Construction Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles Representing Injured Workers and Visitors on California Construction Sites Construction is one of the most hazardous occupations in California because it involves heavy machinery and physical labor.
Los Angeles has many new parks, roads and buildings. Unfortunately, many road and building construction workers get injured at work. Workers’ compensation is not available to construction workers because they do not have employment. Workers’ compensation does not cover pain and discomfort and only pays a portion of lost wages.
If a third party was involved in the accident, like a vendor, subcontractor, or product manufacturer, you may be entitled to compensation. McNicholas & McNicholas LLP, Los Angeles’ experienced construction accident lawyers may help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The lawyers for personal injuries have helped our clients recover millions.
One of them was a $10,000,000 verdict for a worker in construction who had suffered multiple surgeries due to a compound fracture of the femur.
What is the main cause of construction accidents?
Accidents in construction can happen for several reasons. Construction workers make up about 20% of worker fatalities, according to OSHA. The “Fatal Four”, or accidents that cause the most construction worker deaths are:
- Fall (39.2%).
- 8.2% of people have been struck by objects
- Electrocutions (7,3%)
- Caught-in/between (5.1%)
- Other accidents and incidents caused the remaining 40.2%.
Other accidents and incidents caused the remaining 40.2%. Not all construction accidents result in death. Many factors can cause construction accidents.
- Truck accidents and other vehicle crashes
- Equipment failures
- Fires and explosions
- Catching in between or between machines
- Safety equipment is lacking
- Insufficient supervision or training
- Poor weather
What types of construction work are dangerous?
Los Angeles has a variety of different construction projects. The majority of construction work involves:
Roadwork includes widening, and installing new roads and sewers. Buildings: New restaurants, retail shops, office buildings and hospitals are all possible.
Other building work includes adding new floors, demolishing buildings, installing sidewalks and other construction work. Construction companies, architects and engineers may be held liable for failing to adhere to local building codes and safety standards.
The road construction (work zone) requires those responsible for construction to take measures to safely direct traffic from the construction site, including the use of proper signage, lights, traffic cones and other precautions. To avoid workers being struck by vehicles speeding past the construction site, extra caution must be taken.
The people responsible for building construction must warn pedestrians of the construction and designate the areas where they can walk. They should also protect workers who work often on unstable ground or high above.
What types of injuries can occur during construction accidents in Los Angeles?
If the correct safety precautions are taken, construction site accidents can easily be avoided. Construction accidents can affect anyone, including job crew members, contractors, subcontractors and foremen. All workers must receive safety and health training.
Several serious injuries may occur at a construction site.
- BURN INJURY
- CRUSH INSURANCE
- TRAUMATIC AMPUTATION/LOSS OF LIMBS AND FINGERS
- SPINAL CORD INJURY
What is the role of construction in structural collapse?
Los Angeles buildings may be structurally damaged due to a variety of reasons, such as design flaws or workmanship problems. Construction companies must anticipate the use of the building as well as all natural forces which may affect it, such as wind, earthquakes and mudslides. A poorly designed building can collapse due to structural damage, causing many injuries or deaths.
According to the US Department of Labor construction companies need to take into consideration the various ways that a building could collapse, as well as where the debris will likely land. First responders need to be aware of many hazards when a collapse occurs, including water main breaks and exposure to toxic substances. They also have to take into account electrical wiring, gas leaks, etc.
Owners and managers may be held liable for injuries caused by their failure to prioritise structural damage prevention, including to residents, people near the building and first responders.
What role does OSHA play in California construction site safety?
OSHA inspects workplaces to look for violations that may negatively impact worker safety.
- Safety precautions are not taken around scaffolding
- Respiratory protections that are inadequate
- Electrical problems
- Machine guarding
- Signage
Construction companies must also adhere to OSHA’s numerous guidelines and regulations. These regulations and guidelines include: Construction companies that fail to adhere to these guidelines, as well as state and local building codes, are negligent.
Hazard identification Hazard recognition. Accident prevention. Safety precautions include wearing protective gear, handling and storing hazardous materials properly, and working in a work zone.
Safety measures for equipment. All tools and equipment should be handled with care and safety.
Building material awareness. Avoiding accidents caused by falling debris, faulty walls and stairs, or floor or roof collapses.
Prevention of construction vehicle accidents. Preventing construction vehicle accidents by avoiding hoisting and forklift accidents, inspecting vehicles and ensuring that they are moved properly, as well as using the proper work zone signage.
Read More: Coping with a Car Accident in San Antonio, A Guide to Choosing the Best Auto Accident Lawyers
Who can claim a Los Angeles construction accident?
Workers’ compensation is not available to everyone injured on a Los Angeles construction site. In order to recover damages, non-employees, such as day workers, contractors, subcontractors and site visitors will have to file a claim for personal injury.
A third party could be responsible for your injuries in some instances. If, for example, you were seriously injured by a defective crane bolt that caused it to drop materials on you, you could hold the manufacturer responsible under product litigation. You can still sue third parties if you accept workers’ compensation.
Construction accident laws are complex, and require the advice and guidance of an experienced injury lawyer. McNicholas & McNicholas LLP holds companies and leaders in the construction industry accountable for maintaining health and safety policies and implementing them on the jobsite.
What damages are available to Los Angeles construction accident injury victims?
You may have sustained injuries that could be life-changing, and you may need to pay for medical care throughout your lifetime.
The construction accident attorneys can help you recover current and future damages against those responsible for your injury.
- Medical bills – past, present and future
- Lost wages in the past, present and future
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of Function
- Loss of Consortium of a Spouse or Domestic Partner
- Property Damage