Construction accidents can be extremely harmful. They often result in painful physical injuries, emotional distress and expensive medical bills for victims. If you get hurt in a construction accident and wish to file a claim in pursuit of financial compensation in Texas, you must prioritize hiring the right attorney to represent you.
The right Austin personal injury lawyer can make it easier to identify who is responsible for your construction accident and collect evidence to build your claim. Your lawyer can handle complicated legal issues and go up against powerful adversaries on your behalf, allowing you to collect maximum compensation. Learn what to look for in a construction accident lawyer to choose the right one for you.
Common Construction Accident Injuries That Call for an Attorney
Accidents in construction can result in catastrophic injuries, meaning injuries that will have long-term effects on the victim. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction is the second deadliest industry in America. A total of 1,056 deaths were reported among construction and extraction workers in 2022 – an 11 percent increase from 2021.
If you or a loved one suffered any of the following types of injuries, you can benefit from hiring a construction accident lawyer to represent you:
- Multiple or compound bone fractures
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, back or spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Eye or ear injuries
- Crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Electrocution
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
If a serious injury or the death of a loved one was caused by a preventable construction accident, an attorney can help you explore your legal rights and options. Common types of construction site accidents include falls, struck-by objects, caught in or between objects, forklift accidents, crane collapses, scaffolding accidents, and chemical exposure.
Why You Might Need a Construction Lawyer
You may need an attorney for a serious or life-changing injury to avoid settling for less than you deserve from an insurance company. Insurers are known for attempting to resolve claims for as little money as possible. Accepting a settlement without consulting with a lawyer could be detrimental to your future – especially if you have an injury that will require foreseeable medical care and treatments.
A construction accident attorney can guide you through many complicated legal situations, such as:
- Catastrophic injury claims
- Fatal injury or death benefit claims
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Insurance settlement negotiations
- Alternative dispute resolutions
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Liability disputes
- Employment contract disputes
- Employer retaliation cases
The right attorney can provide you with important peace of mind during this challenging time. Your lawyer can handle your insurance claim, take over communications with insurers and take your case to court, if necessary, for the best possible results. You can count on the legal guidance and advocacy you receive from the right lawyer.
Tips for Finding the Best Construction Accident Attorney
It is important to take your time when choosing your construction accident lawyer. Not all attorneys are alike in terms of skill, talent or quality. Hiring the right attorney can be crucial to the outcome of your personal injury claim. Follow these general tips to find the ideal construction accident lawyer for you and your case.
Review Their Credentials
The attorney you choose to represent you should have some type of proof to demonstrate his or her ability to successfully handle your case. Look for relevant credentials to establish the lawyer’s qualifications, such as:
- Experience with construction accident cases
- Track record of case success
- Notable settlements and jury verdicts
- Personal injury law certifications
- Memberships in professional legal organizations
- Online client reviews and testimonials
- A positive rating on Super Lawyers or Avvo
- Awards from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Recognition from the Million Dollar or Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Look on the law firm’s website for this information, but be sure to visit third-party sites as well for unbiased facts.
Check That They Offer a Free Consultation
In general, it is a good idea to interview the attorney you are considering for representation. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations for just such purposes. A free construction accident case consultation should come at no cost to you or your obligation to hire the law firm. This will give you a pressure-free environment to tell your story, receive personalized legal advice, and get to know the attorney.
Check a prospective law firm’s website or call to ask if they offer free personal injury case consultations. If so, schedule one at your earliest convenience so that you can have the opportunity to meet with the attorney and ask important questions. If you aren’t satisfied with the attorney during your free case review, schedule one with another lawyer until you find the right fit for you.
Questions to Ask During the Consultation
During a free consultation with a construction accident attorney, you need to ask the right questions to assess the attorney’s suitability for your case.
Here are some questions to consider asking:
- What is your experience handling construction accident cases?
The attorney you select should have years of experience specifically representing clients who have been injured in construction-related accidents. Don’t be afraid to ask to see relevant case outcomes, as well.
- Who will be overseeing my case?
Some mill-type personal injury law firms pass cases off to assistants or paralegals to maximize their turnover. Ask the lawyer you are speaking with if he or she will be the person assigned to your case. If not, find out who will be to make sure you’re comfortable with this.
- How do you plan on communicating during my case?
Communication is key, as you don’t want to be left in the dark about your construction accident case. Search for a lawyer who prioritizes open, honest and transparent communication with clients and who has the communication style you’re comfortable with.
You may also wish to ask about the attorney’s fees, the potential value of your case, your rights and legal options based on your situation, and how long your case might take to resolve.
Contact the Austin Construction Accident Lawyers at FVF Law
A construction accident case can be confusing and difficult to navigate on your own. Hiring the right attorney to represent you can give you the mental peace to focus on healing from your serious injuries while your lawyer handles the rest.
The Austin construction accident lawyers at FVF Law have more than 100 years of combined legal experience. In that time, we have collected millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients, including many construction accident victims and their families.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. Call us at (512) 982-9328 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys.