Comprehensive Legal Help After Construction Accidents
At Rummell, Curry & Regginello Law Firm, we provide diligent legal assistance to those injured in construction accidents. For decades, our firm has been committed to serving the injured and disabled across Ohio, from Akron to Cincinnati.
We handle both workers’ compensation claims and third-party personal injury claims. Understanding your rights and the complexities of your case is crucial, especially in construction accidents where multiple parties may be involved.
If you have been injured on a construction site, do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact our Youngstown office at 330-840-3970 to set up a free appointment.
Common Types Of Accidents On Construction Sites
Construction sites are dynamic environments filled with potential hazards. The nature of the work often involves heavy machinery, significant heights and various manual tasks, all of which contribute to the risk of accidents. Here are a few of the most common types of accidents that occur on construction sites:
- Falls from heights: This is one of the leading causes of injury on construction sites. Workers may fall from scaffolding, ladders, roofs or any elevated work area. Lack of proper fall protection or faulty equipment can often lead to such accidents.
- Electrical shocks: With the extensive use of electrical power on construction sites, workers are at risk of electrocution or electric shocks. This can occur by directly contacting exposed wires, using faulty power tools or working near high-voltage lines.
- Being struck by falling objects: Construction sites are prone to incidents where workers are struck by objects falling from above. This could be tools, building materials or debris. Without strict adherence to safety protocols, such as wearing hard hats and securing tools, these accidents can cause serious injuries.
- Machinery accidents: Heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, cranes and forklifts, are common on construction sites. Accidents can happen due to improper use, lack of training, mechanical failures or negligence in maintaining equipment.
- Trench collapses: Trenching and excavation work are essential parts of construction activities. However, without proper safety measures, trenches can collapse, trapping workers under debris and causing catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Fires and explosions: The presence of flammable materials, exposed wiring and incomplete electrical systems can lead to fires or explosions on construction sites. These incidents not only threaten the workers’ safety but can also lead to significant project delays and financial losses.
Injuries from incidents like these generally qualify for workers’ compensation in Ohio, which helps cover medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation costs. However, workers’ compensation might not cover all the harm and losses an injured worker suffers.
If another party besides your employer or co-worker caused or contributed to the accident, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer or building owner, you might have a third-party personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ comp claim.
What Is A Third-Party Personal Injury Claim, And Why Does It Matter?
The workers’ compensation system is set up so you receive compensation through a mandatory insurance program, and as a result, you generally cannot sue your employer for work-related injuries. However, if someone other than your employer (or co-workers) was responsible for your injuries, you can sue them for damages separately from your workers’ comp claim. This is called a third-party personal injury claim.
This type of claim can provide compensation for damages that are not covered by workers’ compensation such as pain and suffering, and loss of future earning capacity. It is crucial to have experienced attorneys who understand both workers’ compensation and third-party personal injury claims to ensure you receive all the compensation you may be entitled to after an accident on a construction site.
You can pursue a third-party personal injury claim whenever someone other than your employer or co-workers is responsible for your injury. This could be a contractor, the manufacturer of your equipment, someone responsible for maintenance or another party. Such claims are vital because they can provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers. Examples include:
- An employee of another company working on the construction site was careless, and you get hurt.
- Your injury was the result of a defective piece of equipment.
- The building owner knew there was an electrical hazard but did not warn you.
If a third party was even partly responsible for your injury, you might have a claim on top of your workers’ compensation benefits. A construction accident lawyer from our law firm can help you with both.
Will A Third-Party Personal Injury Claim Count Against My Workers’ Comp?
Under Ohio law, receiving compensation from a third-party personal injury claim does not reduce the benefits you receive from workers’ compensation. They are considered separate, and you are entitled to pursue both to cover different aspects of your damages and losses. That is why a third-party injury claim is different from a workers’ comp claim and could entitle you to compensation you would not otherwise receive. A construction accident lawyer from Rummell, Curry & Regginello Law Firm can help you understand your rights.
Contact Us Today To Set Up A Free Appointment
If you have been injured on a construction site, do not wait to seek legal help. Contact Rummell, Curry & Regginello Law Firm today to discuss your case with an experienced construction accident lawyer. We are committed to helping you understand your rights and will strive to achieve the compensation you need to recover. Call us at 330-840-3970 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you through this challenging time with the dedicated legal support you deserve.