Memphis Injury Law Firm

If you have been the victim of a construction accident because someone else was acting negligently, please contact our Memphis injury law firm Patterson Bray, now. When you work at a construction site, you know the most important thing you can do is avoid getting into an accident, because such incidents can quickly become severe and life-threatening.

The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has outlined specific regulations that construction workers can follow to be safe while working on the various equipment at a construction site. Devastatingly, the professionals at our Memphis, Tennessee injury law firm know that some accidents cannot be avoided because they result from someone else’s negligence.

Who Is Responsible for Damages in a Construction Accident Case?

The construction industry is notoriously hazardous. Construction workers understand that they risk their safety every time they step onto a job site. But simply because construction is inherently risky doesn’t mean that construction workers are obligated to simply “suck it up” if they get hurt on the job. On the contrary, both the workers’ compensation system and the personal injury claims process exist to ensure that injured workers are able to gain access to compensation to cover many costs associated with their injuries after accidents happen.

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may be wondering who is responsible for the costs associated with your injuries. The answer to that question largely depends upon the unique circumstances surrounding your situation. When you meet with the team at the Memphis injury law firm of Patterson Bray, you can receive personalized feedback and professional guidance concerning your legal options. As you prepare for your confidential, no-obligation consultation at our Memphis injury law firm, please consider the following general information about whether you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits or eligible to file a personal injury claim. Write down any questions that this information inspires so that we can answer your questions when we meet with you.

When To Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm

If you need assistance with a personal injury case, you should contact a Memphis injury law firm without delay. At Patterson Bray, we can let you know right away what steps to take. Not every situation requires having a lawyer, but many do — at least if you want to get compensation.

When You’ve Been in a Car Accident

Depending on the severity of the accident, calling a Memphis injury law firm should be one of your top priorities. Of course, first you need to visit the hospital for medical care. We generally recommend contacting our law firm the same week as your accident if possible.

Having a personal injury lawyer is essential if you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident or construction accident. You need someone who cares about your needs and knows how to help you get the compensation you deserve, including temporary or permanent disability benefits.

When Your Case Involves Multiple Responsible Parties

Personal injury cases involving many guilty parties are complicated to resolve. You need to figure out who to hold responsible and how to prove that they’re at fault. Fortunately, a Memphis injury law firm specializes in this type of case.

Construction accidents, car accidents with many vehicles and/or passengers, and medical malpractice claims often involve multiple parties. At Patterson Bray, we can help you understand all of your available options. You may be able to get more compensation by taking all responsible parties to court.

When a Personal Injury Claim Is Rejected

Have you filed a personal injury claim or workers’ compensation claim and had it rejected? Sadly, this is a common tactic with many insurance companies. Even when you clearly meet the requirements for compensation, some insurers deliberately reject claims.

When you have an experienced law team by your side, however, these companies tend to take your claim more seriously. They know that if they don’t offer a fair settlement, you have the power to take them to court.

When You’re in Danger of Being Sued

Sometimes, you know that you’re not at fault for an accident. Other times, you may be partly at fault, but so is the other driver. In both of these situations, you may be in danger of being sued. Unless you can prove your innocence, it’s your word against the other driver’s. If this occurs, contact a Memphis injury law firm ASAP to protect your reputation and your finances.

Workers’ Compensation or Personal Injury?

When most construction workers are injured on the job, they must file workers’ compensation claims to receive the compensation they are entitled to. The workers’ comp system operates differently in every state. But in general, workers’ compensation benefits are extended to all injured employees of most companies, regardless of who caused the accident in question. These benefits are generally not available to independent contractors, however. If you are an independent contractor, unless your job status has been misclassified, you’ll need to explore the option of filing a personal injury suit as workers’ comp coverage does not extend to your position.

Who Is Responsible for Damages in a Construction Accident Case Infographic

Our Top Tips for Remaining Safe at a Construction Site

As your Memphis personal injury lawyer may share with you, under OSHA, there are specific measures that construction workers and employers can take to be safe at a construction site.

Scaffolding

Scaffolding work is inherently dangerous because of the height that construction workers are on when they are using this type of equipment. An employee who works on scaffolding is automatically in danger of falling from great heights, having other objects falling on them, and potentially getting electrocuted. When it comes to working on scaffolding, our Memphis injury law firm stresses the importance that construction workers wear hard hats, non-skid boots, and wear their safety harnesses.

Fall Protection

Similar to scaffolding work, construction workers are at an increased risk of falling from large heights. This is because of the height of the buildings that they work on. There are specific fall protection systems that employers at construction sites can implement, and it is always paramount that construction workers follow any safety rules outlined at the site. If you believe your employer or a third party was responsible for your fall, we urge you to contact our Memphis injury law firm in TN immediately.

Toxic/ Hazardous Substances

Many construction sites have different kinds of hazardous materials, depending on the type of construction they are completing. Our Memphis, Tennessee injury law firm has represented clients who have been wrongfully hurt due to various substances, which may have included:

• Asbestos
• Lead
• Silica
• Mercury
• Cadmium

Employers at construction sites must offer clear communication regarding what to do when exposed to hazardous material as well as provide safety gear for their employees and contractors so that they are not exposed in the first place. Because hazardous materials can get into the lungs and other areas of the body quickly, you must seek medical help as soon as possible if exposed.

Falling Objects

Finally, one of the most common causes of damage at a construction site are falling objects, especially when working on demolition projects. All employees and contractors must wear the appropriate hard hats and gear so that they have protection from the potential impact of falling or flying objects, as well as objects that could shock them.

Contact Patterson Bray Today

While not an exhaustive list, this covers some of the ways that construction workers can become injured at a construction site as well as safety tips for avoiding injuries. If you have already become injured at a construction site and need legal representation, please contact Patterson Bray, your local TN injury law firm in Memphis.

Proving a Construction Site Accident

Working with Patterson Bray, a Memphis injury law firm is the right choice following a construction site accident. The road that lies before an accident victim can be rife with challenges. An accident victim may be left to contend with physical pain, long-term injuries, medical expenses, and even lost wages from missed time away from work. Amidst all of this, you will need to sort out whether you can take legal action for the damages you have incurred. To have a successful case, it’s essential to prove your case. Calling on our Memphis injury law firm by taking advantage of our complimentary consultation can play a crucial role by ensuring you can prove that all elements of a personal injury has persuasive evidence to back it up.

Key Elements to Take Legal Action

To have a successful construction site accident case, you will need to prove that the other party’s negligence resulted in the losses you are now facing. An experienced Memphis injury law firm will review your case to determine if the following are present:

• A Duty of Care
• Breach of Duty
• Damages
• Causation

Lawyers at our Memphis injury law firm will work with you to gather the necessary evidence that supports each element of your case. Some examples of evidence that may be critical to your case are:

• Photographs or videos of the scene and your injuries
• Medical documentation pertaining to your case
• Accident reports produced at the scene
• Your personal account of the accident
• Statements from those who witnessed the accident

At Patterson Bray, we want you to be informed of your options so that you are prepared to forge ahead with your case. Turn to our legal team so that we can help you take action immediately.

Qualities You Want in a Construction Accident Attorney

After you’ve been hurt at a construction site and decided it’s time to ponder the possibility of legal action, you need the right attorney. Don’t simply choose any representative who’s willing to take on your case. Find one with the right attributes that make seeking compensation effective and pleasurable, such as those at Patterson Bray. Here are some qualities to look for in a Memphis injury law firm attorney.

Experience

The legal counsel you select must be closely familiar with personal injury law. Not only that, but your attorneys should specifically understand the particulars regarding construction site accidents. Ask how long potential representatives have been litigating these types of lawsuits. It’s worth considering where attorneys went to school, as well as how long it’s been since they earned their degrees. However, what’s most important is that they’ve dealt with clients whose circumstances mirror yours. Request examples of individuals who hired them to handle similar legal concerns.

Success

Because the past sometimes predicts the future, the Memphis injury law firm you decide to work with should have an impressive track record. Ask your potential attorney about his or her overall history of litigating cases such as yours. Some attorneys prefer going to trial rather than settling out of court or the other way around. Hire a representative that’s inclined to pick the path you most desire. Also, find out how much money was awarded in specific cases. Follow this by inquiring as to how much your situation is worth.

Passion

Attorneys such as those at Patterson Bray live and breathe construction accident cases. Use your intuition to get a sense of how much someone cares about what happened to you. When speaking with someone at a Memphis injury law firm, note whether the individual you’re telling your story to is listening intently. Follow-up questions should be relevant and display a proper understanding of everything you’ve said. Move along if you fear you aren’t going to be a priority.

Personality

One of the most frequently ignored aspects of picking an attorney is the interpersonal factor. The person you choose needs to be someone you feel comfortable working alongside. Engage in small talk to get a sense of what makes this lawyer tick. Does this individual make you feel relaxed or nervous? Is the office messy and disorganized, or clean and professional? These can be important clues as to whether you’ve found the right representative. It’s vital that you feel content with the attorney you hire.

Preparing for Your Complimentary Consultation

Complimentary consultations come at a tremendous benefit to both the victim and a prospective lawyer from a Memphis injury law firm. However, victims and their families should be aware that there will be a limited amount of time to review the case. You will want to come prepared for your initial consultation with an attorney so that you can make the most of your time with them. Here are some tips for preparing for your first appointment:

• Come prepared with a list of questions so that you can stay on track
• Ask the Memphis injury law firm for their experience in managing cases like yours
• Ask them how they will communicate with you during your case
• Find out if the lawyer you are meeting with will be the person handling your case
• Ask what their record is for settling claims outside of the courtroom and taking cases to trial
• Make sure that you have a clear understanding of their fee structure

Taking the time to meet with a lawyer in person is crucial to ensuring that you choose the right Memphis injury law firm to represent you.

Safe working conditions are imperative to reducing injuries on construction sites. The impact from construction accidents can be far-reaching, not only substantially impacting the victim but their families as well. If you have succumbed to a construction site accident, you deserve the guidance of an experienced legal team who can help take the lead with your case and protect your rights every step of the way. For more information about how our Memphis injury law firm can help you, contact Patterson Bray today.

How Can a Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

When you are involved in an accident it is important to retain representation right away. A personal injury attorney will be happy to set up a consultation with you to speak about your options. He or she will know whether or not you have a case, then the best way to proceed so that you get the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer can help you get compensation for a multitude of things, including:

• Costs for medical care
• Prescription medicine and physical therapy
• Hospital bills
• Lost wages due to the injury
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium 
• + More

A personal injury lawyer may also help you file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one if he or she passed away due to the negligence of someone else. Your lawyer can help you navigate the waters of both personal injury or wrongful death, as it can be an emotional time and difficult to think clearly. Your attorney is your advocate and will want the best possible outcome from your case — whether you decide to settle outside of court or take your case to court for a judge to decide on.

Examples of Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury lawsuits are incredibly common because accidents can happen any time to anyone. It is always your right to try to get compensation from the people responsible for your injuries if they occurred because someone was careless. Some of the most common personal injury cases include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Injuries in the workplace 
• Dog bites
• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Nursing home injuries
• + More

An attorney from Patterson Bray will have experience in dealing with a wide range of cases like this and want to see you get compensated for your injury and trauma associated with it. You should not worry about how you will pay for an attorney. Many personal injury cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, which means that your lawyer will take a percentage of your payout if you end up winning your case. If you do not win, you will not owe your attorney anything. This is why it really can not hurt to see if you have a case and move forward with it.

You deserve to be compensated for any unnecessary harm and trauma that you have gone through due to someone else’s carelessness. Contact us on our website or by phone today to get more information and to schedule an initial consultation. We will go over all the details of your case to see if we think it will be worth pursuing. Don’t hesitate though — there is often a statute of limitations in which you can file for a personal injury lawsuit. You do not want to miss any important deadlines, which is why it is so important to have a lawyer on your side who will keep you on track.

Construction Site Third-Party Claim

Becoming injured at a construction site because of faulty equipment can be any personal injury claim complicated. In fact, you may not realize why you were injured to begin with. Perhaps you are wondering if someone who works alongside you is to blame or you may be questioning whether it is your fault or not. If you suspect that there was faulty equipment, speak up to your lawyer. They can help examine the evidence and looking into the manufacturing. Especially in cases where you think the equipment may be to blame, get as much information as you can. Ask yourself questions like:

• What equipment or tools was I using leading up to the accident? 
• What was the weather like? 
• Was I using the equipment properly?
• Did something happen that the equipment warning label did not warn me about? 

Be upfront with your attorney so that they know if there are any companies they should look into for a third-party injury claim.

What Are Common Injuries on Construction Sites? 

Life on a construction site can bring plenty of dangers and risks that anyone on the site can get involved in. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in place to help prevent injuries but when these regulations go ignored injuries happen. Here are some of the most common injuries faced on a construction site: 

• Falling from Heights – A worker, or anyone on the construction site, may fall from a building, scaffolding, or a piece of machinery to the ground below. There can also be deep holes or ditches on a construction site that may be a risk for a great fall if someone were to fall into them. 

• Trench Collapse – For those who work underground, a trench collapse can be devastating. The worker can have their air supply cut off, be buried alive, or suffer injures from falling debris in the tunnel. 

• Collapsed Scaffolding- There are strict rules to ensure that scaffolding is stable and safe before use. However, things can still go wrong and workers can fall to their death or sustain serious injuries from falling. 

• Electric Shock – Often there are power tools, generators, and machinery that all require some form of electricity. There is often a need to do electrical wiring as well. If the right safety precautions aren’t taken then works can risk getting a serious electric shock or even electrical burns. 

• Failing to Use Protective Gear – Hardhats, safety glasses, and other personal protective equipment are important to use on a construction site. If one doesn’t wear them, they can risk serious injuries. Safety glasses have been known to save lives and hard hats help prevent head injuries from falling objects.

• Repetitive Motion Injuries  – Often workers are asked to do the same task over and over again. This can cause wear and tear on the body which means the muscles and soft tissues can become damaged. This can limit mobility and cause serious pain to the point of missing work. 
• Burnes – Burns are another common injury as they can happen with high temperatures or even chemical burns. Without the proper gear, these burns can be serious or even life-threatening.

Construction sites can have many dangers. That is why if you or a loved one were hurt on a construction site it is in your best interest to talk find a Memphis injury law firm like Patterson Bray today. 

Why is it difficult to show third-party responsibility?

It can be difficult because many construction workers must realize that they were not responsible for the accident that occured. Typically following an accident, construction workers will go through a period of self-reflection to try to remember if they did all they could to prevent the accident from happening or if they double-checked all safety features. If the employee’s supervisor thinks the company will be on the line, they may even try to encourage the construction worker to think that they caused the accident to happen.

Does it really matter, in the end, who is responsible? 

It can absolutely matter, especially if you are deciding between filing for workers’ compensation or filing an injury suit. You may have a better chance of getting workers’ compensation benefits but they will likely not yield nearly as much compensation as an injury suit. Because of the nature of construction site accidents, a workers’ compensation claim may not cover the full extent of the compensation you deserve.

Further, it is important to discover who is responsible for your injuries because they should be held responsible. Particularly in the case of faulty construction equipment, you want to know that this is changed so that other workers do not get injured in the same way. Working with an attorney you trust can relieve a huge burden from you if you are hoping to pursue a third-party claim. By finding out who is responsible for your injuries, you will not only hold them responsible, but you will fight for the compensation you deserve after a terrible and traumatic accident.

Legal Assistance Is Available

You may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim or you may be eligible to file a personal injury suit. Both legal options allow injured workers to receive compensation to help address the financial harms they have suffered in the wake of accidents. Every case is different, so it’s generally not a good idea to make any assumptions about your case or the amount of compensation you may be entitled to before you speak with our Memphis injury law firm. Once we hear the details of your situation, we’ll be able to help you make an informed decision about your next steps accordingly. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, please schedule a consultation with our Memphis injury law firm today to explore your options; we look forward to speaking with you.

Common Myths About Personal Injury Cases

People suffer injuries every day in the United States. If you suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Don’t believe the following myths about personal injury cases.

• If you were injured, you’re guaranteed compensation. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Just because you suffered an injury because of another person’s carelessness, doesn’t mean that you will receive a settlement. All personal injury cases are different from one another. If your case, for example, doesn’t have enough supporting evidence, you might not receive compensation. However, if you hire a reputable Memphis injury law firm, you have a higher chance of obtaining fair compensation.
• Personal injury cases always take years to settle. Not all personal injury claims are the same. Some may take years to settle while others may just take months. How long your case will take to settle may depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injury and the cost of your medical bills.
• You can file a personal injury claim at any time. This is another common misconception about personal injury cases. The truth is that you have a limited amount of time to pursue an injury claim. The statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim in Tennessee is one year. After that deadline has passed, you won’t be eligible to receive compensation anymore. As such, you should discuss your case with a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
• The negligent person will have to pay out-of-pocket for your injury. Some people falsely assume that the individual responsible for their injuries must pay for their medical bills and other losses out of their own pocket. However, in the majority of cases, the negligent person’s insurance company will pay for the damages.
• You don’t need a lawyer if you suffered a minor injury. Even if you didn’t suffer a life-threatening injury, you should still have an experienced lawyer on your side. Seemingly minor injuries, like ankle sprains or cuts, likely still require ER visits, which can be very expensive. Some minor injuries can also worsen over time. A skilled lawyer will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
• Personal injury lawyers are expensive. Too many people shy away from hiring personal injury lawyers because they don’t think they can afford them. In reality, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. You won’t owe your lawyer any money unless you win your case.

If you have been injured in an accident, it’s important to have a lawyer from a Memphis injury law firm on your side. However, with so many different lawyers out there, selecting the right one can be tricky. Here are some qualities to look for in a lawyer:

• Good reputation. When hiring a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to consider his or her reputation. A lawyer with an impeccable reputation is more likely to help you obtain a successful outcome in your case. As such, you should ask to see board certifications and awards. You should also check online reviews to see what past clients have to say.
• Specific experience. Ideally, you want to work with a personal injury lawyer who has multiple years of experience in the field. The more experienced your lawyer is, the better job he or she can ultimately do for you. It’s also a wise idea to hire a personal injury lawyer who has handled similar cases to yours in the past. For example, if you were injured from a medical error, you should hire a lawyer who has experience with medical malpractice. 
• Compassion. Getting hurt in an accident can be a traumatic experience and negatively affect your life in many ways. Therefore, it’s helpful to work with a personal injury lawyer who is compassionate. He or she should truly sympathize with what you’re going through and offer words of encouragement. If you work with a lawyer who truly cares about your well-being, it can make your situation a little easier. 
• Trial experience. The majority of personal injury cases get settled out of court. However, there’s still a small chance that your case will go to court. That’s why it’s essential to work with a lawyer who has plenty of trial experience. He or she should feel confident walking into a courtroom and presenting your case in front of a judge and jury.
• Detail oriented. There are a lot of details that go into a personal injury case. For this reason, it’s critical to hire a personal injury lawyer who possesses meticulous attention to detail. He or she should make sure that you filled out all the paperwork accurately and that you have the proper evidence. 
• Available. Personal injury cases take a lot of time. That’s why it’s important to find a personal injury lawyer who actually has the time to take your case. If a lawyer is already juggling many cases, he or she might not be able to give your case enough attention.

Memphis Injury Law Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, about 95 percent of personal injury lawsuits settle before they go to trial. This statistic shows that the vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through settlement rather than through a trial. There are a number of reasons for this, including the high cost of litigation, the uncertainty of trial outcomes, and the desire to avoid the emotional toll of a trial.

Memphis Injury Lawfirm

After an injury, it is common to feel some form of anxiety but finding a Memphis Law Firm shouldn’t be causing you anxiety. What you should know is that direct actions you take after the event of an injury can impact your case. You should know the steps to take after an injury to allow for the best chance of your case going in your favor. If you have been injured it is important to stay calm and follow the following steps to help you prepare for your personal injury case. 

• Seek Medical Attention 

The first thing you should do after being injured is to seek medical attention. This means you should go to the emergency room, your general physician, or a healthcare clinic as soon as possible. If your injuries don’t require an ambulance at the scene of the accident it is still vital you see a doctor. 

Most insurance companies consider getting medical attention within 72 hours after the injury to be a reasonable time. This means if you don’t feel you need the hospital you can get into the doctor of your choice. Once you can mention all issues and pain even if you think they are minor. However, don’t embellish or exaggerate as this can cause issues later on. 

• Avoid Speaking About Your Case 

Truthfully the only people that you should be discussing your case with are your doctor and your lawyer. If you are talking about your case then you should always have your lawyer with you, especially if you are talking to an insurance agent or opposing lawyer. Additionally, be careful when telling your friends and co-workers about your case. Don’t give away any details about it. 

• Gather Evidence And Documentation 

When it comes to personal injury cases you are going to have to prove that it was caused by someone else’s negligence. This means that you need to have evidence and documentation that states just that. Collect your medical records, police reports, witness contact information, photographs, and anything else that can pertain to your case. If you are able you should document what happened before, during, and after the accident in your own words to help you recall the events later. If you struggle to get any information, tell your lawyer and they can help you. 

• Obtain Legal Representation 

After you have received medical attention it is then time to find an experienced personal injury lawyer. You want someone who is going to have your interests in mind and want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Remember, don’t settle for the first lawyer you find. Do your homework and look around till you find the lawyer that is right for you. If you follow the steps above, finding the lawyer that suits your needs should be a piece of cake. 

If you aren’t sure if you need a lawyer, it is better to be safe than sorry. Think about it this way: Insurance companies and other defendants will have legal counsel, so you should too. When looking for a Memphis injury law firm you can rest assured that here at Patterson Bray you are in good hands. 

Patterson Bray, Memphis Injury Law Firm

8001 Centerview Pkwy #103, Cordova, TN 38018