Los Angeles Caught-Between Accident Attorney

Silhouette of engineer and construction team working at site over blurred background for industry background with Light fair, caught between accident

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers caught-between accidents one of the “fatal fourconstruction accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from a caught-between accident in California, turn to J&Y Law. 

Our experienced construction accident lawyers have a proven history of helping workers injured in caught-between accidents. While injured workers are generally covered by workers’ compensation insurance when caught between accidents are the result of safety violations or third-party negligence, injury victims may have a valid legal claim against the responsible parties. 

Given the challenges of proving liability in a caught-between accident claim, it is crucial to have the aggressive representation J&Y provides. When you become our client, we will investigate the reasons for your caught-between accident and work to hold the negligent party accountable. Above all, we will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Because we understand your present financial burdens from lost wages and mounting medical expenses, your initial consultation will be free and we will not charge you any attorneys’ fees until we win compensation for you. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can get started on your caught-between accident claim.

What is a Caught-Between Accident? 

One of the four most common injuries at construction sites in California are crush or caught-in/caught-between injuries. Caught-between accidents occur when a worker is caught-between two or more objects or parts of an object or earth. These accidents include workers being pinned between or pulled into moving equipment or being crushed or suffocated in trench collapses. 

Leading Causes of Caught-Between Accidents In California

Workers can be injured in caught-between accidents in a number of ways, including: 

  • Machinery that is not properly guarded or locked down when not in use can accidentally turn on and workers can get their clothes pulled into equipment or body parts caught between mechanical devices.
  • Equipment (e.g forklift, payloader) that is being used unsafely can tip or roll over, trapping workers between the heavy equipment and another object, a wall, or the ground.
  • Workers can be buried in trenches and excavation sites that crumble when not properly supported.
  • Improperly braced walls and improperly secured jacks cause a building or part of it to collapse, crushing construction workers.
  • Scaffolding that is not braced properly can collapse, crushing workers in the rubble of steel and wood. Machinery that is not maintained/repaired can malfunction and trap workers in fatal caught-between accidents.
  • Workers who are not trained on the safe use of machinery and equipment can be injured or killed in preventable caught-between accidents.

To prevent caught-in/caught-between accidents, OSHA requires employers to meet a number of safety requirements. In particular, machinery must have proper guards to prevent workers from being crushed; equipment must have appropriate supports to prevent rollover accidents (e.g. supports on a forklift). In addition, employers must provide workers with adequate training on how to operate machinery and equipment on the job site. 

If site owners, developers, contractors, or other parties fail to meet these safety standards,  injured workers may be able to recover damages. That’s where J&Y comes in. Our legal team has extensive experience in handling caught-between accident claims and a proven history of helping our clients win just compensation. 

Who is Liable in a Caught-Between Accident?

As mentioned above, workers injured at construction sites are typically covered under the California workers’ compensation program. Although workers receive benefits for lost wages, medical care, and temporary and permanent disability, workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering and similar intangible losses. In the case of a fatal injury, workers’ compensation rights are also very limited.

When a caught-between injury is the result of an OSHA violation, however, there may be a valid negligence claim against an employer. In addition, caught-between accidents resulting from defective equipment can be the basis for a third-party claim against the manufacturer or distributor. 

In any event, the best way to protect your rights after a caught-between accident is to work with an experienced California construction accident lawyer. When you consult with J&Y Law, you will have peace of mind knowing that we are in your corner. 

Common Injuries Suffered in Caught-Between Accidents

Construction workers injured in caught-between accidents in California can suffer catastrophic injuries, such as:

Caught-between injuries frequently require expensive, long-term medical care and may result in permanent disabilities. At J&Y, you can trust us to fight for compensation that considers all of your future financial and medical needs. If a loved one has been killed in a caught-between accident, we can help you seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. We will be your attorneys and your allies, and always stand by you.

Contact Our Experienced California Caught-Between Accident Attorneys

Being injured in a caught-between accident is an overwhelming experience and one that is preventable. OSHA tracks the “fatal four” construction accidents for a reason: to ensure that employers and other responsible parties meet their legal obligation to provide workers with a safe working environment. When workers are injured or killed in caught-between accidents, it takes a skilled construction accident attorney to hold the negligent parties accountable. 

At J&Y, we have a well-earned reputation as dedicated advocates of injured construction workers and a proven ability to achieve successful outcomes in caught-between accident claims, inside and outside of the courtroom. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.