At The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani, our construction accident attorneys help victims get fully compensated for their losses. It’s important to have the right type of lawyer handle your case. They understand the complex nature of construction sites and the common accidents that happen there. A construction accident injury lawyer draws from their specialized knowledge and expertise to provide the legal and moral support you need.
Why Are Construction Site Accidents Unique?
Construction sites are dangerous places. Hazardous materials, heavy equipment, and falling objects can jeopardize the safety of workers and passersby. Falls are the leading cause of construction site fatalities, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Being caught in or between objects and electrocutions are other common causes of fatalities.
Construction accident injuries are often severe and life-changing. Fractures, amputations, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are common. An attorney specializing in construction accidents understands the profound impact these can have on a person’s life and knows how to navigate a high-value case to obtain fair compensation.
A Specialty in Handling Construction Accident Claims
A construction accident attorney specializes in areas of the law specific to holding faulty parties liable. To properly handle this type of case, they must know of:
- Filing workers’ compensation claims
- The latest industry safety standards
- Federal and local laws and regulations
- How to gather evidence
- How to interview witnesses
Your attorney should also be able to evaluate the facts of your claim. Therefore, they know what kind of evidence to look for. It’s usually a range of external factors that contribute to an accident. In determining whether safety measures were ignored or a certain party caused the incident, your lawyer will do the following:
- Visit the site of the construction accident.
- Speak with employees and other eyewitnesses.
- Review the job qualifications of people on-site at the time.
- Obtain surveillance camera footage from the scene.
- Determine if any equipment was defective.
- Check whether any equipment was used improperly.
- Investigate if the machinery was properly inspected.
- Obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Hire construction accident reconstruction experts.
Knowledge of the causes of construction site accidents helps an attorney build a case. For example, poorly constructed scaffolding can cause a person to fall, an equipment malfunction can cause an electrocution or crush injury, or a construction vehicle accident can be caused by a faulty driver or inadequate signage. Burns can occur due to a fire while various injuries can result from exposure to dangerous chemicals.
While an accident should be immediately reported to an employer, it also helps to have a skilled construction accident attorney with the following attributes:
- Track Record of Success: The attorney you choose should have years of experience in construction accident law. Their track record of success with previous clients is critical. Check any lawyer’s success rate in similar cases before you consider hiring them. To do this, ask previous clients, read online reviews, or ask the attorney directly.
- Compassion: Catastrophic injuries aren’t uncommon on construction sites. The pain and limitations victims face are often life-changing. A personal injury attorney specializing in construction site accidents should provide support, guidance, and reassurance. Their empathy can usually be determined quickly during your first meeting.
- Experience Going to Trial: Not all cases go to trial, but a major accident claim is more likely to go to court. Going to trial is time-consuming and expensive. If your case has a chance of going to trial, make sure your lawyer has experience taking cases to court and doesn’t seem hesitant to go that far if necessary.
Other Core Specialties to Look For
Aside from investigating the accident, preserving evidence, and providing high-quality representation, your construction accident attorney should be able to:
- Guide You to the Right Medical Care: Documenting your injuries and recovery is one of the most important aspects of a personal injury case. Your legal team should guide you to the right doctors and medical facilities. The better your treatment and its costs are documented, the more likely your settlement will compensate for them.
- Assign Liability: A manufacturer may be liable if a faulty part caused the accident. A manager or foreperson may be to blame if safety measures are ignored. Your lawyer will examine whether workers on-site were qualified for the job and that all equipment operational and safety procedures were followed.
- Communication: A lawyer’s communication skills are critical to negotiating with insurance companies. They know how much compensation you deserve based on your injuries. Experience negotiating construction accident settlements gives them leverage in and out of the courtroom.
How Do I Know How Specialized My Lawyer Is?
When seeking a construction accident attorney, check that they are a board-certified trial lawyer. Only attorneys with this status can say they are specialists. You can check reviews and legal websites to find proof, or you can ask a lawyer in person. Many experienced lawyers and law firms provide a free initial consultation, during which you can discuss your injury and ask about specializations and legal fees.
An initial meeting is also a good opportunity to learn what the attorney/firm has accomplished, what associations they’re affiliated with, and what awards they’ve won. It lets you evaluate their track record, how well they communicate, and how realistically they set expectations.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
If you’ve been in a construction accident, know what to do and call Jacob for high-quality legal representation. We’re a leading personal injury firm in Los Angeles and fight for your rights. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we ensure you have a strong case and fight to obtain maximum compensation. To request your free consultation with our construction accident attorney, call (888) 952-2952 today.