• Understanding Construction Accidents: Legal Rights, Safety Standards, and Complex Liabilities

    Why Construction Accidents Are Common and Often Severe?

    It’s not surprising that construction sites are often the scene of accidents. Open trenches, precarious scaffolding, heavy machinery, high voltage lines, and dangerous equipment make for a high-risk environment. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), thousands of workers are injured each year on construction sites, and 20 percent of all worker fatalities in the United States happen in the construction industry. In the aftermath of an accident, workers and their families face significant financial hardship, as well as devastating health consequences.

    Two construction workers are sitting on the ground after a construction accident in Owings Mills, MD

    Common Causes of Construction Accidents

    Many construction accidents could be prevented with proper care, appropriate training, and attention to safety regulations. The most common causes of construction accidents include:

    • Falls from Heights
    • Accidents with Heavy Equipment
    • Being Struck by Something Falling
    • Electrocution
    • Exposure to Hazardous Materials
    • Slips, Trips, and Falls
    • Lifting Heavy Objects

    Construction Accidents Law: Legal Rights of Injured Workers

    Workers who are injured on the job have certain legal rights. First and foremost is the right to medical care. Next is the right to file for compensation, which can be extremely important in covering the expense of medical care. Filing for workers compensation is the first step, but an injured worker also has the right to file other claims for compensation, as well. If you have been injured, you have the right to get better, the right to be free from discrimination and retaliation, and the right to legal representation.

    Safety Standards in Construction

    Why do accidents happen? Often, it’s because of a failure to adhere to the safety standards set forth by OSHA and other regulating bodies. OSHA construction safety protocols are extremely thorough, and include mandatory safety training, the use of personal protective equipment, regular equipment inspecting, procedures for identifying hazards, and emergency response planning. When accidents occur, often, someone at some stage of the plan let something slide, resulting in catastrophic consequences.

    Complex Liabilities in Construction Accidents

    If you are injured in a construction accident, who is liable? Determining this can be complicated. Construction sites have a lot of moving parts, and many different entities involved. If the work environment was not safe or violated OSHA regulations, the general contractor or subcontractors may be responsible. On the other hand, a property owner can be held liable if the property was unsafe. In the case of an equipment failure or defective tools, the manufacturer may be liable, and if a third party vendor or supplier contributed to the accident through negligence, they may bear responsibility.

    Steps to Take After a Construction Accident: Should Construction Accidents Law Firms Be Involved?

    In addition to the complexity of determining liability, the red tape involved in claiming compensation after an accident can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to enlist the help of an experienced construction accident attorney when you are dealing with the injuries and financial strain of a construction accident. After seeking medical treatment, your next step should be to schedule a consultation with a construction accident law firm, to determine whether your claim is valid. An accident attorney will investigate your accident and file your claim for you, then negotiate a fair settlement.

    Challenges in Construction Accident Law and Filing Claims

    Determining fault is just one of the complexities in construction accident claims. Workers compensation and insurance can be extremely challenging, because it involves gathering the right documentation, meeting filing deadlines, and dealing with red tape. Having an attorney who is well-versed in personal injury and workplace accident law can make all the difference, because it means having someone on your side with the knowledge and skills to navigate all these complications and work towards maximizing your settlement.

    Looking for a Construction Accident Law Firm? Look to the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg

    If you’ve been in an accident on the job site, you owe it to yourself to find the most experienced, reputable law firm you can, to fight for you. Since 1981, the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg has been successfully assisting clients in the Baltimore County area. Our seasoned professionals work hard to resolve our clients’ legal issues, comprehensively evaluating each case to determine the best strategies for handling each unique situation. Having effectively handled numerous cases in our decades of experience, our firm understands the laws and protocols specific to Maryland and will put our knowledge and expertise to work for you. If you are dealing with the stress, pain, and financial difficulty that comes in the aftermath of a construction accident, you can trust the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg to work to achieve the best possible decision in line with your best interests. If you are looking for legal services in Carroll County, Pikesville, Owings Mills, or Baltimore County, Maryland, contact us through our website to schedule a consultation.