It is estimated that around one in five fatalities at work in the private sector occur in the construction industry. There are many risks associated with the construction industry given the machinery involved, the manual labor required and the height at which workers perform their trades.
Although safety measures are required under the law to protect anyone on the site, accidents still occur. If you have been involved in a construction accident, the best way to take action is with the guidance and support of experienced attorneys. Tacoma Injury Law Group is a Washington-based law firm with Forty Years (40) experience in construction site accidents. Get in touch to find out how we can help.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
The types of jobs carried out on a construction site can vary significantly. As a result, there are many types of accidents that can occur without proper safety equipment and adherence to safety procedures. Some of the most common construction site accidents include:
· Workers falling from heights
· Workers being hit by an object
· Workers being electrocuted
· Workers being injured by machinery
Construction Accidents in Washington
Data suggests that construction causes more injuries and deaths in Washington than any other industry.
There are many individuals who could be at fault for a construction accident, including property owners, contractors, developers – and even yourself. In Washington, it is the general contractor who is charged with making sure the overall work site is safe. Subcontractors and employers also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the areas on site where they are performing their trades.
An employer is usually immune under the industrial insurance laws from being sued by its employees for injuries that occur on the job. However, when a worker sustains an injury on a construction site that was the fault of someone who is not his or her employer (i.e. general contractors, land owners, developers, subcontractors, etc.) then the worker can make a claim against those responsible parties known as “third parties.” Because this area of law is complex, it is always best to choose Washington attorneys with experience in construction accident claims and who are familiar with navigating through the legal complexities.
If there is no third-party responsibility, you may still be entitled to have your medical bills paid and to receive time loss compensation for missed wages while recuperating. We handle these types of claims also at Tacoma Injury Law Group.
What If You Were Partially Responsible?
Not all accidents are 100% one party’s fault. It could be true that the accident you experienced was partially your fault or the fault may be shared by several third parties. Since Washington is a “pure comparative fault” state, this means that you can demand compensation for your injuries even when you share partial fault for your injuries. The amount of any compensation you may be awarded will be reduced according to your percentage of fault for the accident. Because these details can be difficult to prove and highly contested, it is important to consult with an attorney who has experience in this realm.
Washington Attorneys for Construction Accidents
To determine whether you may have a legal claim for a construction site accident and then to successfully pursue such a claim in Washington, you need attorneys familiar with Washington law applicable to these claims. Our attorneys at Tacoma Injury Law Group have significant experience with construction site accidents and are here to support and guide you through the process.
Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more.