Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer

Types of Construction Accidents

A construction site is a fast-paced environment. When precautions come first, they can safe working environments. Sadly, each year, far too many people are hurt in construction accidents.

Florida Construction Accident Data

More workplace deaths happen in construction than in any other U.S. industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 20% of all job fatalities nationwide happen in the construction industry.

Construction is booming throughout Florida. Fort Lauderdale sees many buildings going up all the time. Since thousands of people are finding gainful employment in the construction industry, accidents are bound to happen. When they do, the experienced construction accident lawyer from Tucker Law can be of assistance.

Construction Site Accident Causes

Approximately one out of every 10 construction workers gets injured each year. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:

• Poor scaffolding
• Improperly braced cranes
• Falls
• Slip & Falls
• Heavy machinery accidents
• Lack of workplace safety training

A construction injury could lead to a workers’ compensation claim and a claim against a third party. OSHA estimates that there will be 1000 work-related deaths nationwide next year in the construction industry. If you have been involved in a construction accident, contact Tucker Law.

Who is Liable for a Construction Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

Construction site accident liability depends on the specific circumstances of the case – how, where, and why your injuries occurred.

Contractors and subcontractors have the duty to operate proper safety measures just like workers. Other parties in construction have obligations as well. Construction accidents are often caused by general contractors and contractors who have abdicated supervision to negligent sub-contractors.

A construction accident lawyer can help bring a claim against the following parties:

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

When construction workers are hurt in the course of their employment in Florida, they can file a no-fault workers’ comp claim. Generally, construction workers can receive workers’ compensation benefits without the presence of negligence or wrongdoing by any party.

Property Owners and Developers

Property owners and developers in charge of construction projects have a responsibility to ensure that the conditions on the premises are reasonably safe for workers, visitors, and passersby. The Fort Lauderdale construction attorney from Tucker Law can provide assistance when they do not meet the minimum safety requirements.

General Contractors or Subcontractors

Construction companies also share the duty of using proper safety precautions in projects. General contractors and subcontractors can also bear legally liability for a Fort Lauderdale construction accident.

Architects and Engineers

When a construction accident happens because of the malpractice of an architect or an engineer, your Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer can hold them responsible for the resulting damages you’ve suffered.

Equipment Manufacturers

When defective machinery and equipment contribute to an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable through a product liability claim. If you are injured in a construction site accident due to faulty equipment, contact Tucker Law for professional legal representation.

Most Common Construction Accident Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are becoming all too common. A significant number of injured construction workers suffer each year. Such an accident could lead to victims being out of work, sometimes permanently. One in five worker deaths occurs because of construction each year.

If your injuries occurred due to a construction accident, this could put a major strain on your family. Tucker Law can help injury victims recover compensation.

An experienced attorney can help you recover compensation for the following construction accident injuries:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Burn injuries
• Amputations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Toxic exposure illnesses

Construction site injuries require immediate medical attention. Whether you are an employee, contractor, or passerby, it is imperative that you see a qualified medical professional. It is your right to get the proper medical attention you need.

Construction Accident Case Damages

Injured construction workers, sub-contractors, and tenants can seek compensation after suffering an injury in a construction accident. Personal injury lawyers know there isn’t an exact way to know how much you’ll receive for your injuries.

Generally, the damages you receive for your injuries are proportional to the extent of your injuries, your relationship with the construction company, and the monetary and emotional toll of your injuries.

Typically, an injured construction worker and their Fort Lauderdale construction accident attorney can recover the following damages:

• Medical expenses, surgeries, prescriptions, specialized care, medical equipment, and other costs

• Lost wages for time missed from work

• Diminished earning capacity if permanently injured
• Pain and suffering
• Disability

The Statute of Limitations for Construction Accidents

Florida encourages injured victims to file lawsuits promptly. Since witnesses can forget details or move out of state, filing a suit promptly preserves your ability to make a compelling case. Construction accident lawyers are familiar with the South Florida laws governing your claim. They can use the law to support construction site workers and their construction accident lawsuits.

Florida’s statute of limitations requires a victim to file a lawsuit within two years. This is a hard deadline – if you miss it, you can miss out on recovering compensation for your case in court.

A big advantage of working with an experienced law firm is that a lawyer can ensure that your case is filed before the deadline. There may also be exceptions to the statute of limitations that extend or shorten the deadline. A personal injury attorney can help you understand how the law affects your case.

Types of South Florida Construction Accident Claims

Construction workers in South Florida have legal rights when injured on the job. Your Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer at Tucker Law can provide an assessment of your rights under the law.

How you got injured, your employment history, and other factors will determine the type of claim you’re eligible for and how much compensation you can receive for your injuries. Tucker Law can help you file one or more of the following types of claims:

Workers’ Compensation Claims

In Florida, all construction companies with at least one employee are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage. Workers’ compensation insurance covers all types of construction accidents.

Social Security Disability (SSD) Claims

Social Security disability (SSD) is a federal government program that pays benefits to eligible individuals who can’t work because of their injuries. It also pays partial benefits to workers whose injuries force them to take lower-paying jobs.

Even though SSD is a government program, collecting the benefits you deserve can be difficult. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer at your side.

Personal Injury Claims

When someone’s negligence causes your construction accident and injures you, you may have a personal injury claim. Generally, construction workers can’t file personal injury claims against their employers – they can file personal injury claims against third parties deemed liable.

This entitles every injured construction worker to seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-financial losses.

Premises Liability Claims

If your construction accident was the result of a hazardous property condition, you may have a claim against the construction site’s property owner. Claims against property owners are referred to as premises liability claims.

Product Liability Claims

You may have a product liability claim if your accident involved a defective hand tool, power tool, or other product. Florida law holds product manufacturers responsible when they sell dangerous and defective products that cause injuries at construction sites.

What You Should Do After a Construction Accident in Fort Lauderdale

Generally, you have the right to pursue damages if you have been hurt by someone else’s recklessness or negligence. The extent of your injuries does not always matter. When you have been injured at a construction site, reach out to a qualified attorney to learn more about your rights.

When you get injured in a construction accident, there are some steps you should take to protect your legal rights. After getting injured on the job in South Florida, experienced attorneys recommend you:

Report Your Construction Accident to Your Employer

To protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits, you will need to report your construction accident to your employer. Be sure to do so in writing and make copies for your records. While you should do this as soon as possible, we also encourage you to get help from the attorney at Tucker Law if you have any questions or concerns.

See an Approved Doctor for Diagnosis and Treatment

It’s always important to see a doctor if you’ve suffered injuries at construction sites. Under Florida law, employers have the right to designate which doctors can treat their employees’ job-related injuries when their employees file for workers’ compensation. When you report your construction accident, ask your employer where to go to receive medical attention.

Take Detailed Notes

Write down as many details as you can remember about the accident, including the time, exact location, and other factors that could have contributed to the accident. These notes will help you discuss the accident with your lawyer during your free initial consultation.

Prioritize Recovery

If your doctor says you should rest, you should rest until you are cleared to resume your normal job duties. Follow all of your doctor’s instructions and stick to any treatment plan they recommend.

Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

To make sure you seek full compensation for your construction accident injuries, you will want an experienced lawyer on your side. Start with a free consultation with Tucker Law right away.

Tucker Law’s main office is located at 800 SE 3rd Avenue, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, about 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach, less than a mile away from Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, and about 5 minutes away from the Museum of Discovery and Science. Port Everglades is only 15 minutes away. Matthew Sean Tucker, the principal attorney at Tucker Law, is your trusted source for addressing both personal injury and intellectual property matters. With a proven history of expertise and success, Tucker Law ensures your legal representation instills confidence in every aspect of your case. Call Tucker Law today at 1-800-882-5379 with further questions.