Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction can be a large scale, complex and dangerous activity that all too often leads to accidents and injuries and may require the help of a construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN offers. Such accidents and injuries can happen when you least expect them, and when they do occur, a good bet for a sense of direction would be to get in touch with a construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN workers can count on. Because construction projects can be complex and multifaceted, there are many ways in which a construction accident can take place. Determining fault for serious injuries that result from these accidents can be very challenging. That’s why you need an experienced construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN clients have trusted for decades. At WisemanBray, PLLC we can provide you with a construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN workers turn to with confidence.
Considering Construction Accidents
Working in any line of business can come means grappling with risks of one sort or another. Office workers are prone to repetitive stress injuries, while healthcare workers are surprisingly vulnerable to patient assaults and slip and fall injuries. Yet, it is undeniable that some industries are more dangerous than others. For example, construction accident sites are some of the most dangerous places an employee or contractor can work. Management and workers must take extra care to maintain a safe work environment, finding and eliminating all hazards. However, even on the most safe and secure construction site, it cannot be guaranteed that an accident will not occur. Even though construction workers know this and know of the risks that come with their jobs, accidents on the job can still happen.
Tragically, many of the construction accidents that occur in America annually could be prevented if only employers were more steadfast about protecting their workers from unnecessary risk factors. Some employers take shortcuts that bypass safety procedures for the sake of productivity. They do not enforce their own company policies, and unfortunately its workers who become harmed because of such approaches. Thankfully, the legal system seeks to hold negligent employers accountable under certain circumstances. Employers who put workers at risk of injury will be held fully accountable under the law. When you have legal support from a trusted lawyer that you can count on to advocate for you, you are more likely to receive the case result that you want. An experienced Memphis, Tennessee construction accident lawyer may be able to assist victims in seeking justice and financial restitution. If you have been injured in a construction accident, please consider scheduling a consultation with the legal team at Patterson Bray. Our experienced legal professionals can answer your questions and determine the best way to seek compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Construction Accident Injuries
There are many common types of construction accident injuries ranging from mild to severe. Some of the kinds of injuries our experienced Memphis, TN construction accident lawyers have assisted victims with included those caused by the following kinds of accidents:
- Collapsed Scaffolding. While the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has very strict guidelines when it comes to scaffolding safety, many construction workers can still fall from scaffolding and get injured or even die.
- Falling from Heights. Because of the nature of their work, many construction employees work from great heights and even with proper safety gear, accidents still happen. In other scenarios, a construction employee may fall into a hole on-site and get hurt too.
- Failing to Wear Necessary Safety Gear. While the OHSA does have strict safety gear guidelines, not all employees and contractors follow these rules. When this happens, they are much more susceptible to injuring themselves.
Is construction work more dangerous than other work?
Yes. The very nature of construction work involves heavy machinery, potentially working from heights, being around extremely loud noises, and being near hazardous substances. Even with proper training and careful navigation through construction sites, employees can still sustain injuries. But the hazardous nature of the job does not make employers any less liable for failure to protect their workers from certain kinds of foreseeable harm. It is partially for this reason that it is so important for accident victims to explore their legal options with the assistance of a Memphis, TN construction accident lawyer.
Who is typically liable for construction accidents?
This will depend entirely on the accident scenario, but there are many parties who could potentially be responsible for your injury. For example, your supervisor may be responsible if they did not maintain a safe work environment. It is also possible that a third-party is responsible for your injuries if a manufacturer manufactured defective equipment that you use. Your Memphis, TN construction accident lawyer will be able to answer this question in more detail after learning about the circumstances surrounding your accident.
What kind of compensation can I expect for my injuries?
There are different types of compensation that you may be able to receive if you work at a construction site. For example, if you are an employee—not a contractor—your supervisor likely has some sort of workers’ compensation insurance. When this is the case (and if it is approved), you can expect some sort of medical and wage reimbursement for your injuries. It is also possible to file a suit with a third-party if they were responsible for your accident. Your Memphis, TN construction accident lawyer will help to explore all viable avenues of compensation depending on the unique nature of your situation.
Our team of attorneys at WisemanBray have successfully handled a plethora of unique and complex cases which resulted in our clients obtaining the maximum amount possible in compensation for their injuries. At WisemanBray you can find a qualified and experienced construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN workers rely on. Not only can WisemanBray attorneys extend a guiding hand to workers who have experienced an unfortunate event, our legal team is available to help many other community members of Memphis, Tennessee.
What type of construction accidents can a Memphis construction accident lawyer help me with?
You can see that WisemanBray attorneys are ready to manage cases relating to auto or trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death incidents, medical related malpractice, insurance related disputes and, of course, any construction accidents and injuries which unfortunately and inevitably do occur from time to time. As there are so many unpredictable moving parts within any construction job site, a construction accident lawyer in Memphis, TN like Attorney Chris Patterson is eager to help injured workers get justice.
Construction has been on the rise in many places, whether it is a new construction, a repair of varying difficulties or a remodel. With this in mind, developers are seeking to be as efficient and quick as possible. This stress translates back to the worker’s responsibility to meet tight deadlines. Many construction workers have to commute long drives to varying job sites and once at the site, construction workers waste no time in starting work, typically very early in the mornings. Many construction workers find themselves working very long hours, beyond the typical nine to five in a cubicle or office job. All of these different variables add to one thing – fatigue. Many construction workers zone out and do not realize when fatigue occurs and then the inevitable trouble can occur in the form of an accident.
For example, if you step on the step of the ladder which reads “Danger Not A Step” just so you can get the task done quicker, instead of finding a taller ladder, and are injured as a result, then you are a person that may need to seek a Memphis construction accident lawyer from WisemanBray. If you find yourself working at heights, even when you’re strapped in, falls can be violent and extremities can still get severely injured, which is why guidance from a construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN has to offer may be your best bet.
It’s not only construction workers who can fall victim to construction accidents. At WisemanBray you will find a construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN community members seek for trusted legal advice. This is important when a member of the public or a contractor is hurt while passing by or visiting a construction site. A common example of this is when a customer at a shop that is undergoing construction, and they are seriously injured by a component or process of that construction. In that scenario, the victim may have a valid claim against the premises’ owner and/or the construction company.
Recovering Damages
Almost anyone can fall victim to a construction accident. If the accident occurs through no fault of yours, you may qualify for compensation to pay for your injury costs. A construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN locals work with from WisemanBray may be able to recover your damages from the at-fault company.
How can a construction accident lawyer in Memphis, TN help?
When you do find yourself in an accident, you need to understand your rights and all the moving parts associated with filing a workers’ compensation claim report. A construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN residents have asked WisemanBray attorneys to provide can give explanations on workers compensation rights. Often, victims do not realize that their employer or another party might be responsible for compensating them for their injury. Victims often dismiss an injury as an “innocent accident” that was “nobody’s fault” when in fact it occurred because someone else acted negligently. At WisemanBray, we can help you identify who is responsible for the accident and your injury, and who should be held liable. We have the resources to investigate construction site accidents and provide experts who can testify on behalf of our clients.
For construction site injuries, victims can expect to file for any of the below damages:
- Medical treatment
- Medication
- Home or vehicle renovation that may be required because of your injury
- Medical machinery
An attorney from our firm can help you identify losses you’ve already experienced from your injury as well as potential future losses. That may include lost wages or increased transportation costs if you have been disabled. We will fight for you to receive maximum compensation for all your losses: physical, emotional, and financial. If a loved one passed away in a construction accident, we know that nothing can make up for your loss, but we can help you seek the compensation that you deserve to ensure that justice is served.
Whether you choose to pursue compensation through litigation or negotiation and a settlement, our attorneys will fight aggressively to protect your best interests. You can rest assured that with WisemanBray, you will have a construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN respects.
Patterson Bray
Anything can happen no matter how careful and mindful we may be. Reality is that our mind is very complex and we cannot always trust our minds to be careful, especially when fatigue or other factors are at play. However, a construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN is proud to have representing its community can be trusted and is available at Patterson Bray for a free consultation at 901-372-5003.
Is a Construction Accident Injury a “Personal Injury” Under the Law?
Construction workers understand that their jobs are uniquely dangerous. As a result, these professionals tend to be extra cautious when doing particularly challenging work. However, even the most conscientious construction worker can get hurt on the job. Sometimes, an accident occurs due to unsafe working conditions, other times due to distractions, misinformation or a host of other complicating factors. Thankfully, no matter what (or who) causes an accident, construction workers usually have numerous legal options available to them if they are injured as a result of an accident. Sometimes, these legal options include collecting workers’ compensation benefits and sometimes they include filing a personal injury claim.
Understanding Personal Injury Claims
An individual may have grounds to file a personal injury claim if anyone (or anything, such as a defective piece of protective equipment) other than themselves contributed to the occurrence of an injurious accident. Construction workers who are eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits may be barred from filing personal injury claims by the terms of their state’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, exceptions to this rule may apply. In addition, a staggering number of construction workers are not eligible to collect workers’ compensation insurance and therefore may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against those responsible for the harm they have suffered. An experienced Memphis, TN construction accident lawyer can advise you of your options if you have been involved in an accident that was not completely your fault. (Please note that those individuals eligible for workers’ compensation benefits may remain eligible for such benefits even if their behavior led to the accident in question.)
Please know that scheduling a consultation with a Memphis, TN construction accident lawyer in order to explore your legal options (that may or may not include a personal injury claim, depending on your circumstances) does not obligate you to pursue any legal action whatsoever. A personal injury consultation simply allows our legal team to answer your questions and ensure that whatever decisions you ultimately make about your situation are informed. And as consultations are confidential, there is no need for you to hesitate to explore your legal options now.
Construction Workers Injured on the Job
Construction sites can be a dangerous place, which can lead to construction workers suffering injuries. In many cases, these injuries can be quite substantial. Workers injured while on a construction site may have several ways of recovering for the injuries they sustain, including through a personal injury lawsuit. A construction accident lawyer in Memphis, TN can help. If successful, these claims can be vital in helping a victim recover from their injuries.
Personal Injury Claim
It is important to note that an injured worker cannot file a lawsuit against his or her employer. Instead, compensation for those injuries is pursued through a workers’ compensation claim. However, third-party claims are possible in certain circumstances. For example, if a subcontractor’s employee is injured while on site, he or she may file a lawsuit against the owner of the site or the general contractor. Third-party claims can lead to recovery for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
There are numerous individuals that may be held responsible for injuries suffered on a construction worksite, including:
- Site owner: this person owns the construction site and may be held liable even if he or she is not present at the time of the accident
- General contractor: this person is responsible for hiring workers and ensuring that the worksite is safe
- Subcontractor: holds similar duties as the general contractor, but his or her liability is usually limited to a particular area of the site
- Architects: these individuals may be held liable for design flaws
- Equipment manufacturers: may be held liable if their products are faulty or defective
Personal injury lawsuits arising out of construction-related accidents are pursued under a negligence theory. For a plaintiff to be successful, their Memphis, TN construction accident lawyer must establish the following elements:
- The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff
- The defendant breached that duty
- The plaintiff was injured as a result of the breach
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the injury suffered
An important issue to be aware of is the statute of limitations, which is the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit against those individuals claimed to be responsible. For a personal injury or products liability lawsuit, the plaintiff has two years from the date of the accident. A products liability lawsuit arises when a manufacturer makes a defective product. In a wrongful death claim, the lawsuit must be filed within two years of the decedent’s death. Critically, if a lawsuit is not filed within these time periods, the right to recover is (usually) lost forever.
Helping Victims
Construction workers often operate in environments that have an increased risk of injury. When an injury occurs, it may have been caused by the actions of another person. If you have been injured in a construction-related accident, contact a Memphis, TN construction accident lawyer from Patterson Bray PLLC to see how we can help
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you have been injured in a construction accident, please schedule a consultation with a Memphis, Tennessee construction accident lawyer today. Depending on your worker classification (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.) you may or may not be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits. But even if you are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, you may have numerous legal options available to you. For example, if you are a contract worker, it may make sense to file a personal injury suit in order to pursue the compensation you are entitled to. No matter what “route” you choose to go down, the experienced team of Memphis, TN construction accident lawyers at Patterson Bray can provide guidance and support.
Construction accident lawyer Memphis, TN
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are some of the most common questions people have about construction accident cases:
What is a construction accident lawyer?
A construction accident lawyer in Memphis, TN is a professional who has been trained to handle cases involving construction site accidents. This can include any type of accident that occurs at a construction site, such as falling from scaffolding or being hit by a forklift. Construction sites can be dangerous places because they are not always well-maintained. However, there are simple ways to reduce the risk of an accident on a construction site.
What should I do if I am injured on a construction site?
The first thing you should do if you are injured on a construction site is call 911. The next step would be to call your insurance company and get them involved as soon as possible. Remember that even if the workers were not working for your company, their employer may still be responsible for their actions.
Can I receive compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes, if you were injured in a construction accident and have experienced additional suffering due to your injuries and/or need medical care, then you can receive compensation for these damages.
If there was no warning sign on the scaffolding that caused your injury (e.g., if the scaffolding collapsed), then this is considered negligence on behalf of the company or individual who owned or operated the scaffolding. The law recognizes that people who suffer pain and suffering as a result of someone else’s negligence deserve compensation for their injuries.
What types of injuries do construction accidents cause?
Construction accidents can cause many different types of injuries depending on the nature of the accident and the type of work being performed at the time of injury.
Common injuries include broken bones; cuts, bruises, and other wounds; spinal cord damage; brain damage; hearing loss; vision loss; infections such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and other bacterial infections that can result from poor sanitation practices on-site; respiratory infections such as pneumonia caused by inhaling dust particles from concrete mixing operations; burns caused by fires started by electrical malfunctions or explosions on-site; and toxic chemical exposure resulting from spills.
Do I need a construction accident lawyer in Memphis, TN?
If you have been injured in an accident at work, you probably want someone to help you get justice and make sure that your employer takes responsibility for their negligence.
Our law firm is dedicated to representing victims of construction accidents and their families. We have a successful track record of obtaining favorable results for our clients. We are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation to each and every person we represent. Our construction accident lawyers in Memphis, TN are skilled trial lawyers who will use their knowledge of the law and experience in the courtroom to protect your rights and interests.
At Patterson Bray, we understand what it’s like to be injured because someone else’s negligence caused your accident. That’s why it’s important to know your rights if you have been injured at work or have lost loved ones due to another person’s negligence on the job site.