Construction Accident Lawyer Houston, TX

Construction Accident Lawyer Houston, TX

Construction Accident Insight from a Construction Accident Lawyer in Houston, TX -

Construction workers are known for having one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They are responsible for performing tasks that can put their bodies at serious risk. If the work environment is not well maintained or an employer is negligent in providing safety equipment, the construction worker can sustain a serious or fatal injury. Have you Been Involved in a Construction Accident?

If you are suffering from a work injury, you can rely on a construction accident lawyer in Houston, TX from John K. Zaid & Associates for legal counsel. It is important that immediately after your injury happens you notify your employer, file a workers compensation claim, and then contact us for representation. We may be able to negotiate a substantially more attractive settlement than what the worker’s compensation board offers you. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of construction workers. Call us right now for a free consultation with a construction accident lawyer who will consider your best interests. Check out our FAQs About Construction Site Accidents.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

A construction worker can experience a wide range of injuries, ranging from mild to severe, life-threatening or fatal. If you suffered a serious injury of any kind, contact a construction accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates. Common construction accident injuries include but are not limited to the following:

• Traumatic head injuries

• Lacerations

• Fractures of the skull

• Electrocution or shock

• Chemical burns

• Neck and shoulder injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Nerve damage

• Eye injury

• Broken bones

• Torn knee ligaments

• Sprained ankles

• Brain injury

• Internal bleeding

The Necessity of Protective Equipment

An employer may be held responsible for a construction worker’s injury if they failed to provide sufficient protective gear or uphold strict safety protocols. This is not an issue in a workers compensation claim, but it can be held against them if you decide to pursue a civil lawsuit against them. A construction accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates can provide you with more information about this. Every construction site should have enough safety equipment for all employees and, depending on the circumstances, might consist of:

• Safety glasses for eye protection

• Face shields to deflect flying debris

• Slip-resistant shoes to trek across slippery floors

• Steel-toed boots to help prevent breaking of toes

• Shoes that are well-fitted and free of tears and wears

• Reflective vests or attire for easy visibility

• Hard hats without cracks

• Earplugs or other gear to protect eardrums from damage

Construction Accident Scenarios

There are many ways in which a construction worker can suffer an injury or illness while on the job. Some of the most common scenarios for construction accidents include:

• Objects falling on top of construction workers from ceilings or roofs.

• A worker falling from a high location on a crane, ladder, or scaffolding.

• Fires or explosions due to working around hazardous materials.

• Worker being hit by a truck carrying heavy material used for construction.

• Malfunction of equipment, such as forklift, nail gun, excavators, etc. ( Learn about Legal Options if Injured on a Construction Site Due to Faulty Equipment)

• Illness due to a single or frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals.

• Excessive noise from power tools which can lead to hearing loss.

• Illness due to inhaling a gas, substance, or dust irritant.

• An employee slipping and falling due to a loose cord or slippery floor.

• Burns from working with harmful chemicals or hot machinery.

Construction Accident Lawyer - Houston, TX

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency that is responsible for all the rules and regulations for safety guidelines in the workplace. The agency has both general and industry-specific rules for the safety measures employers should take to protect workers. Tragically, not all employers follow these rules and as a result, there are thousands of work injury accidents that happen each year that could have been prevented. When this kind of preventable tragedy occurs, workers may benefit from consulting with a Houston, Texas construction accident lawyer. Oftentimes, they may receive compensation for the harm they have suffered.

The following are the most commonly cited violations that are found by OSHA during workplace inspections.

Construction Industry: Fall Protection

According to OSHA, construction companies have a duty to make sure that all work areas and walking surfaces have enough structure and strength to hold workers. There should be safety nets, guardrails, or a personal fall arrest system in place when workers are working in an area that does not have a protected edge.

Hazardous Substances: Employee Communication

The second most cited violation in OSHA’s records is the failure of companies to communicate with workers about the hazards of certain substances and chemicals the employees are working with. Not only are employers required to warn workers about the hazardous substances, they must also have a written hazard communication program, label the hazardous material containers properly, and distribute safety sheets to all workers. They company is also required to provide the workers with training about the hazardous substances. If you have been harmed as a result of inadequate training or information while working on-site, please consider scheduling a consultation with a Houston, TX construction accident lawyer.

Construction Industry: Scaffolding

Scaffolding is commonly used equipment in the construction industry. Employers are required to follow certain standards set by OSHA to ensure the workers are safe when on scaffolding. The scaffolding must be able to support its own weight and an additional four times the intended load of the scaffolding. The equipment must be professionally designed and put together the way it was designed.

Environmental: Respiratory Protection

Companies are required to protect workers who are exposed to environmental hazards in the air including, dust, fogs, fumes, gases, smoke, or vapors. Although it is not always possible to stop the release of these substances, it is possible to offer employees the respirators and other equipment that will protect their health.

Equipment: Dangerous Energy

When workers are working with, maintaining, or servicing equipment or machinery that could unexpectedly start or equipment that store energy, it is crucial to employee safety that the employers only use equipment which have tagout or lockout device in order to protect workers from unexpected start up, resulting in serious injury or death.

Contact a Houston, Texas Construction Accident Lawyer for Help

If you have suffered an injury while on the job or developed an illness that you have been told is work-related, contact a Houston, TX construction accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates today. Our law firm has built a reputation of working diligently to get injured employees the financial compensation they deserve. We look forward to speaking with you.

Despite the Risks, Construction Workers Deserve Safety

Working in construction can be one of the riskiest jobs in America, as thousands of construction workers are injured or killed each year. Statistically, it is estimated that one in five workplace fatalities are due to construction-related accidents. These injuries or deaths can arise when the construction company has failed to provide proper safety training or protective equipment for workers. Regardless of how the company was negligent, a worker deserves compensation for the incident. The following are some of the most common questions that a construction accident lawyer Houston, TX victims rely on asks.

Q: Can I sue my employer for a construction accident?

A: In most cases, a construction worker cannot sue the employer for injuries related to the job and must have their case handled through workers’ compensation benefits. However, there are states that permit the worker to file a personal injury lawsuit for third-party claims. Depending on where you live, you may have more or less options when it comes to legal action. A third party such as a manufacturer or supplier may be liable for the accident if the injury was caused due to malfunctioning machinery or tools. A Houston, TX construction accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine the best legal options.

Q: What if my benefits are not enough?

A: Benefits may be awarded to the construction worker for the injury accident on a weekly or regularly scheduled basis. But, more often than not these payments are not nearly enough to cover the costs associated with the condition. Weekly payments may be based on a set percentage of the worker’s earnings and severity of the injury. A company may have limitations, such as only necessary treatments related to the work injury are covered. If your benefits are not enough, you may want to meet with a Texas construction accident lawyer for advice on what you can do to increase the amount.

Q: What do I need to know about safety provisions?

A: There may be an instance where a third party is liable for construction-related injuries. Building owners, architects, equipment manufacturers or contractors may be responsible for accidents occurring as a result of insufficient safety provisions. General contractors, in addition to subcontractors, may be held accountable if they failed to:

• Warn workers of potential hazards on the job site

• Hire workers who agree to use caution while performing job tasks

• Check that safety protocols are being followed

• Replace old protective equipment and machinery that no longer works as it was intended

Q: How may a manufacturer be responsible for a construction accident?

A: Manufacturers who make construction equipment have a duty to design and maintain products that are safe for use in the intended setting. Items produced that become defective, are dangerous and can lead to serious injury. The risk of personal injury happening on a construction site is higher than most other jobs. But, the likelihood can be greatly diminished if safety measures are employed during equipment production.

Q: How do I know whether it is time to meet with a Houston, TX construction accident lawyer?

A: If you feel as though you are not getting enough benefits to cover your injury costs, your employer has wrongfully denied your claim, or you want to know more about your legal options, it may be time to meet with a construction accident lawyer.

How a Construction Accident Lawyer Houston, TX Trusts Can Help

A construction accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates can provide you with the legal guidance you need. Our law firm offers a free initial consultation for potential new clients. Call us today to schedule your appointment. Learn about How to Choose the Right Construction Accident Lawyer?