Construction Accident Lawyer in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Experienced representation for victims of workplace accidents in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Workplaces can be hazardous – especially when they involve heavy equipment, sharp tools, and heights. Construction sites are undoubtedly one of the most dangerous places to work. Those performing this important work often sustain injuries or worse, especially if the people in charge aren’t following safety regulations. If you or a loved one experienced injuries while working in construction, you need the support of a Tuscaloosa construction accident lawyer. Call Prince Glover Hayes to learn how we can help you.
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How can we help
- Why choose Prince Glover Hayes?
- Common construction site accidents
- Understanding third-party liability in construction accidents
- Steps to take after a construction accident
- Compensation options for construction site accidents
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about construction site injury claims
- Do you have a lawyer near me in Tuscaloosa who can handle my construction accident claim?
Why choose Prince Glover Hayes?
Prince Glover Hayes has represented workplace injury victims in Tuscaloosa for over 40 years. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and investigators to build compelling cases. We have a strong track record of handling successful claims and representing injury victims on a contingency basis. Call us to learn more.
Common construction site accidents
Construction site accidents can happen in various ways, but a few types of incidents are known to be particularly common and dangerous. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) calls the top causes of construction-related deaths the “Fatal Four.” Together, these four accident types are responsible for nearly 60% of construction worker deaths:
- Falls: Falls are the number one cause of work-related deaths on construction sites. In total, they cause 37% of fatal construction accidents every year.
- Struck by object: About 8% of construction fatalities occur because of an object striking a worker.
- Electrocutions: Another 8% of deaths on construction sites occur because of electrocutions.
- Caught-in/between accidents: These accidents account for another 5% of fatalities.
While the “Fatal Four” may cause the bulk of deadly events, other incidents that cause injuries and deaths can involve:
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Defective machinery or tools
- Fires, explosions, and chemical exposure
- Vehicle collisions at work sites
- Repetitive motion injuries
Understanding third-party liability in construction accidents
Employees typically cannot sue their employers for injuries sustained on the job. Instead, Alabama law requires that most employers carry workers' compensation insurance, which pays out claims to injured employees. Although workers' compensation makes it more likely that a person will recover money because of their injury, the potential damages in a third-party personal injury claim are typically higher. Potential third-party defendants include:
- Subcontractors who failed to follow safety protocols or engaged in negligent behavior that led to an injury.
- Equipment manufacturers that produced defective tools or machinery that led to harm.
- Property owners who neglected site maintenance or safety protocols, resulting in injuries.
- Vendors or delivery drivers involved in accidents with workers on site.
Third-party claims often result in higher damages because they include coverage for pain and suffering, loss of future earning capacity, and, in some limited cases, punitive damages.
Steps to take after a construction accident
Following a construction accident, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your future claim, including:
- Report the incident: Notify your supervisor or project owner immediately. In many cases, there are reporting requirements. Additionally, if you don’t report right away, this could make it look as though your injury isn’t particularly serious.
- Document the scene: If you don’t need emergency medical care, you can take photos, gather witness statements, and note machinery details.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you are on the fence about getting checked out by a medical provider, you should see a doctor. Some injuries don’t immediately appear. Plus, delaying treatment might undermine your claim because the defense might argue that you weren’t severely injured.
- Contact an attorney: The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. By working with a lawyer, you can protect your rights. Your lawyer can speak to insurance companies on your behalf and help you determine what claims you can file.
Compensation options for construction site accidents
The compensation available in construction worksite accidents varies depending on whether you seek workers' compensation or pursue a third-party claim. Workers’ compensation covers medical bills and partial lost wages but won’t typically include pain and suffering. Third-party claims allow you to seek damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, long-term disability, and punitive damages.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about construction site injury claims
Construction site claims are complicated, so you likely have many questions. Some common questions we hear include:
Can I file a claim if I’m receiving workers’ compensation?
Yes, you can file a third-party claim even if you collect workers’ compensation. Unlike the workers' compensation claim with your employer, the third-party claim might be against negligent subcontractors, manufacturers, or other entities. However, a successful claim might affect your workers' compensation benefits, so speak to your attorney to understand your options.
What is the statute of limitations for construction accident claims in Alabama?
In the case of personal injury claims, you have two years to file. If you are filing a workers' compensation claim, you must report the injury to your employer in five days, but you have two years to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
How much compensation can I receive for a third-party claim?
Your total compensation will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, your lost earning capacity, and whether you can recover punitive damages. Fortunately, there is no cap on compensatory damages you can collect in Alabama.
Can I sue my employer?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for negligence because workers’ compensation laws protect them from direct negligence lawsuits. However, you can pursue claims against third parties who commit negligent acts and are responsible for your injuries.
Do I need a lawyer to file a third-party claim?
Construction accident claims are complicated. Your attorney can help you through the process and will typically provide these services on a contingency basis. Essentially, this means your lawyer only gets paid if your claim succeeds.
Do you have a lawyer near me in Tuscaloosa who can handle my construction accident claim?
We have an office at 2311 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Please reach out if you need to make alternative arrangements. We can meet elsewhere or schedule a video conference or phone call.
Contact the construction accident attorneys at Prince Glover Hayes in Tuscaloosa
If you or a family member suffered a workplace injury, you need the support of a Tuscaloosa construction accident lawyer. At Prince Glover Hayes, our lawyers are prepared to provide the legal representation you need to pursue a personal injury claim. Call us today, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.