Compassionate Support, Aggressive Litigation And Trial Representation For Your Injury Claim

Tacoma Construction Accident Lawyers

We are trusted construction worker accident attorneys vigorously pursuing maximum financial recovery for clients in King County, Lewis County, Pierce County, Thurston County and throughout Washington.

Construction work is one of the most dangerous professions in Washington state. According to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, in one recent year, there were over 9,000 non-fatal construction worker injuries and 21 construction worker fatalities. Construction workers typically work in hazardous conditions, including on heights or in trenches, often surrounded by power tools, equipment, and machinery. As a result, construction workers face significant risks of being injured on the job. Fortunately, Washington state law affords injured construction workers options for obtaining financial compensation and benefits that can assist them through their injury recovery. When you need help securing financial compensation after being hurt on the job on a construction site, turn to a construction accident lawyer in Washington state from Smith Duran Law.

Our construction work injury attorneys understand the physical and emotional consequences that can flow from a catastrophic injury in the workplace. We also know the obstacles that injured workers can face in getting the insurance benefits and compensation they need or accessing qualified or specialist medical and rehabilitative care. That’s why our firm will not rest until we have secured the financial compensation and justice you deserve when you have been injured on the job. Don’t let your employer or the Department of Labor and Industries try to cut off your benefits before you have made as full a recovery as possible from your construction worker accident and injuries.

If you were injured while working on a construction site, contact Smith Duran Law in Tacoma for a free initial case review to speak with a construction accident lawyer in Washington state about what options you have for financial benefits that can assist you through your recovery.

Common Construction Workers Injuries

Some of the most frequently occurring construction worker injuries include:

Broken bones
Ligament sprains and tears
Muscle and tendon strains and tears
Nerve damage
Herniated disc injuries
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Perforation injuries
Crush injuries
Internal organ injuries
Eye injuries and vision loss
Hearing loss
Chemical exposure or toxic substance exposure
Burns
Electrocution injuries
Head injuries
Traumatic brain injury
Amputation

Why Construction Injuries Increase in Warmer Months

As the warm months arrive, construction activities surge, bringing with them an unfortunate rise in construction-related personal injuries. With an increased workload and potentially hazardous conditions, the risk of construction injuries tends to escalate in the summertime. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the surge in construction injuries during the warmer months and provide valuable safety tips to mitigate the risks.

1. Increased Workload and Tight Deadlines:

Warmer months often see a significant rise in construction projects as favorable weather conditions allow for uninterrupted work. Contractors and builders often face higher demands during this period, leading to an increased workload and tight deadlines. The pressure to complete projects on time can result in rushed work, inadequate safety measures, and an overall increase in accidents.

2. Heat-Related Hazards:

Working under the scorching sun exposes construction workers to various heat-related hazards. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, heat stroke, and other related illnesses. Additionally, hot surfaces, machinery, and equipment can cause catastrophic injuries and burns or result in accidental slips and falls due to sweaty hands or reduced grip.

3. Fatigue and Reduced Concentration:

The heat and physical exertion associated with construction work can quickly lead to fatigue. Fatigued workers are more prone to accidents as their ability to concentrate, make sound judgments, and react promptly diminishes. The increased risk of slips, trips, and falls poses a significant threat to construction workers’ safety during the warmer months.

4. Insufficient Training and Safety Measures:

Amidst the rush to meet deadlines, some construction companies may overlook comprehensive training programs and necessary safety measures. This lack of proper training and the failure to implement safety protocols can have severe consequences for workers’ well-being. Inadequate knowledge of equipment operation, handling hazardous substances, and emergency procedures can significantly increase the likelihood of workplace injuries and occupational disease claims.

5. Hazardous Conditions:

Warmer months bring their own set of unique hazards, including increased insect activity, pollen allergies, and the potential for severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms. These factors not only create discomfort for construction workers but also pose risks of injury or illness. Workers need to be prepared and protected from these unique hazards to ensure their safety on the job.

6. Safety Tips to Reduce Construction Injuries:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Employers should provide access to cool, clean water sources on-site.

Take Frequent Breaks: Encourage workers to take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to rest, cool down, and regain energy. Avoid overexertion and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
Wear Appropriate Protective Gear: Construction workers should wear lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats to protect themselves from sunburn and heat-related issues. Additionally, proper footwear, gloves, and eye protection should be worn to prevent injuries from falling objects, sharp tools, or hazardous substances.
Implement Comprehensive Training Programs: Employers must prioritize comprehensive training programs for all workers, including equipment operation, hazard recognition, and emergency response. Regular refresher courses should be conducted to ensure workers remain up-to-date with safety practices.
Maintain Clean and Safe Work Areas: Regularly inspect construction sites to identify and address potential hazards promptly. Proper housekeeping, such as clearing debris and ensuring walkways are free from obstacles, can prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture of open communication where workers feel comfortable reporting safety concerns or near-miss incidents. Addressing potential risks promptly can prevent accidents before they occur.

Key Takeaway:

The warmer months bring both opportunities and challenges to the construction industry. While the increased activity allows for progress and growth, it also heightens the risk of construction injuries. By understanding the reasons behind this surge in accidents and implementing proper safety measures, construction companies can ensure the well-being of their workers and create a safer work environment. Remember, investing in safety today can prevent accidents tomorrow, benefiting both workers and employers alike.

Your Legal Rights After A Construction Worker Accident

If you were injured on the job on a construction site, you may have options to recover compensation that can assist you in getting back to work after your injuries. Most construction workers in Washington state are entitled to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, which includes financial payments that include:

Payment of medical expenses
Reimbursement of travel expenses for medical appointments or procedures
Reimbursement for loss or damage of personal property in a construction site accident
Partial wage replacement after missing sufficient time from work due to a workplace injury
Disability benefits for sustaining permanent impairment to a body part or function
Pension payments if permanently disabled from being able to work in any form of employment
Vocational training to help a worker get into a different job that they can perform within their physical limitations from an injury

A construction worker who suffers a work-related injury because of a third party’s fault, such as from defective tools or equipment, or due to a dangerous condition of a worksite caused by the property’s owner’s negligence, may be entitled to file a third-party claim that can recover compensation from:

Medical bills
Long-term care expenses if injuries result in permanent disabilities
Past, ongoing, and future loss of income
Physical pain
Emotional distress

What Can A Washington Construction Accident Lawyer From Smith Duran Law Do To Help In Your Case?

When you have suffered a catastrophic construction injury due to your work, you should be able to keep your focus on your treatment and rehabilitation. Let a construction accident lawyer in Washington state go to work on your behalf by:

Determining the circumstances of the workplace accident or incident that caused your injury
Advising you as to options you may have for recovering compensation or other financial benefits
Preparing and filing your formal claims for compensation
Pursuing your rights when your workers’ comp claim is denied by protesting or appealing L&I’s decision, as well as negotiating for a settlement or going to court when you have a third-party injury claim

Who Pays Workers’ Comp Benefits If You Were Injured While Working On A Construction Site?

If you were injured in a construction site accident, you may receive workers’ compensation benefits through the Washington Department of Labor & Industries if your employer is insured through L&I. If your employer is self-insured for workers’ compensation, your benefits will be paid from your employer. Your employer is typically the company that directly controls your work, pays your wages, and has hiring/firing authority over you. Thus, if you work for a subcontractor on a construction site, that subcontractor will be responsible for your workers’ comp benefits, rather than a general contractor that retained the subcontractor you work for.

Can You Get Workers’ Compensation If You Were An Independent Contractor?

Typically, independent contractors are ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits, unless they have set up their own business entity that is insured by L&I. However, if your employer has misclassified you as an independent contractor when you should be classified as an employee, you may be entitled to benefits. A construction accident lawyer in Washington state can help you better understand your eligibility for workers’ compensation.

What Are Third-Party Claims In Construction Accidents?

Third-party claims are personal injury lawsuits brought against an individual or a business (outside of an employer) who was at fault for your work injuries. Some examples of third-party claims in construction accidents include:

When a normal driver causes an accident and subsequent injuries to a worker driving a construction vehicle on the job. In a situation like this, the injured construction worker could sue that driver for compensation
When a part of heavy equipment that a construction worker is operating is faulty and causes an error that leads to serious injuries. In this case, a third-party injury claim could be made against the manufacturer of the equipment
When a worker is injured due to a general contractor’s negligence while they are working under the employment of a subcontractor. In these instances, workers could file a claim against the general contractor.

All of these injury claims are against a third party who is not the immediate employer but who is responsible for the construction worker’s injuries.

Contact Our Firm For A Free Consultation To Go Over Your Options With A Construction Accident Lawyer

After being injured on the job on a construction site, contact Smith Duran Law for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Let our construction accident lawyer in Washington state discuss what our firm can do to guide you through the process of recovering compensation for the harm and losses that you have suffered. You can call us at 877-557-5144.