In Laredo, Texas, the construction industry is a vital component of the local economy. Yet, with the sector’s rapid growth, construction accidents have become a concerning reality for many workers and their families. Understanding your rights and the complexities of construction accident claims is crucial in these challenging times. At Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to providing the guidance and support you need to navigate the aftermath of a construction accident.
If you or someone you care about has been involved in a construction accident in Laredo, do not face this challenge alone. Reach out to us, today at (956) 728-9191 to schedule a free consultation with our Laredo construction accident lawyers. Your journey towards obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve starts with us.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
On construction sites, there exist a variety of hazards and circumstances that can lead to accidents and injuries. Common causes of construction accidents include:
- Equipment Malfunctions: The use of defective or improperly maintained equipment can lead to serious accidents.
- Falls and Collapses: Inadequate safety measures for working at heights or unstable structures can result in falls.
- Negligence or Safety Violations: Non-compliance with safety protocols and negligent behavior on the construction site often contribute to accidents.
- Electrical Hazards: Exposed wiring and unsafe electrical practices can cause electrocution.
- Inadequate Training: Insufficient training of construction workers can lead to accidents due to a lack of awareness or skill.
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Handling toxic substances without proper safety equipment can result in serious health issues.
- Overexertion and Fatigue: Long hours and physically demanding work can lead to accidents caused by fatigue or overexertion.
Your Legal Rights After a Construction Accident in Laredo
Construction workers who have been injured on the job have specific legal rights that need to be recognized and protected. Understanding these rights is critical for anyone who has experienced a construction accident.
Firstly, workers are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover their medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages. However, in cases involving negligence, workers may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. This can lead to additional compensation, covering not only their economic losses but also non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
The key is to know when and how to exercise these rights, and that is where an experienced Laredo personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable.
Who Can Be Held Accountable After a Construction Accident?
When a harmful construction site accident takes place in Laredo, one or more parties may be held liable, or financially responsible, for an injured victim’s losses. The first step toward making the victim whole again is identifying who is accountable. The answer to this question will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
Possible defendants can include:
- Employers: construction companies and general contractors have a legal responsibility regarding the safety of their construction sites. They must obey OSHA safety regulations, for example. Failing to comply with these duties can make an employer accountable for worker injuries.
- Equipment manufacturers: if a piece of construction equipment malfunctioned or contained a defect that resulted in a worker injury or death, the manufacturer or distributor of the item could be held responsible through a product liability claim.
- Property owners: some construction site accidents are connected to dangerous premises conditions and negligent property owners. In this situation, the owner or controller of the land could be held liable.
Other possibilities include architects, engineers, contractors, workers, and the government. You may need to hire a Laredo accident attorney to investigate your Laredo construction accident and identify all liable parties for you.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Construction Accident
Victims of construction accidents in Laredo may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. If applicable, workers’ compensation benefits will compensate an injured worker for the following:
- Medical Expenses: Covering all healthcare costs related to the accident, including future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury.
- Impairment Income Benefits: Compensation for any resulting impairment that affects their ability to work in the future.
- Death benefits: to be paid to a worker’s family if the accident results in the worker’s death.
In addition, injured workers who qualify to pursue a civil claim related to the accident and their injuries may also be entitled to recover the following damages:
- Pain and Suffering: Addressing the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, additional damages may be awarded to punish egregious negligence.
It is essential for anyone injured on a construction site to have a skilled Laredo oil field injury attorney who can help identify and quantify these damages accurately.
Why Choose Gonzalez Druker Law Firm for Your Construction Accident
At Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, our attorneys are skilled in handling construction accident cases. We understand the complex interplay of workers’ compensation and personal injury law. Our approach involves a thorough investigation of each case, identifying all responsible parties and exploring every avenue for compensation.
With over 30 years of combined legal experience, our legal team is adept at navigating the complexities of construction accident cases, ensuring that our clients receive the full extent of the compensation they are entitled to. We stand by our clients at every step, from initial consultation to courtroom representation, if necessary.
Choosing Gonzalez Druker Law Firm means selecting a legal team with over 30 years of combined experience in handling personal injury cases, including construction accidents. Our law firm’s track record of success in securing significant financial recoveries is a testament to our dedication and skill.
Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Claims in Texas
Do not wait to file a construction site accident claim in Laredo. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the state’s statute of limitations, you have no more than two years from the date of your accident to file a related personal injury claim. This law states:
Sec. 16.003. TWO-YEAR LIMITATIONS PERIOD. (a) Except as provided by Sections 16.010, 16.0031, and 16.0045, a person must bring suit for trespass for injury to the estate or to the property of another, conversion of personal property, taking or detaining the personal property of another, personal injury, forcible entry and detainer, and forcible detainer not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues.
In addition, you have just one year to file a workers’ compensation claim in Texas. Note that certain situations can extend or shorten your filing deadline. For this reason, you should always contact an attorney without delay about a potential case.
What to Do After a Construction Accident in Laredo
Knowing what to do and what steps to take after a harmful construction accident in Laredo can allow you to effectively protect your legal rights. Taking the right actions can make an important difference to your physical health as well as your ability to secure fair financial compensation for your damages.
Here’s what to do:
- Get medical care right away. Go to a hospital in an emergency. If it’s not an emergency, visit a doctor that has been approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company, if you are seeking approval for a workers’ comp claim.
- Notify your employer. Tell the manager in charge of the construction site about the accident and your injuries. Request an official accident report. To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must report your injury within at least 30 days.
- Build your claim. Gather as much information about the construction accident as possible. Keep copies of your medical bills and other documents related to your losses. Use this evidence to file an injury claim.
Before you begin the insurance claims process for a construction accident, consult with our Laredo truck accident attorney. We will carefully review your case, answer your legal questions and give you advice that you can use to choose the right way forward. You won’t pay us anything to act as your attorneys unless we win your case.
Contact Us for a Free Construction Accident Case Review in Laredo
Contact a Laredo Construction Accident Lawyer at Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC if you have been injured in a construction accident in Laredo. Now is the time to take action. Our Laredo construction accident lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights and help you navigate the legal complexities to secure the compensation you deserve. Your well-being is our priority, and our skilled legal team is committed to fighting for it. Contact Gonzalez Druker Law Firm, PLLC today at (956) 728-9191 to schedule a free consultation, and take the first step towards recovery and justice.