If you have been injured in a Texas construction accident, you may be overwhelmed with high medical bills and the financial stress of not being able to work while you recover. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, victims of construction accidents may qualify for compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. In some cases, victims may also be compensated for pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. A construction accident lawyer in Houston, TX can evaluate your situation and determine what type of case you may have.
Who is liable in a construction accident?
It is no secret how dangerous a construction site is. In fact, the federal government (OSHA) has deemed jobs in the construction industry to have one of the highest risks of injury and death to workers. Some of the more frequent construction site accidents include fall injuries, trench collapses, and equipment/machinery accidents.
Regardless of what type of incident it was, a Houston, TX construction accident lawyer understands just how life-changing these accidents can be. When a victim is injured, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover the medical expenses and loss of income, regardless of what party was at fault for the accident.
However, if the accident occurred due to the negligence of a property owner, contractor, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer, the victim may be eligible to file what is referred to as a third-party lawsuit.
What is the difference between a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party lawsuit?
Workers’ compensation benefits cover the victim’s medical expenses and a percentage of their weekly pay. It does not cover 100 percent of the victim’s salary. A third-party lawsuit will cover past, present, and future medical expenses and all of the lost wages. The victim may also recover compensation for any loss of future earning capacity if they have been left permanently disabled. The victim may also be awarded compensation for pain and suffering, permanent disability, scarring, and more.
How will my lawyer determine liability and what type of legal action I should file?
Determining liability for construction site accidents can be complex. Your attorney will investigate the accident, gathering evidence that will reveal who is liable. This can include using incident reports, witness statements, video from security cameras, and other evidence.
Once your lawyer has determined all liable parties, he or she will discuss with you what the best course of action is in order to obtain the best financial results.
Have You Been Injured in a Construction Accident?
If you are dealing with injuries you sustained on a construction site, contact a Houston, TX construction accident lawyer for legal assistance. Call John K. Zaid & Associates today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.