Construction sites are a sign of change, promising new and exciting developments within a neighborhood. Contractors and subcontractors pave the way for many new projects that residents of a city can enjoy. Such construction projects can include new apartment buildings, new stores, or even new roads/highways.
Nevertheless, construction sites can bring about plenty of hazards. Exposed rebar, collapsing trenches, unsteady cranes, and falling material are a few of the dangers one can expect to find at a construction site. Due to the possible dangers involved in stepping onto a construction site, it is important that workers know to contact a construction accident lawyer should an injury occur on the job.
If a construction worker becomes injured, they can file a workers’ compensation claim. The injured person may also be eligible to file a third-party injury claim to recover compensation from a negligent party, especially if that other party failed to follow OSHA or Washington Industrial Safety Act (WISHA) regulations. If you have been injured on a construction site, you can trust Premier Law Group to help you with your claim in Federal Way.
Common Injuries from Federal Way Construction Accidents
Under Washington’s workers’ compensation laws, victims of construction accidents can receive compensation from those who caused their injuries. This is true regardless of intentional or accidental negligence. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of damages an accident victim can try to recover. These damages are non-economic (general) damages and economic (special) damages.
Non-economic damages pay for intangible effects of an accident that do not have precise dollar values. Such damages can cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to personal relationships (loss of consortium/companionship/parent-child)
- Negative impacts on one’s quality of life
On the other hand, economic damages cover the tangible costs of your injuries. Such damages can cover:
- Chronic and long-term medical costs
- Physical therapy
- Assistive medical devices and prosthetics
- Unreimbursed medical bills
- Lost wages from time taken off work to recover from the accident
If you have been injured in a construction accident in Federal Way, you should seek medical attention right away. After receiving the necessary medical care, you should contact an attorney who can help you pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injury.
Washington State’s Safety Laws for Construction Sites
WISHA regulations state that the general contractor of any work site has the sole responsibility (non-delegable duty) to enforce all safety rules for all employees on site. The general contractor is not allowed to enforce those rules against their contractors and not against any subcontractors. In other words, the general contractor must ensure that everyone on the work site adheres to safety standards and procedures. All subcontractors and other people who work on that site are owed a duty of care; therefore, the general contractor must do everything they can to prevent accidents. All employers in Washington State are mandated to create a reasonably safe workspace for their employees and any subcontractors that are brought along.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Federal Way
Paving roads and constructing buildings can be dangerous work. Vertical heights, molten tar, exposed electrical wires, and unsteady structures are but a fraction of the potential risks associated with construction sites. Construction employers have long-established responsibilities and obligations to the state and their employees to mitigate risks and reduce the chances of construction injuries. Employers should take regular precautions and train employees to use their equipment properly.
Unfortunately, accidents on construction sites still happen. These accidents cause death and severe injuries across Washington State. Some of the most common construction accidents include:
Faulty Design
Every person on a construction site relies on each other to make certain that the structure is secure. In particular, the engineers must check their work and ensure that their designs are safe. If the designers and engineers do a poor job, the workers on the structure face the risks of a possible collapse.
Crushing Accidents
Steam rollers, cranes, bulldozers, industrial-strength trucks, and cement trucks require a lot of clearance to maneuver on a construction site. Jackhammers and riveters may seem insignificant until one lands on a coworker from a twenty-story drop. Another person’s carelessness or inattention can cause loss of limbs or life.
Electrocution
Construction sites always have live wires. Until those wires are secured and grounded, there is an ever-present risk of contact with the live wires, either underground or overhead. In addition, poor wiring can exist in any building. Contact with live wires can cause severe third-degree burns or even death.
If you were injured in a construction accident, you should contact an experienced attorney right away. An attorney will help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Contact a Federal Way Construction Accident Lawyer at Premier Law Group Today
Construction accidents are zealously defended by insurance adjusters and their attorneys. The people representing the insurance companies are aggressive. They will attempt to blame you for your injury. The construction company’s representatives will try to intimidate you into withdrawing your claim or offer you a lowball settlement in order to minimize their liability. It is very difficult to handle a construction accident claim on your own.
You need dedicated and seasoned professionals who know how to stand up for your rights. Premier Law Group has knowledgeable and experienced attorneys who are well-versed in personal injury law and know how to handle insurance companies. Learn about your rights as a construction accident victim and whether a legal case is the right option for you. You can contact us online or call (206) 880-7518.