Construction Accident Attorney in West Covina, CA
Construction sites are dangerous places. Between heavy machinery, electrical equipment, falling objects, and other hazards, there’s a lot to pay attention to. Employers are required to provide their workers with safe working conditions, though, so if you’ve been injured on the job, you should hire a West Covina construction accident lawyer to help you hold your employer to account.
Trust Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor
For more than 40 years, the team here at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor has helped many construction workers file claims against their employers and recovered hundreds of millions in client damages. We know construction accident laws inside and out, and in our years in practice, we’ve seen it all. Let us leverage our knowledge and experience to get you the compensation you need and deserve.
Why Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 462 fatal work accidents in California in 2021. The construction industry sector accounted for the largest number of them with 79 fatalities. Falls, slips, and trips caused 33 of the 79 deaths. The construction industry also accounts for the most non-fatal injuries, according to OSHA. In 2023, residential building construction led to 10,000 injuries.
If you’ve been injured at work, you should hold your employer accountable for failing to meet OSHA’s standards and provide you with a safe work environment. The easiest way to do that is to hire a construction accident lawyer in West Covina to help you file a claim. Your West Covina construction accident attorney can help you determine who was liable, collect and evaluate evidence, and build a case against the negligent party.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents occur for all kinds of reasons. After all, construction sites are filled with dangerous machinery, tools, and materials. The majority of construction accidents occur due to:
- Falls. Falls from heights can cause severe injuries, leading to broken bones, back injuries, and permanent disabilities. Falling due to tripping over uneven surfaces or falling into pits and trenches can also cause job-site injuries.
- Falling objects. Workers can be severely injured if struck by falling tools or materials. Any tools or materials being used at height on scaffolding, ladders, or roofs should be secured to avoid brain and spinal cord injuries.
- Equipment-related accidents. The tools and heavy equipment used on construction sites can also be dangerous. Mishandling power tools can lead to serious injuries, as can the use of faulty equipment. Crushed limbs, deep cuts, and even amputations can result from equipment-related accidents.
- Heavy machinery collisions. Vehicles and heavy machinery like cranes, bulldozers, and excavators can all cause serious injuries when used without taking adequate safety precautions. All workers operating heavy machinery should be trained in its safe use.
- Crushing hazards. Sometimes, heavy machinery and vehicles run over workers as they’re backing out of construction sites. Workers can also get trapped between large vehicles and walls, leaving them to be crushed. This type of accident usually leads to severe injuries.
- Fires and explosions. The hazardous materials found on construction sites sometimes explode or ignite, leading to burn injuries and lung damage.
- Electrocutions. Faulty electrical equipment and live wires can place workers at risk of electrocution, which can lead to severe burns and cardiac injuries.
- Trench and building collapses. When a trench or a building that’s being demolished or constructed collapses, it can kill or severely injure any nearby workers.
- Repetitive motion injuries. Though not as serious as many of the accidents described above, repetitive motion injuries are extremely common in the construction trade. Construction workers can suffer muscle and joint damage due to overuse, leading to long-term pain and disability.
- Heat stroke and overexertion. Working in extremely hot conditions can lead to heat stroke, which can damage the brain, heart, and kidneys. Workers must be provided with adequate shade, rest, and water.
FAQs
How Much Does a Construction Accident Lawyer Cost?
How much a construction accident lawyer costs depends on the case in question. It usually costs less overall to hire a lawyer who can help you with your claim and negotiate a settlement on your behalf than it does to provide yourself with legal representation in court, should your case require a trial. Most construction accident lawyers work on contingency fees, which means they only get paid if they win your case.
What Are the Main Types of Construction Accidents?
The main types of construction accidents are:
- Falls. Falls can occur from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs, or into holes at excavation sites.
- Struck-by-object accidents. Objects can be falling tools, building materials, or heavy equipment.
- Caught-in or -between hazards. Workers who get caught between objects are often crushed by collapsing trenches, machinery, or motor vehicles.
- Electrocutions. Electrocutions can occur due to exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or wet conditions.
How Long Does a Construction Accident Case Take?
How long a construction accident case takes depends on the particulars of your claim. Some claims are very simple and can be resolved easily outside of court during settlement negotiations with the insurance company. Others must be litigated in court, which takes significantly longer. The complexity of your claim also impacts how long it takes to be resolved.
Is It Worth Getting a Construction Accident Lawyer?
It’s worth getting a construction accident lawyer if you’ve suffered harm due to an accident that occurred on a jobsite. If you were injured at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, and in some cases, you may still be able to file a civil claim against the negligent party. If you were injured at a construction site while not at work, you may be able to file a claim against the contractor.
Your West Covina Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction site accidents can be devastating. If you’ve been injured, it’s time to hire a West Covina construction accident lawyer. The team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor can help with your construction accident claim. We’ve been practicing personal injury law for years. Let us leverage our experience to get you the money you need and deserve. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.