Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments, with workers facing serious risks every day from heavy machinery, hazardous materials, unstable structures, and dangerous working conditions. When safety protocols fail or negligence occurs, construction workers can suffer devastating injuries that may permanently impact their ability to work and support their families. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, fractures, and sometimes even death.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, we have represented construction workers and their families for over 65 years, helping them navigate the complex legal landscape that follows a serious workplace accident. Our experienced Austin construction accident lawyers understand that construction accidents often involve multiple parties and complex liability issues that require thorough investigation and aggressive legal representation. We are committed to ensuring injured workers receive the full compensation they deserve for their injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can occur in numerous ways, but certain types of incidents are particularly common and dangerous. Falls from heights represent one of the leading causes of construction injuries and fatalities, whether from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or unprotected edges. These accidents often result from inadequate fall protection equipment, improperly erected scaffolding, defective ladders, or failure to provide proper safety training and equipment.
Electrocution accidents are another serious concern on construction sites, particularly when workers come into contact with overhead power lines, defective electrical equipment, or improperly grounded electrical systems. Heavy machinery accidents involving cranes, bulldozers, excavators, and other construction equipment can cause crushing injuries, amputations, and fatalities. Additionally, workers face risks from falling objects, trench collapses, explosions, fires, and exposure to toxic substances that can cause immediate injury or long-term health problems.
Struck-by and Caught-in Accidents
Struck-by accidents occur when workers are hit by falling tools, materials, or equipment, often resulting from inadequate overhead protection or improper material handling procedures. These incidents can cause head injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Caught-in or caught-between accidents happen when workers become trapped in excavations, between equipment and fixed objects, or in machinery, often leading to crushing injuries or amputations.
Trench collapses represent a particularly deadly type of caught-in accident that can occur when proper shoring, sloping, or protective systems are not implemented. According to safety experts, workers in trenches deeper than five feet face significant risks without proper protective measures, and many construction companies fail to provide adequate protection for workers in excavations.
Critical Steps to Take After a Construction Accident
The moments immediately following a construction accident are crucial for both your health and your legal rights. Your first priority should always be seeking immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not present obvious symptoms immediately. Call 911 or have someone call for emergency medical services, and do not refuse medical treatment at the scene or attempt to “tough it out” and continue working.
If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, try to document the accident scene before conditions change. Take photographs of the area where the accident occurred, any equipment involved, safety violations, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident happen, as their testimony may be crucial to your case later. Report the accident to your supervisor or foreman immediately, and ensure that an official incident report is filed with your employer.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Contact an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, ideally within the first few days. Construction accident cases often involve complex issues such as workers’ compensation claims, third-party liability, and multiple parties in personal injury claims, and early legal intervention can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your rights. Your construction accident attorney can guide you through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim while also investigating whether you have additional legal options.
Preserve all documentation related to your accident and medical treatment, including medical records, bills, prescription receipts, and correspondence with insurance companies. Keep detailed records of how your injuries affect your daily life, work capacity, and overall well-being. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without first consulting with your Austin construction accident lawyers, as these statements can be used against you later to minimize your claim.
Understanding Your Legal Options and Compensation
Construction workers injured on the job typically have access to workers’ compensation benefits, which provide medical coverage and partial wage replacement regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, workers’ compensation benefits are often limited and may not fully compensate you for your losses, particularly if you have suffered permanent disabilities or your injury prevents you from returning to your previous type of work.
In many construction accidents, third parties besides your employer may bear responsibility for your injuries, creating opportunities for additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation. These third parties might include general contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or other entities whose negligence contributed to your accident. Third-party claims can provide compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not covered by workers’ compensation.
Potential Sources of Compensation
Construction accident victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages, depending on the circumstances of their case. Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, your ability to return to work, and the degree of negligence involved in causing your accident. An experienced construction accident lawyer can help evaluate all potential sources of compensation and ensure that you pursue every available avenue for recovery.
Why Legal Representation Is Essential
Construction accident cases are often complex, involving multiple insurance companies, contractors, and legal issues that can be overwhelming for injured workers and their families. Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts by disputing the extent of injuries, claiming pre-existing conditions, or arguing that safety violations were the worker’s fault. Having experienced legal representation levels the playing field and ensures that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, our Austin personal injury lawyers have the resources and experience necessary to thoroughly investigate construction accidents, identify all responsible parties, and build strong cases for maximum compensation. As Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm with over 65 years of experience, we have recovered more than $100 million for our clients and maintain a 98% success rate. Our Board Certified attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by construction workers and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your claim. Contact us today at (512) 454-3751 or through our contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you and your family during this difficult time.
