Construction sites are some of the most dangerous places to work.
Between heavy machinery, uneven walkways, towering scaffolding, and exposed wiring, there are endless opportunities for an accident or injury to occur.
In fact, one in five worker deaths are in the construction industry, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
In Florida’s booming construction industry, on-site accidents are bound to occur.
Most construction site accidents are the result of what OSHA refers to as “the fatal four”: falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and workers getting caught in or struck by equipment or collapsing structures.
Construction site accidents don’t happen only to workers — Orlando pedestrians or drivers who are passing by can also be harmed by construction equipment and may also have a legal right to recover damages for their injury.
When a serious injury occurs in a construction site accident, it’s often emotionally and financially devastating for the victim. It may be hard to know where to begin when it comes to recovering damages from personal injury or wrongful death.
A good place to start is to contact an Orlando construction site lawyer with experience in personal injury and construction site accidents. An experienced lawyer can wade through the complex details of your case and help you understand what options you have.
The construction site accident attorneys at FVF have expertise in managing personal injury accidents, including construction site accidents, and know how to protect your rights. We’ll help you get the compensation to which you’re legally entitled.
What FVF Offers Orlando Construction Site Accident Victims
At FVF, our Orlando construction accident injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and the full scope of your damages. We can also help you get the expert medical care you need for your injury.
We will advocate for you no matter the cause of your construction site injury. Accidents that commonly occur on construction sites include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Collapsed structures
- Explosions and fires
- Falls
- Crane accidents
- Electrocution
- Hoist and harness accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Equipment-related accidents
Even with safety precautions in place, these accidents can still happen and even cause fatalities.
Whether you or a family member has been harmed, we’re here to offer help in a supportive, pressure-free environment.
We offer no-cost evaluations so you can get information about which steps to take after a construction site accident and decide if you want to pursue legal action.
Construction Accidents in Orlando
In a state that’s constantly growing in population, tourism, and industry, Florida’s construction industry is booming. In July 2020 alone, new residential construction throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties was up 22 percent from the same time last year.
Construction on new homes, along with non-residential construction of commercial buildings, city infrastructure, and other structures, means there are working construction sites scattered all over the state.
It also spells a risk of on-site injuries and fatalities, which aren’t uncommon in Florida.
The most recent data gathered by the Florida Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHSP) at the Florida Department of Health found that the Florida construction industry had the highest number of work-related fatalities between 2007 and 2011 compared to other industries.
In that time period, about 750 construction workers lost their lives on the job. Additionally, in 2018 alone, there were 101 fatalities on construction sites.
About one-third of those fatalities were due to falls, making it the leading cause of death among construction workers in the state. Working on a construction site in Orlando comes with a lot of risk. That’s why we at FVF are dedicated to protecting Orlando construction site accident victims and securing their rights after an injury.
What Causes Construction Accidents in Orlando?
Construction companies, property managers, equipment manufacturers, and other on-site workers are responsible for keeping the worksite as safe as possible. Even with permits, safety inspections, and on-site training, accidents still happen.
Some of the most common causes of Orlando construction site accidents are:
- Lack of fall protection
- Failure to maintain equipment
- Insufficient training
- Improper use of tools
- Defective equipment
- Tripping hazards
- Mechanical hazards
- Unsafe property conditions
- Inadequate protective equipment
- Site safety violations
When an accident occurs from another party’s negligence, a product defect, or the failure to follow safety policies and procedures, the injured party may have a right to pursue compensation for damages.
Can You Sue for a Construction Accident in Orlando?
Orlando construction site accidents can be challenging because of the complexities of construction sites and the regulations employers must follow to protect their employees. Your legal options in a construction accident case depend on may factors:
- Who’s at fault for the accident. Every party on a construction site has unique legal responsibilities. The legal options you have depend on whether the negligent party is your employer, a third-party vendor, or a property manager. They also depend on if you were on the worksite itself or a private citizen hit by construction debris.
- The date of the accident. Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you have four years in which to bring a personal injury claim. If your accident happened more than four years ago, you won’t be able to bring a legal action. If you are thinking about filing a lawsuit for a construction accident, it’s wise to do so sooner rather than later to make sure it gets resolved before the statute of limitations passes.
- How the accident affects your life. The amount you will be able to recover in damages depends on how severe your injuries are, how much you spent on treatment, and the long-term impact of your injury on things like future earnings and quality of life.
If you’re unsure how to proceed with a legal action, it’s always a good idea to talk to an Orlando construction site lawyer to review your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Orlando Construction Accident?
Navigating construction accident claims on your own can be difficult. There are many potential parties who can be involved, and construction industry regulations are often confusing. An Orlando construction accident injury lawyer can help you with the following:
- Educating you on your legal options. Construction accident lawyers are familiar with the intricacies of both Florida law and OSHA regulations. They can clearly present all of your options to you, provide guidance throughout your case, and help you determine your likelihood of receiving compensation from various sources.
- Managing communication. A construction accident lawyer can help you gather needed evidence for your case, including medical records and witness statements. They will also coordinate with employers, contractors, and other parties to make sure that your interests are represented and that you win the best possible recovery.
- Negotiating with insurance providers. Construction companies typically have their own teams of lawyers working to protect them. A skilled Orlando construction accident injury lawyer has the expertise needed to make sure your interests don’t get ignored and you get the recovery you deserve.
Why Hire FVF for Your Orlando Construction Accident Case?
Consulting with an attorney after your accident is always recommended, but it’s important to select the right firm. At FVF, we have years of legal experience and make client education and support our top priorities.
We understand your needs as an Orlando construction accident victim, and we will put your interests first. Here’s what we bring to the table:
- Compassionate advice. Our team at FVF knows how difficult it is to navigate an accident claim and lawsuit, especially when you are recovering from a serious injury. We’ve worked with hundreds of victims of construction site accidents and will make you feel heard and supported throughout your work with us.
- 80+ years of combined experience. At FVF, we have extensive experience with even the most challenging construction site accident cases and a long record of client success.
- Stellar client reviews. Our firm has a reputation for excellence among our past clients. Read our reviews on Google and Yelp, or review our client testimonials.
- Commitment to ethics. At FVF, we take pride in our transparency and ethical counsel. We offer extensive insight into your specific case and only advise you to take the legal action that makes the most sense for you.
- Free case evaluation. Our Orlando construction site accident lawyers will never pressure you to hire our firm. We provide a free case consultation so you can get all of your questions answered before deciding whether or not to take legal action.
We want you to feel confident that you are making the best decisions in your accident case.
If you have been injured on or near a construction site in Orlando and want to know more about your legal rights and options, we’re here to offer advice and support. Schedule your free consultation today.