Founder and Managing Partner
What are my rights if I am injured in a construction accident in California?
Construction seems to be occurring everywhere in and around Los Angeles. The booming construction industry is good news for the economy and the public, but it can present hazards for construction workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 49 construction workers in the state of California were killed in 2014 while on the job. Nationally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that close to 4,000 workers are killed annually, with about 20 percent of these deaths happening in the construction industry.
Causes of Construction Accidents
The construction industry is traditionally one of the most dangerous in the United States. Construction work involves the use of heavy machinery, extreme heights, and working around electrical lines. Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- Falls
- Being stuck in between machinery or objects
- Being hit by falling objects
- Electrocutions
Workers’ Compensation in California
If you are injured in a construction-related accident in California, you will generally be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for most employers in California. When a worker is injured in the state, he or she can seek coverage for medical expenses and lost wages. The family members of those killed while working on a construction site may be eligible to receive a portion of the deceased worker’s income.
Third Party Liability for Construction Accidents
At times, injured construction workers may be able to file a claim against a third party responsible for their injuries. Examples of potentially liable third parties in the case of a construction accident include manufacturers of defective equipment or drivers who collide with a construction worker. Liable third parties will be financially responsible to injured construction workers for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The family members of deceased construction workers can bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent third party, seeking damages for their immense financial and emotional losses.
Anyone who has suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a construction-related incident should contact our Los Angeles construction accident lawyers at J&Y as soon as possible. Our firm will diligently pursue all potential avenues for your full financial recovery. We offer a free consultation to new clients and have several convenient office locations.