Lawyers for Third-Party Construction Accident Lawsuits in Los Angeles

Helping Californians with Complex Construction Accident Cases

Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs to hold. The combined risks of heights, heavy machinery, and electrical dangers result in high levels of on-the-job injury and even fatality. In 2018, the last year for which full data are available, 21% of workplace fatalities took place in construction. Put another way, a construction worker has a 1 in 200 chance of dying on the job, assuming a 45-year career. For those who escape this fate, there is a 75% chance of suffering a disabling injury.

Many construction workers injured in on-the-job accidents look to workers’ compensation for assistance. While this does provide a band-aid for your treatment costs and lost wages, it often isn’t enough to cover the full losses you’ve faced. Depending on the type of accident you were injured in, it may be worth considering whether you can sue a liable third party. This does not affect your eligibility to file for workers’ compensation. However, through our civil court system, you may be able to receive a bigger settlement than workers’ compensation could offer.

If you want to know whether a third party can be held liable in your injury, the team at Robins Cloud LLP invites you to reach out. We offer free consultations to injured construction workers exploring the possibility of legal action.

Call our Los Angeles office at (800) 691-2363 to speak with one of our attorneys. We represent accident victims throughout California.

Types of Construction Accidents and Injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) closely monitors construction sites because of the high danger workers face. Despite the many risks on a construction site, there are 4 accident types that are responsible for nearly half of all workplace fatalities. OSHA has nicknamed these accidents the “Fatal Four:”

• Falls
• Struck by Object
• Electrocution
• Caught-in/between

Despite OSHA regulations meant to decrease the prevalence of these events, workplaces often cut corners and violate the safety standards inspired by them. This is one of the factors that leads to high numbers of catastrophic injuries on construction sites. Workers may suffer:

• Burns
• Crushed Bones
• Loss of Limb
• Multiple Fractures
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Vision Loss
• Wrongful Death

These injuries do not heal quickly and are likely to result in permanent disability. The combination of high medical bills, missed work, and a loss of ability to work can put heavy financial stress on a victim and their family. While workers’ compensation can help defray these costs, it will not cover the full value of lost wages. Claimants are also not eligible to receive benefits for damages like pain and suffering and disfigurement.

When a Third-Party Construction Accident Suit May Be Viable

If you’re wondering whether you might be able to file a lawsuit so you can recover the full amount of compensation you need, here are some factors that could make you eligible to do so.

The Accident Is Caused by Another Subcontractor’s Employee

Construction sites often have multiple subcontractors working side by side. This can create complicated third-party liability claims. If the employee who causes your accident is employed by the same subcontractor you are, it would be purely a workers’ compensation case. However, if they are employed by a different subcontractor, you might be able to file a claim against them for their negligence.

A Malfunctioning Piece of Equipment or Machinery Is to Blame

Heavy machinery is dangerous on its own; if poorly designed or built, it can lead to accidents that injury multiple workers. You may be able to file a product liability lawsuit if your injury was caused by a defective piece of equipment.

The Property Was Unsafe Due to Negligence

Though rare on construction sites, property owners can sometimes be held responsible for dangerous situations that exist on their land. If you think you may have such a claim, reach out to our team to see what your legal options are.

Learn If You’re Eligible for a Third-Party Lawsuit

If you’ve been injured and put out of work, either temporarily or permanently, you may be facing financial stress on top of physical pain. In this situation, it’s important to recover compensation to not only pay your hospital bills and future medical needs but also your rent or mortgage, utilities, and other necessities your salary used to cover. A workers’ compensation claim is not always enough to do this, meaning some people find themselves struggling to get by after a bad on-the-job accident.

As employees in an inherently dangerous field, construction workers must be aware of their options that may range beyond workers’ compensation. A third-party claim against a negligent actor can provide you with the financial relief you need if you’re struggling.

Call Robins Cloud LLP today at (800) 691-2363 if you think you may have a third-party construction lawsuit in Los Angeles. We’re here to help you understand your legal rights.