A twisted ankle or a minor cut might seem like just another day on a construction site in Richmond. But when that ankle doesn’t heal or the cut leads to more severe complications, it becomes evident that even seemingly minor injuries can have lasting repercussions. As construction site attorneys with over 50 years of experience, we know medical appointments, therapy sessions, and mounting bills are just some of the challenges that victims must face.
But you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We are here to answer your legal questions, guide you through the legal process, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether your injury was due to faulty equipment, inadequate safety measures, or any other reason, we’re here to stand by your side and advocate for your rights.
Why Do Construction Site Accidents Occur in Richmond?
Construction site accidents occur for a variety of reasons every year, due to the hazardous nature of these places. Some common accidents include slip and fall accidents from elevated surfaces, electrocutions from exposed wiring, being struck by heavy machinery, or getting caught in between equipment. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting roughly for 35% of all fatalities.
At our law firm, we often see how construction site accidents often stem from the same causes, such as inadequate safety measures, rushed deadlines, or sheer negligence. And we are here to build a strong case on your behalf to hold the guilty accountable.
For answers to your questions with a construction site accident serving Richmond, call:
800-321-6741
Who is Liable for Construction Site Accidents?
Stepping onto a construction site, workers trust that safety measures are in place to protect them. But when accidents strike, the ensuing challenges often mirror the intricacies of the incident itself. In Virginia, determining who bears the responsibility isn’t always a clear-cut process.
Here are the parties that are often found at fault after a construction accident:
Contractors
General contractors are responsible for overseeing a construction project and ensuring all workers are following safety protocols. If a contractor fails to provide a safe working environment, their negligence may make them liable for any resulting accidents.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors are responsible for specific aspects of the construction project, such as electrical work or plumbing. Therefore, they must also uphold safety standards, since their oversight or mistakes can lead to catastrophic events with life-altering consequences for workers.
So, if a subcontractor’s negligence results in an injury, they can also be held liable for damages.
Property Owners
Owners of the construction site have a duty to ensure the premises are free from known hazards. Their failure in this duty can result in accidents, making them liable and potentially sustaining a premises liability case.
Which Damages Can You Recover After a Construction Site Accident in Richmond?
A construction site accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining, often leaving families without economic support. If you’ve been injured in Richmond, it’s important for you to know you’re entitled to compensation for several damages, including:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses include the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. An experienced construction site accident lawyer can help you calculate the full cost of your medical expenses and pursue fair compensation.
Injuries You Can Claim For
From the sudden jolt of a fracture to the silent onset of a traumatic brain injury, the repercussions of these accidents can ripple through every facet of one’s life. With decades of experience serving injured workers, we have seen common injuries claimed in these cases:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Burns and cuts
- Blindness and other eye injuries
- Respiratory diseases
Lost Wages
After a construction site accident, victims are often unable to work due to their injuries. In this case, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes both past and future lost wages, as well as lost earning capacity if your injuries have impacted your ability to work in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages aim to compensate you for the physical and emotional pain you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries. This can include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life, among others.
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What Are Your Legal Options After a Construction Site Accident?
Victims of construction site accidents have multiple legal alternatives to claim compensation and hold responsible parties accountable. If you’ve been injured in a construction site accident in Richmond, you can:
- File a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits for your injuries.
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the accident was due to a third party’s negligence.
- Pursue a claim through your own insurance company if you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or medical payments coverage.
But, how do you know which path is best for you? Our team of personal injury lawyers with experience in Richmond cases can help you understand your legal options and build a strong case on your behalf.
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The Process of Filing a Construction Site Accident Claim
After evaluating your options and calculating the damages you may be entitled to claim, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim to demand what is yours. This process often includes:
Gathering Evidence
Documenting the accident scene, collecting eyewitness testimonies, and preserving any relevant documents is essential. Ensure to collect as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident, since it will later be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Negotiating a Settlement
With a lawyer’s expertise, victims can negotiate with insurance companies or at-fault parties to reach a fair settlement. However, sometimes this isn’t possible because these companies try to offer low settlements that won’t cover the real damages caused by the accident.
We are here to help you demand what you deserve and don’t settle for less.
Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the next step is to proceed to the trial stage. During the trial, both parties present their arguments and evidence before a judge or jury. The judge or jury then decides the outcome of the case and determines the compensation to be awarded, if any.
Contact a Richmond Construction Site Accident Lawyer
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve helped victims in personal injury cases in Virginia since 1972. After a construction site accident, we can guide you through the whole legal process, provide support and guidance, and pursue compensation for your damages.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form