lawyer from The Florida Firm could effectively pursue your claim, whether you were working on the site when the accident occurred or were a neighbor or passerby. We do not charge fees or expenses unless we obtain a successful outcome to your case, and initial consultations are always free. Contact us today to schedule a meeting.