Construction sites in Salt Lake City are bustling with activity, and unfortunately, accidents can happen. When they do, the impact on your life can be significant. You might face not just physical pain but also financial and emotional strain. That’s why it’s vital to have a dedicated attorney on your side.
Good Guys Injury Law is here to support you through these challenging times. Understanding the complexities of construction accidents is our expertise and the laws that govern them. We fight for construction workers every day, and our Utah construction accident attorneys can fight for you as well. We can work with the insurance company to help you recover compensation, and our construction accident lawyers can also see if you have a valid personal injury claim.
Learn more about how we represent injured workers below. Then, contact us after your construction site accident to review your workers’ compensation claim.
Table of Contents
How Our Seasoned and Committed Salt Lake City Construction Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case
Conducting an Inquiry and Collecting Evidence
Our first step is to conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. We gather all the necessary evidence, including photographs, witness statements, and safety reports. This evidence is crucial in building a strong case. Our goal is to understand every detail so we can argue effectively for your rights through a personal injury lawsuit.
Interacting With Insurance Providers
Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky. They often try to minimize payouts. Our team has the skills to negotiate with them on your behalf. We ensure that your interests are represented fairly and strongly throughout the process.
Initiating and Prosecuting Legal Action
If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court. We handle all legal aspects, from filing the lawsuit to representing you in front of a judge and jury. Our legal expertise means we can navigate the court system effectively, giving your case the best chance of success.
Engaging in Negotiations and Settlement Talks
Often, cases are settled outside of court. We’re skilled negotiators and work hard to get you a fair settlement. Our aim is to resolve your case to meet your needs without the stress and uncertainty of a trial.
OSHA Safety Regulations in Salt Lake City
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets safety standards for construction sites to prevent accidents. These regulations address a broad spectrum of safety concerns, from proper use of equipment to the mandatory wearing of safety gear. Construction sites in Salt Lake City must adhere to these standards.
When construction accidents happen, it’s often because these regulations were not followed. Violations can lead to dangerous conditions and accidents. We will investigate whether OSHA regulations were breached and use this information to strengthen your case.
The “Fatal Four” of Construction Accidents in Salt Lake City
Falls From Heights
Falls are one of the most common and deadly construction accidents. They can occur due to unstable working surfaces, lack of safety equipment, or improper use of ladders. The impact of a fall can be life-changing, leading to severe injuries or even death.
Getting Struck by Objects
Construction sites often have objects falling or moving unpredictably. Being struck by these objects can result in serious injuries. Sites need to follow safety protocols to prevent such accidents.
Electrocution
Electrocution is a significant risk on construction sites, often caused by contact with power lines or unsafe use of equipment. These accidents may result in severe and devastating outcomes, including severe burns or even death.
Getting Caught in and Between Machinery and Equipment
Machinery accidents are hazardous. They occur when workers get caught in or between equipment. These accidents carry the risk of causing catastrophic injuries or even fatalities, highlighting the importance of machine safety on construction sites.
Common Injuries Resulting From Construction Accidents
Respiratory Disease
Construction site workers are often susceptible to exposure to dust, chemicals, and other harmful substances. Serious respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can arise from these exposures. Respiratory diseases can significantly impair your ability to breathe, diminishing your overall quality of life. They can be chronic, requiring long-term treatment and potentially leading to lifelong health issues.
Loss of Limb
In the hazardous environment of construction sites, the risk of severe injury from heavy machinery is high. Accidents involving this machinery can result in the tragic loss of a limb. An amputation is a life-changing event, impacting your ability to work and perform everyday tasks. It often requires extensive rehabilitation and can lead to significant physical and emotional challenges.
Fractured or Broken Bones
Construction sites pose a high risk for incidents that can lead to broken or fractured bones. These injuries are typically caused by falls, being struck by objects, or machinery accidents. Recovering from such injuries can be a long, painful process, often requiring surgery and physical therapy. Broken bones can immobilize you for weeks or months, affecting your ability to work and carry out daily activities.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord damage ranks as one of the most severe injuries that can occur on construction sites. These injuries have the potential to result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering your life. The road to recovery is often long and arduous, involving extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Spinal cord injuries frequently have a profound impact on your physical abilities and independence.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a severe concern in construction accidents. TBIs can result from falls, being hit by objects, or other impacts to the head. These injuries can have lasting effects on brain function, affecting memory, cognition, and motor skills. The consequences of a TBI can range from mild impairment to severe, lifelong disability.
Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, some construction site accidents are so severe that they result in the loss of life. Wrongful death not only represents a tragic emotional loss for families but also often brings financial hardship. Families may face lost income, funeral costs, and other expenses.
Steps You Need to Take After a Salt Lake City Construction Accident
- Seek Medical Help. Immediately get medical attention after an accident. Your health is our primary focus, and medical records are crucial evidence in your case.
- Report the Incident. Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. This report is an essential record for your claim.
- Reserve Evidence. Collect and preserve any evidence related to the accident. This includes photos, witness contact information, and personal notes about the incident.
- Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer. Contact an experienced construction accident attorney. We can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
The Liable Parties in a Construction Accident
In construction accidents, several parties might be responsible. Identifying who is liable is crucial for your claim. It could be the construction company, equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or others involved in the site’s operations.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors are often involved in construction projects. They can be held liable if they do not follow safety rules and regulations. It’s essential to investigate their role in the accident.
Equipment Manufacturers
The manufacturer might be responsible if an accident is caused by faulty equipment. We will examine the equipment and determine if there were any defects that contributed to the accident.
Other Employees
Sometimes, accidents are caused by the actions of other employees. If a coworker’s negligence or violation of safety protocols led to your injury, this could be a critical factor in your claim.
Delivery Vehicles
Delivery vehicles on construction sites must operate safely. The driver or their employer could be held accountable if an accident involves these vehicles.
Proving Fault of the Liable Party in a Construction Accident Claim
Duty
Every party involved in a construction project has a legal duty to maintain a safe environment. This includes following OSHA regulations and ensuring all safety protocols are in place. For your case, we need to show that the liable party had this responsibility on the construction site. Proving this duty is the first step in establishing that they were supposed to keep you safe.
Breach
After establishing duty, we then show how this duty was breached. This means proving that the responsible party failed to meet the safety standards required by law. Examples of breaches could include not providing safety equipment or ignoring safety protocols. Demonstrating this breach is key to showing that the party did not do what they were legally required to do for your safety.
Cause
Next, we must link the breach of duty directly to your accident. This involves showing a clear connection between the negligent action (or inaction) and the injury you suffered. It’s not just about proving a breach happened; we need to show it was the cause of your accident. This step is crucial for proving that your injuries were a direct result of their negligence.
Damages
Finally, we focus on the damages you suffered because of the accident. This isn’t just about physical injuries; it also includes emotional trauma, medical bills, lost wages, and any other related costs. We work to quantify these damages in monetary terms to seek appropriate compensation. Proving these damages is essential to ensure you get the financial support you need for your recovery and losses.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Construction Accident Injury Claim in Salt Lake City
The statute of limitations is a window in which you have to submit a construction accident claim. In Salt Lake City, this time frame is crucial. In Utah, the window for personal injury cases is usually four years. If you miss it, you might lose your right to claim.
Damages Available in Salt Lake City Construction Accident Case
In a construction site accident, you could be deserving of various types of damages. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Your attorney can help you understand what specific damages apply to your case.
Funeral Costs
In tragic cases of fatal accidents, the family can claim compensation for funeral costs. This can take care of some of the financial burdens during this difficult time.
Lost Income for the Family of the Accident Victim
The family could claim lost income if the victim was a primary breadwinner. This compensation helps support the family financially after their loss.
Loss of Consortium for the Surviving Spouse
The surviving spouse can claim for loss of consortium. This recognizes the loss of companionship and support due to the accident.
Long-Term Medical Care Costs Incurred Before the Victim’s Death
These costs can be claimed if the victim incurred significant medical expenses before passing away. This includes hospital bills, medication, and other related medical expenses.
Call Good Guys Injury Law for an Initial Consultation With Your Construction Accident Claim
If you or your family have been involved in a crash in Salt Lake City, reach out to Good Guys Injury Law. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help. Contact us today to start the process of getting the justice and compensation you deserve. Remember, time is crucial in these cases, so don’t hesitate to get the legal help you need.