Construction Accident Lawyer Houston, TX
Construction Accident Lawyer Houston, TX
Construction Accident Insight from a Construction Accident Lawyer Houston, TX Offers
A Houston, TX construction accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates knows that every day you work at a construction site you may be putting your life in danger because you work around heavy machinery and equipment that can be quite dangerous. 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?
Because of how dangerous it is, construction workers must wear the proper safety gear, must be thoroughly trained in how to use the equipment and tools, and must know what to do in emergency situations. However, accidents can still happen, and a construction worker’s injury can range from minor to life-threatening. When this is the case, you may be wondering what your legal rights are. Who should be held accountable for your injury? Who caused your injury and was there any way that you could have avoided it? Below you will find more information and frequently asked questions regarding construction accidents and how an attorney from John K. Zaid & Associates can help you with your claim.
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 Houston {construction accident lawyer who will consider your best interests. Check out our FAQs About Construction Site Accidents.
Why are construction sites so dangerous to work in?
Unlike other work sites, construction sites are usually dangerous because they have many workers, loud tools (that make warning calls hard to hear), extremely heavy equipment, and even hazardous materials. Similar to the rules of driving, there is a certain duty of care owed to your other co-workers when you get on the job of a construction site because of how innately dangerous it is. You are responsible for maintaining your own safety and in turn maintaining the safety of other workers.
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
How is safety regulated at a construction site?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that enforces construction site safety with various laws and regulations. When workers are compliant with these regulations, a certain level of safety is easier to maintain.
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
How does “fall protection” equipment increase my safety?
Because so many construction workers are performing various duties at extreme heights, falling is a huge hazard. Thus, the OSHA created regulations that require a company to provide their construction workers with certain fall protection gear, such as:
- Controlled-access zones
- Personal fall arrest systems, and
- Hand and guardrails
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.
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: Is it better to apply for my workers’ compensation benefits or should I file a lawsuit?
A: This will depend on your injuries, and a lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates can help you determine which one is right for your situation. If your injuries are not extensive, for example, it might be beneficial to pursue a workers’ compensation claim to recover your medical bills and any lost time at work. On the other hand, if you believe a third party is responsible for your injuries or your injuries are extensive and life-threatening, we can advise you on how best to pursue a lawsuit.
Q: Can I just sue my employer if I believe they were negligent?
A: In this scenario, you may be legally limited to pursuing a workers’ compensation claim over a lawsuit even if your employer was negligent. However, a member of our team can go over the details of your case to determine the best course of action.
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: Can I also file a lawsuit and pursue workers’ compensation?
A: Yes. If you have already filed for workers’ compensation with your employer but believe a third party is also responsible for your injuries, we can pursue a lawsuit to recover more damages for your injuries.
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 Houston, Texas 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? A construction accident lawyer Houston, TX trusts can help you when a construction accident injured you.
