Construction accidents can result in severe injuries when worksite safety protocols are ignored or improperly followed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates construction site safety through 29 CFR 1910, setting industry standards for hazard prevention. These include:
- Proper worksite guarding and barricading
- Lockout/tagout procedures
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
- Hazard warnings and labeling for dangerous materials
- Crane safety protocols and load rigging procedures
- Regular safety inspections and site assessments
- Mandatory construction worksite safety meetings
However, contractors and site managers have a legal duty to go beyond OSHA regulations to ensure worker safety. When they fail to do so, serious injuries occur.
Why Hiring a Construction Accident Attorney Matters
Worker’s compensation benefits for construction accident injuries are limited. A Wisconsin construction accident attorney can help you claim more compensation for your losses by identifying other parties who might be liable for your injuries, which means you can file a personal injury claim against them. Furthermore, your lawyer can make sure your personal injury claim takes into account all your losses from the accident, including your physical pain and emotional distress.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident?
You usually can’t sue your employer for a construction accident, but other parties might be liable for your injuries. Those potentially liable parties include:
- Property owners who don’t fix hazards on the site
- Manufacturers of defective equipment
- Careless contractors or subcontractors you don’t work for
Common Construction Site Hazards Leading to Injuries
Workers at construction sites face numerous risks daily. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents in Green Bay include:
- Falls from heights (scaffolds, ladders, roofs, and elevated platforms)
- Exposure to toxic substances (asbestos, silica dust, hazardous fumes)
- Electrocution hazards (overhead and underground power lines, faulty wiring)
- Fires and explosions (gas leaks, improper handling of flammable materials)
- Machinery and equipment failures (forklifts, cranes, aerial lifts, defective tools)
- Trench collapses and excavation hazards
- Falling objects and debris (improperly secured materials)
If you’ve suffered an injury due to any of these hazards, you may be entitled to compensation beyond workers’ compensation, including third-party claims against negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Construction Accident?
Workers in high-risk trades, such as pipefitters, plumbers, carpenters, welders, machinists, laborers, and mechanics, face dangerous conditions every day. At Schwaba Law Firm, we have successfully secured significant recoveries for injured construction workers who were harmed by negligence, including:
- Crane accidents and rigging failures
- Electrical hazards and power line injuries
- Falls due to lack of proper safety equipment
- Injuries caused by defective construction equipment
If you were injured on a construction site, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact Schwaba Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us help you recover the compensation you need to move forward after your work injury.
FAQs: Understanding Construction Accident Claims in Wisconsin
Some of the most common questions we get about Wisconsin construction accident claims include:
What should I do after a construction accident in Wisconsin
Seek medical attention immediately, then call a lawyer. They can review your case and explain your legal options.
Can I file a lawsuit if I receive workers’ compensation?
Yes, though you usually can’t sue your employer. However, you can recover additional compensation from other parties who caused or contributed to the incident.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in Wisconsin?
The usual deadline to file a construction accident lawsuit in Wisconsin is three years from your injury date. Shorter deadlines apply in some situations, so don’t wait to talk to an attorney.
Get Legal Help Today
Schwaba Law Firm proudly fights for injured construction workers in Wisconsin. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
