Construction sites can be dangerous places. From the number of construction vehicles on site to tripping hazards and possible chemical exposures, construction workers and anyone involved in a construction project are at risk of serious injuries.
If you suffered an injury on a construction site, the skilled and knowledgeable attorneys from Schwaba Law Firm can help. We understand that the Michigan legal system may be confusing, especially when you must focus on recovering from your injuries. Rest assured, a Michigan construction accidents lawyer from our firm will guide you through the process. Whether you have a personal injury case or a workers’ comp matter, we will determine the best course of action to help you secure your maximum compensation.
Common Types of Construction Injuries
Construction injuries vary widely, from relatively minor to severe and life-threatening. Some common types of injuries you can sustain on a construction site include the following:
- Falls – Falls from heights or elevated work platforms can occur if you do not have proper guardrails or are not required to wear a safety harness. You can suffer serious injuries from falls on a job site, including broken bones and spinal cord injuries.
- Crush Injuries – You could be crushed or pinned in the heavy machinery present on construction sites. Unfortunately, these accidents are more likely to occur if your job requires you to work close to dangerous heavy equipment without proper training or safety gear.
- Electrical Injuries – Because electrical work is often continually performed on construction sites, you could inadvertently come into contact with live wires, causing electrical shocks or electrocution.
- Burns – The presence of highly flammable materials and other ignition sources on construction sites can cause explosions and fires, exposing you to possible burn injuries.
- Strains – The physical labor required to work in construction can result in overexertion injuries, sprains, and strains. Poor lifting techniques or repetitive motions can cause these injuries if you do not receive the necessary training.
Understanding Construction Accident Liability in Michigan
When accidents and injuries occur on a construction site, multiple parties may be held legally responsible. Liability can extend beyond an injured worker’s employer. General contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers might also bear responsibility.
Michigan law requires the vast majority of employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers employees’ medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages, without requiring them to prove that their employer caused their injuries. However, injured workers may also have third-party claims if another party’s negligence caused the construction site accident. Proving third-party liability requires showing that the responsible party breached a duty of care. For example, a subcontractor that fails to keep an area free of hazards may be liable for resulting injuries. Your attorney will review the facts to identify all liable parties and pursue all available benefits and compensation, including compensation for your pain and suffering, which is not covered under workers’ comp.
Slips, Trips, and Falls on Construction Sites
Slips, trips, and falls in construction are other common construction site injuries. Workers and visitors to construction sites can easily fall due to the presence of various hazards. For example, you could trip and fall over equipment or slip and fall on wet or uneven surfaces. These types of falls can cause significant injuries, including broken bones.
How a Michigan Construction Accidents Lawyer Can Help
An experienced construction accident attorney will be the legal advocate you need to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. They will work hard to thoroughly assess the liability of all potentially responsible parties, determine what course of action – whether a personal injury lawsuit or workers’ comp claim – is warranted after your accident, and ensure they obtain all records related to your medical treatment and lost income so they can demand your maximum compensation.
Compensation Available for Construction Accident Victims
The type of compensation you may pursue in a construction accident depends on your status on the site. If you worked on-site as an employee when you were injured, your attorney may advise that you are eligible to file a work comp claim for benefits to cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. You may also be eligible for benefits if you are temporarily or permanently disabled. Depending on the specific facts and circumstances of the accident, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit where you can seek money for any mental trauma and pain and suffering you experience.
If you were not an employee on the construction site when you were injured (and thus unable to seek workers’ comp benefits), your attorney can assist you in pursuing compensation for your medical bills and lost income, in addition to the above non-economic losses of mental distress and pain and suffering, in a personal injury lawsuit.
People Also Ask:
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients who have been injured in construction accidents.
1.How much does a construction accident lawyer cost in Michigan?
Schwaba Law Firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any attorneys’ fees upfront. Instead, we will be paid a percentage of the money you recover in your case.
2. Can I sue my employer for a construction accident in Michigan?
If you were injured while working on a construction site, your exclusive remedy is to file a workers’ compensation claim.
3. What should I do after a construction accident in Michigan?
Your health and safety are the priority. After seeking immediate medical treatment, you should report the accident to your employer and contact an attorney right away to protect your rights.
4. How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in Michigan?
You have 90 days to report the accident to your employer, two years to file a workers’ comp claim, and three years to file a personal injury claim, if applicable.
Why Choose Our Michigan Construction Accident Lawyers?
The construction accident lawyers at Schwaba Law Firm stand ready to assist in all aspects of your construction accident case. They understand the physical and emotional toll an accident can take on you and your loved ones. They will advocate for you throughout the process, whether fighting for workers’ comp benefits or seeking compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you got hurt in a construction accident, we want to help you. At Schwaba Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping accident victims seek the money they need for unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses. When you are ready to get started with your case, call us for a free case review.
