Construction accidents can have life-altering consequences, leaving injured workers struggling to recover physically and financially. If you’ve been hurt on a job site in Menominee, Michigan, you don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone. At Schwaba Law Firm, our experienced Menominee construction site accident lawyers are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
We handle every detail of your workers’ compensation claim and explore potential third-party liability cases to maximize your financial recovery. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing. Call us at (906) 424-4661 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Construction Worker in Michigan
Many injured workers struggle because they’re unaware of their rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been injured in a Menominee construction accident:
- Right to Medical Care: Your employer must cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses for your injuries until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
- Right to Choose Your Doctor: For the first 28 days, your employer selects your treating doctor. After that, you can choose your own, though disputes may arise.
- Right to File a Personal Injury Claim: While you generally cannot sue your employer, you may have a case against third parties, such as equipment manufacturers or negligent property owners.
- Right to Legal Representation: Insurance companies often try to minimize claims. An experienced Menominee construction accident attorney can protect your rights and fight for full compensation.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Menominee, MI
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but negligence often makes accidents worse. Common causes of Menominee construction accidents include:
- Falls from Heights: Scaffolding failures, ladder accidents, and missing safety rails can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
- Falling Objects: Tools, debris, and construction materials can cause head trauma and other severe injuries.
- Electrocution: Contact with live wires, power lines, and faulty equipment can lead to life-threatening injuries.
- Trench & Building Collapses: Unstable structures or improperly reinforced trenches can trap or crush workers.
- Heavy Machinery Accidents: Forklift rollovers, crane malfunctions, and operator errors can lead to catastrophic injuries.
- Slip, Trip & Fall Hazards: Uneven surfaces, exposed wiring, and slippery walkways are common causes of accidents.
If you were injured due to unsafe conditions or someone’s negligence, our construction site accident lawyers in Menominee will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Compensation for Menominee Construction Workers
Most Michigan construction workers qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, which may include:
- Medical Expenses: Full coverage for necessary treatments and rehabilitation.
- Wage Loss Benefits: 80% of after-tax weekly wages (subject to state limits).
- Specific Loss Benefits: Compensation for permanent impairments, such as limb loss.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Support for retraining if you can’t return to your previous job.
If your employer wrongly claims you’re an independent contractor, you may still qualify for workers’ comp. Contact our Menominee construction injury lawyers at (906) 424-4661 to protect your rights.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?
While workers’ compensation limits lawsuits against employers, you may have a third-party liability claim against:
- Equipment manufacturers (for defective tools or machinery)
- Property owners (for unsafe site conditions)
- Subcontractors or vendors (if their negligence contributed to your injury)
Unlike workers’ comp, personal injury claims allow for full wage replacement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our experienced Menominee personal injury attorneys will investigate your case to determine if additional compensation is available.
FAQs About Construction Accidents
When should I contact a construction accident lawyer in Menominee?
You should engage a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. By taking action right away, you allow your lawyer to gather crucial evidence before it’s too late. This evidence may include accident scene photographs, eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, and the construction company’s internal communications.
It’s important for injured construction workers to remember that their employer, their insurance company, and any other at-fault parties will have legal representation. So, having a lawyer of your own can level the playing field.
What types of injuries are covered in a construction injury claim?
Building site accident claims can cover any type of construction injury. Some conditions are caused by repetitive actions or motions, such as muscle strains caused by heavy lifting. However, other construction accident injuries can be catastrophic, like crushed limbs, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and compound fractures. An attorney can advise you on whether a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party personal injury claim, or a combination of the two is best for you.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the four construction hazards that lead to the most injuries and fatalities are falls from height, struck-by-vehicle incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and electrocutions. While these are the most common construction accident cases, any type of injury sustained on a construction site can be compensable.
Can I file a building site accident claim if I’m already receiving workers’ comp?
You can file a building site accident claim while already receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation laws generally prevent you from suing your employer. However, if a third party contributed to your injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
For example, the site manager may be liable if the construction site you were working on was particularly hazardous. Or, if a subcontractor caused your serious injuries by not following the posted safety guidelines, they could also be liable. An experienced construction accident attorney can help you identify whom you can file third-party claims against.
How much does a construction accident lawyer cost in Menominee, MI?
Most construction accident lawyers in Menominee, Michigan, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no fees unless the lawyer secures compensation for you through a negotiated settlement or trial award. The money you owe the lawyer comes directly from your settlement or award, so you never have to worry about how you’ll afford their services.
Typically, contingency fees range from 30 to 40 percent. However, you should ask the lawyer about their fee structure during your initial consultation so there are no surprises later on.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a construction injury lawsuit in Michigan?
Under Michigan’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, construction injury victims have three years to file lawsuits against those responsible for their injuries. You must file your lawsuit within this period or risk the courts barring you from recovering compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
While three years may sound like plenty of time to file your lawsuit, it’s crucial to remember that a lot of work goes into a construction site accident claim. Your lawyer needs plenty of time to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Why Choose Schwaba Law Firm?
- 15+ Years of Experience: A proven track record of securing millions for injured clients.
- Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury: We specialize in complex construction accident claims.
- Client-Centered Approach: Available 24/7 to answer your questions.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Get a Free Consultation with a Menominee, MI Construction Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Menominee construction accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Call Schwaba Law Firm at (906) 424-4661 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
