Construction zones pose countless risks, not only to the people who are employed to work on-site, but also to passersby like pedestrians and motorists. While there are many federal rules and regulations governing the safety of construction sites, a single mistake on behalf of one party involved in securing the area or maintaining equipment can have devastating consequences.
Injuries resulting from construction accidents are frequently severe and life altering, requiring extensive medical treatment such as surgery and physical therapy, as well as time off work to recover.
Construction accident victims may experience long-term loss of mobility or a reduced capacity to work. In the case of a fatal accident, the family of the victim may face financial losses such as funeral costs, medical expenses, and loss of household income.
No matter the circumstances, victims of such accidents deserve to be compensated for their losses, both economic and non-economic — and they deserve the dignity of working with a construction accident lawyer who will earnestly fight and win financial recovery on their behalf. But in the midst of a challenging time, it can be difficult to know who you can trust or how to properly vet a construction accident injury lawyer. Here are some guidelines to follow.
1. Look for Someone with Experience in Construction Site Accident Cases
Construction accident cases are often quite complex due to the many parties who play a role in ensuring on-site safety. Anyone can make a negligent mistake, including equipment manufacturers, third-party vendors, property managers, and individual workers. Identifying the responsible party and holding them accountable requires an investigation into the circumstances of your accident and an understanding of federal guidelines and regulations. For these reasons, it’s crucial to hire a lawyer with experience winning construction accident injury cases.
The dedicated personal injury lawyers at FVF Law have years of experience securing positive outcomes for personal injury victims, including construction site accident victims. Our positive online reviews on Yelp, Google, and AVVO reflect our integrity and hard work, as does out A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
2. Know What Information Your Construction Accident Lawyer Will Request
Documenting your accident begins as soon as you seek medical treatment, or even earlier, depending on whether you were able to take photos or otherwise document the scene. Your lawyer will want to know if a police report was created and whether there were witnesses and witness statements. They will want to know how much work you have missed, if any. Most importantly, they will make sure that you are receiving quality medical treatment and follow-up care, and that your medical records properly reflect the severity of your injury.
Keeping these files and notes accessible will help streamline the process of getting your lawyer up to speed so that you can understand potential case outcomes as soon as possible.
3. Understand the Difference between a Personal Injury Claim and a Workers’ Comp Claim
While Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation coverage, many employers choose to provide it to protect themselves from legal action. However, in some cases — such as when a third party’s negligence caused your on-the-job injury — workers’ comp may be irrelevant, and a personal injury lawsuit will be necessary to recover damages. Speaking with a construction accident lawyer can help you understand the role workers’ comp might play in your case.
4. Take Advantage of a Free Case Evaluation
At FVF, we offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. This pressure-free conversation will help you understand the legal aspects of your case and whether filing a personal injury claim is the right course of action. Selecting a construction site accident lawyer is a decision that could impact the rest of your life, which is why you deserve to have all the facts and know your options before you commit. We view it as our duty to provide that information with sympathy and transparency.
Contact us today to set up your free, remote consultation and allow the construction accident injury lawyers at FVF to put our expertise to work for you.