Work-related injuries suffered by construction workers can be devastating and result in many financial and personal losses. Workers are often exposed to unsafe environments due to heavy machinery, potentially hazardous tools and equipment, falling objects, and perilous heights. Negligence related to a lack of safety precautions, substandard equipment, hazardous chemicals, or other factors can lead to accidents and serious injuries and illnesses. Our personal injury lawyer in West Palm Beach can help you seek justice.
If you are a construction worker, you have a right to expect safe working conditions. Being injured on the job can significantly impact your ability to provide for yourself, leading to expensive medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The West Palm Beach construction accident lawyers at GED Lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover and begin rebuilding your life.
Responsibilities of Our West Palm Beach Construction Accident Attorney
West Palm Beach construction accident lawyers are tasked with thoroughly investigating the circumstances involved in your accident and gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include accident reports, medical records, accident scene photos, and witness statements. Our attorneys will also identify all of your losses and their value. This will help to ensure your claim is not underestimated and that the compensation we pursue reflects the amount you are entitled to.
Your attorney will also work to prove the other party was liable for your injuries and related losses. They can negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement and avoid going to trial. If the other party does not agree to pay a fair amount, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you at trial, if necessary.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Construction Injury in West Palm Beach?
Recoverable damages represent the various losses that you can pursue in a construction accident claim. They include both financial and subjective losses, such as the following:
- Injury-related medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medication, etc.
- Loss of income due to time away from work
- Diminished earning capacity if you are unable to earn the same income in the future due to your injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
Wrongful Death Damages for Fatal Construction Accidents
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the construction industry is associated with more work-related deaths than other workplaces. If your loved one succumbed to injuries they sustained in a West Palm Beach construction accident, your family may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim and recover the following damages:
- Funeral, burial, and cremation expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s income, benefits, and other financial contributions
- Loss of domestic support, love, and guidance
- Loss of consortium and society
When we handle your case, we will work to prove the cause of your loved one’s passing and help the appropriate beneficiaries file a wrongful death claim before the statute of limitations expires.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawsuits?
Florida has established a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury and wrongful death claims, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a). This requires injured construction workers to file a lawsuit for either purpose within this length of time.
However, there are certain circumstances that can affect the deadline by which you have to file your claim. At Ged Lawyers, we can ensure you are aware of any deadlines that apply to your case so you do not miss your chance at seeking fair compensation.
Demonstrating Negligence and Liability in Construction Accident Injury Cases
For legal purposes, negligence is a failure to fulfill a duty to another party to act as a reasonable person would in a similar situation. If negligence causes an injury, this may be grounds for a construction accident claim.
To prove negligence caused your accident and injuries, the following elements must be shown to be true:
- Duty of care: The other party owed you a duty of care to avoid causing you injury.
- Breach of duty: The other party violated or “breached” this duty of care, and you were injured as a result.
- Causation: The other party’s breach of duty was the direct or proximate cause of your injuries.
- Damages: Your accident and injuries led to quantifiable losses.
If the other party is proven negligent in your claim, they will likely be liable for the damages you suffered as a result of their carelessness. Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorney will work to demonstrate negligence and pursue the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in West Palm Beach
Construction site conditions can increase the chance of injury, and workers can be exposed to many environmental risks, toxic materials, and dangerous equipment. When construction companies, site supervisors, foremen, or other employees neglect safety regulations or contribute to unsafe working conditions, serious injuries can occur.
Problems with construction sites that can result in injuries include the following:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or other heights
- Heavy equipment
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Building or wall collapses
- Wet, icy, or slippery surfaces
- Falling objects
- Defective tools or equipment
- Faulty or absent safety equipment
- Neglect of safety measures
- Electrocution, fires, or explosions
Construction workers can suffer traumatic injuries that are financially and emotionally devastating to their families. Severe workplace injuries can result in unemployment and even a total loss of a career. These tragic outcomes can further impact the well-being of workers and their loved ones.
Construction Accident Injuries That May Entitle You to a Fair Settlement
Construction accidents cause a higher rate of severe and catastrophic personal injuries than other workplace accidents. Injuries suffered in construction accidents can be life-altering and commonly include the following:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Internal and musculoskeletal injuries
- Brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spine injuries, including paralysis
- Loss-of-limb and amputation injuries
- Severe burns
- Blindness
Furthermore, due to the dangers of old, outdated building materials and other hazardous chemicals, construction workers can also develop chronic diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and silicosis.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Construction Accident Lawyers Today
At Ged Lawyers, our legal team in West Palm Beach is dedicated to helping construction accident survivors secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses. We help our clients navigate the complex laws involved in these cases, provide robust legal representation, and fight fiercely for our clients’ rights.
If you sustained an injury in a construction-related accident as a result of another party’s negligence, we encourage you to contact us today for a free initial consultation.
