Filing Construction Accident Third-Party Claims Against General Contractors
The general contractors on a construction site provide necessary services that help complete the overall construction project, but when their actions cause a construction worker to suffer an injury, it can take a skilled personal injury legal team to guide the victim through a Tacoma third-party construction accident claim. When it is vital to have the guidance of a skilled lawyer at your side, turn to Smith Duran Law.
When you come to us, you can meet with lawyers who are dedicated to helping injured construction workers seek justice and compensation. Our attorneys know how to untangle the mess that general contractors can create after an accident, and they will be here to hold them liable while providing you with the legal support you need. As our lawyers represent you, they can also answer your pressing questions about your accident.
Can A General Contractor Be Held Responsible For Your Construction Site Accident?
Yes, a general contractor can be held responsible for your construction site accident, and there are two landmark cases that have set precedent for holding general contractors liable for their dangerous actions. They are as follows below.
Stute v. PBMC
Andre Stute was a construction worker who suffered severe injuries from a fall due to the lack of safety equipment provided by the general contractor. These injuries resulted in a case that found its way to the Washington Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in Mr. Stute’s favor. The court decided that general contractors are largely responsible for ensuring safety on job sites either by providing safety equipment themselves or by requiring subcontractors to provide it. This ruling emphasized the responsibility of general contractors to keep working conditions safe while also enforcing safety regulations for everyone on a worksite, despite their employment status. The ruling has since been pivotal in holding general contractors accountable for negligence and has led to increased safety measures across construction sites in Washington state.
Vargas v. Inland Washington, L.L.C.
The case involving Vargas Vicarious Liability and the Washington Supreme Court ultimately increased the liability of general contractors by including negligent subcontractors. The ruling from the Supreme Court means that general contractors can be liable for subcontractors failing to meet safety and regulation compliance standards. In the Vargas case, a subcontractor caused significant injuries to a worker, and the Supreme Court decided to extend the liability of general contractors to ensure that every subcontractor on a worksite is maintaining a safe work environment. The results of this decision mean that contractors cannot avoid their duty of care and need to verify that everyone on a worksite is compliant with all safety laws in a construction project. This ruling has also influenced how general contractors manage safety protocols, ensuring a broader scope of accountability and enhanced protection for all construction workers.
Seeking The Ideal Outcome In Your Claim
When you need guidance through your Tacoma third-party construction accident claim, our attorneys are here to help. They know how to use the laws in place to defend your best interests and are ready to fight for you. Call us at 877-557-5144 or email us here today for a free initial consultation.