According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction work is the second most dangerous occupation in Connecticut. At any workplace, employees are entitled to protection from hazards and potential accidents. It is the legal responsibility of an employer to comply with statutory requirements and regulations about safe working practices. If an employer fails to do this, then they risk being liable for compensation claims following an accident and can be held responsible by a dependable personal injury attorney like George W. Ganim, Jr. A Bridgeport construction accident lawyer can advise you on how to file a lawsuit.
Construction workers use power tools and heavy equipment. They are also often on job sites that put them in significant risk. Even a non-fatal accident can cause serious problems, such as an inability to work, significant medical expenses and personal pain and suffering.
How Do Construction Accidents Occur?
Some of the leading causes of construction site accidents include:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Being struck by falling objects, materials or tools
- Falls from heights
- Trench collapse
- Scaffold collapse
- Electric shock and arc flash/arc blast
- Failure to use proper personal protective equipment
- Repetitive motion injuries
Injuries Caused By Construction Accidents
Some common injuries that a Bridgeport construction site injury lawyer often sees are:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of eyesight or hearing
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Burn injury
- Broken bones
- Wrongful Death
Types of Construction Accidents
- Falling from extreme heights – Falling from extreme heights is the biggest cause of death at construction sites. Construction workers face this type of risk almost every day.
- Slips, trips and falls – Construction workers may slip on a wet patch, trip over a cable or fall down the stairs.
- Electrocutions – There is often exposed wiring, power lines and unfinished electrical systems around. Construction workers who operate near live currents risk getting burns and electric shocks.
- Occupational exposure – Some people work in hazardous environments, such as refineries and chemical plants. This exposes them to toxic substances and other detrimental conditions.
- Fires and explosions – Because of unfinished piping, leaking gases and incomplete electrical systems, fires and explosions are a common occurrence on construction sites.
Attorney Ganim can help you out in the event that any of these situations occurs.
Who Could Be Liable for a Construction Site Accident?
Virtually every employer in the state of Connecticut is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers everyone they employ. In the event that a construction accident impacts an employee covered by this insurance, they would not be able to file suit directly against their employer. However, they can recover for all their medical expenses, certain amounts of missed wages and potentially long-term disability benefits through a workers’ compensation claim.
If an injury on a construction site affects someone not covered by workers’ compensation or if it stems from negligence by a contract worker, product manufacturer, third-party supplier or as a result of a motor vehicle accident while in the course of employment, their best course of action may be to file a lawsuit alleging negligence. A local construction accident attorney can explain what options are available in your particular situation during a free consultation.
What Could a Construction Site Lawsuit Seek Compensation For?
Unlike employees who make workers’ compensation claims, those who file in civil court are allowed to recover for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity due to a permanent disability
- Damage done to personal property
- Loss of consortium
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
In order to succeed with this type of claim, you must be able to prove that the person you are suing was negligent and careless; or reckless in violating their duty of care towards you, and that this directly led to the accident.
Are There Time Limits on Construction Accident Claims?
Construction workers who get hurt on the job and want to file a workers’ compensation claim must report their injury to their employer and seek medical attention as soon as possible. An injured employee has up to one year to file a 30C Form with the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation in order to preserve their claim and the statute of limitations.
Civil claims involving construction site accidents have a slightly longer filing period, as Connecticut General Statutes §52-584 allows two years from the date of injury in which to file suit. However, it is always best to get started on a case sooner rather than later, as delays could significantly hinder recovery by limiting the ability to secure necessary evidence to prove the case.
Contact a Bridgeport Construction Accident Attorney
Construction accident victims deserve compensation for their injuries. If someone other than your employer or co-worker caused the accident (unless it involves a motor vehicle accident), then you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation.
Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. knows everything there is to know about these types of accidents. We are dedicated to client service and communication. Contact a Bridgeport construction accident lawyer now for a free consultation.