Scottsdale Construction Site Accident Lawyer
Experienced Construction Site Accident Lawyers in Scottsdale
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States today. Data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed construction accidents accounting for 18 percent of known fatal occupational injuries in Arizona in 2018. Nationally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the construction industry represents 21.1 percent of all worker fatalities in the United States during that same time. In the instance of an accident, you may need to retain a Scottsdale construction site accident lawyer.
Here in Arizona, we have witnessed record construction activity over the past few years. But, as experienced construction site accident lawyers in Scottsdale, we understand the dangers of the industry and how it can affect injured victims and their families.
The Fatal Four of the Construction Industry
OSHA offers a list of what they have coined as their “fatal four” of the construction industry. These four types of accidents represent the majority of fatalities within the industry, with the numbers from 2018 reflecting:
- Falls which accounted for 33.5 percent of fatalities
- Struck by objects which accounted for 11.1 percent of fatalities
- Electrocutions which accounted for 8.5 percent of fatalities
- Caught in-between which accounted for 5.5 percent of fatalities
These account for fatalities alone which don’t even address the full spectrum of the many causes of injuries on a construction site, including:
- Falling construction debris
- Heavy equipment failure
- Equipment malfunctions
- Fires
- Explosions
- Vehicle accidents
- Toxic chemicals
- Building collapses
- Slip and fall injuries
among others.
Who is Liable in a Construction Accident?
Construction sites are often complex enterprises with many people maneuvering the same space, each having responsibility for pieces of the whole. When an accident happens on a construction site, determining liability can be complicated, with the possible liability falling on:
- The property owner
- The contractor
- A subcontractor
- The architects or engineers
- The manufacturer of the machinery
- The rental company that rented the machinery
- Other vendors on the property
Establishing liability and negligence are key ingredients to a successful construction site injury claim.
Legal Recourse if You Have Been Injured on an Arizona Construction Site
In most instances, a worker on a construction site will have the ability to file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits for their injuries. Most Arizona employers are required to carry workers’ compensation. Seeking advice from our Scottsdale construction site accident lawyer can help you understand the claims process.
Workers Compensation
In the State of Arizona, as an employee, your legal recourse after an injury is to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance company. Under a workers’ compensation claim, an injured employee can recover money for their medical costs and loss of wages. Although workers’ compensation is a wonderful resource for many accident victims, the other side of the coin is that he or she will give up their right to file suit against that employer or another co-worker.
Third-Party Lawsuit
Filing a third-party lawsuit is an option for a victim who has been injured by another party other than his or her direct employer. A third-party suit will seek compensation from that liable entity or person. This requires proof of negligence on the part of the third party, however. Consequently, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation claim as well as a third-party suit depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
A third-party lawsuit may provide compensation for things such as:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Future medical costs as they may apply to your injury
- Lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your current trade
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages
- Wrongful death
Get Professional Advice From Our Scottsdale Construction Site Accident Lawyer
Construction site accident suits can be complicated and will require skilled investigation. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you should get the professional guidance of an experienced Scottsdale construction site accident lawyer to understand your rights and your legal options for benefits and compensation.
At Skiver Bradley, our team of construction accident attorneys has dedicated our practice to injured victims and their families. You owe it to yourself to get the guidance of a legal professional after an injury on a construction site. We offer a no-cost consultation to discuss your claim. You never pay legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us today.