Construction work can be dangerous. Project sites are busy places with a lot of activity going on at once. Construction accident injuries can happen for a variety of reasons. A serious construction accident can leave workers unable to earn a living. This leads to uncertainty and fear for them and their families.
If you have been injured in a construction accident and are concerned about your future, we want to help. The accident attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, LLP know you may be entitled to compensation. We will work hard for you to determine who is responsible for your accident and get every dollar you need and deserve. Call us today.
Common Construction Site Accidents in Washington, D.C.
In 2018, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that one in five workers who died on the job worked in construction. According to OSHA data, the four main causes of construction worker deaths, referred to as the fatal four, were:
- Falls
- Electrocution
- Being struck by something
- Being caught in or between heavy equipment
Eliminating these kinds of accidents could save the lives of 600 construction workers each year. Many more workers are seriously injured in these kinds of accidents, and when someone is killed, it multiplies the tragedy.
How can a construction accident attorney help?
Construction accident claims can be complex. In some cases, multiple people may share the responsibility for someone’s injury. Responsible parties might include:
- The construction site owner
- The general contractor
- A subcontractor
- Equipment manufacturers
- Engineers and architects
A successful personal injury case depends on proof of negligence. Construction site “accidents” are often the result of negligence. Safety protocols are often ignored because of costs or pressure to finish the project quickly. These pressures can lead to negligence on multiple levels.
You should consider hiring a construction accident lawyer since they can:
- Use their investigative resources to determine liability
- Ensure that all deadlines in the claims process are met and documents handled properly
- Work with medical experts to determine the extent of your injury and estimate any future cost of care
- Negotiate with multiple insurance companies at once
- Represent you in a trial if it becomes necessary
A construction accident lawyer from Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis has the skills and knowledge necessary to provide you with strong legal representation. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Sources of Compensation in a Construction Site Accident
If you have been injured while working on a construction site, there are two ways you may be able to receive financial help.
Workers’ Compensation Claim
Employers are required by law to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their workers. This kind of insurance is designed to provide reimbursement for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for workers who are injured while working.
There are specific ways in which workers’ compensation claims must be filed and deadlines that must be met. Mistakes can result in a delay or a denial of benefits. At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, we can help ensure your workers’ compensation claim is filed in time to get you the help you need.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
People who are injured also have the right to file a lawsuit against those responsible for their injuries. In Washington, D.C., an injured person has a three-year window in which to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Waiting until after this period passes will result in your case being dismissed. You will not be able to recover compensation through the court system after this time.
Compensation Available to Construction Accident Victims
Workers’ compensation can be helpful. It can alleviate financial pressure, but it does not provide the same kind of relief that can be available through a personal injury lawsuit. By filing an injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses related to your accident
- Lost wages
- Lost future earning potential
- Property damage
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
Our construction accident attorneys can evaluate your case to identify all parties who may be responsible. We will vigorously pursue the compensation that is available to you from every source possible. Though most accident claims are settled through negotiations, we are not afraid to take cases to trial if that is what best helps our clients.
Call a Construction Accident Lawyer Today
At the law firm of Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, we stand ready to fight for you. If you are injured in a construction accident, our compassionate and personal service can help bring peace of mind. With over a billion dollars recovered for our clients over more than 40 years, you can trust us to fight for the best possible outcome.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our construction accident attorneys to see how we can help you. Contact us today!