Construction Accident Attorneys in Columbia, SC
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the private construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in South Carolina, accounting for more fatal accidents than any other job. Even when a construction accident doesn’t result in a fatal injury, Columbia construction workers can still experience severe and debilitating injuries that prevent them from working long-term.
If you suffered an injury in a South Carolina Construction accident, you can seek financial compensation for medical bills and lost wages through a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit. Contact Stewart Law Offices for a free case evaluation with an experienced construction accident Lawyer in Columbia, SC.
How Our Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help
Injured construction workers need the assistance of an experienced construction accident law firm in Columbia. At Stewart Law Offices, our results speak for themselves, including recent $1 million and $1.1 million amounts we secured for clients in chemical exposure cases.* Other benefits clients receive when working with us include:
- Our 24/7 availability, meaning we’ll answer your calls and return your messages promptly
- Our home or hospital visits if your injuries prevent you from coming to meet with us
- Our contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we secure compensation for you**
- Our regular communication, so you always know where your case stands
- Our commitment to aggressively fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve
How Do Construction Site Accidents Commonly Occur?
While there are many causes for accidents on construction sites, some of the most common are:
- Falls from Heights – According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are among the top four construction site hazards.
- Falling Tools – Falling tools can strike workers below and cause serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries.
- Falling Objects – Other falling objects, like scaffolding, can result in crushing injuries to workers.
- Failing to Follow Safety Protocols – Worksite managers must make sure all workers follow proper safety protocols to avoid accidents.
- Lack of Protective Gear – Protective gear, including hard hats and high-visibility vests, is essential for preventing accidents on construction sites.
- Fires and Explosions – Faulty wiring, dust, and flammable materials can cause dangerous fires and explosions, resulting in serious injury.
- Defective Products – In some cases, defective products like safety equipment or machinery can injure construction workers.
- Contact with Objects – Construction workers are at risk of getting caught between pieces of heavy machinery, leading to crushing injuries to limbs or the torso.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – Highway construction workers are at an increased risk of being struck by a vehicle while on the job.
Common Construction Injuries
Because of all the hazards present on construction sites, South Carolina construction workers can fall victim to a broad range of injuries. Some of the most common construction accident injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Crushing injuries
- Electrocutions
- Burns
If you suffered any of these injuries while working on a construction site, you can seek workers’ compensation benefits or compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Which avenue you can use to seek compensation depends on the circumstances of the accident, such as your employment status and who the responsible party is.
Who Is Responsible for Construction Site Accidents?
One important role of construction site accident lawyers is to identify the party responsible for your injury and collect the necessary evidence to prove their liability. Some of the most common liable parties include the following:
- Construction Companies – The company managing the construction site may be liable if hazardous conditions on the site caused your injuries. If you are a direct employee of this company, you can likely file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Subcontractors – Subcontractors working on a construction site could be responsible for your injuries if their actions were a contributing factor.
- Product Manufacturers – If a defective product caused or contributed to your injuries, you may be able to file a third-party injury lawsuit against the manufacturer.
- Third Parties – Other parties may be responsible for your injuries, including a motorist who strikes you while you are working on the side of a highway.
How to Prove Fault in a Construction Accident
Proving fault in a construction accident involves collecting evidence that connects another party’s negligent actions to your injuries. Some of the most common and effective types of evidence in construction accident cases include:
- Photos and Videos – Photos and videos of any hazardous conditions on the construction site and your visible injuries can be crucial for proving fault.
- Witness Statements – If other workers witnessed the accident that caused your injuries or witnessed the dangerous condition before or after the accident, their statements can help corroborate your claims.
- Safety Records – If the construction site has poor safety records or has not undergone a routine inspection, this can help your case.
- Maintenance Records – If the machinery used on the construction site hasn’t been properly maintained and that contributed to your injuries, the maintenance records could be key to your case.
- Expert Testimony – In some cases, your lawyer will hire an expert to testify about a specific aspect of your case, such as the industry standards your employer failed to meet.
What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After a Construction Accident?
The most common losses workers seek financial recovery for after a construction accident are:
- Medical Expenses – Compensation for your past and future medical treatments, surgeries, prescription medications, and physical therapy
- Lost Wages – Compensation for the wages you lost during your recovery or will lose due to your inability to work
- Permanent Disability – Compensation for accommodating permanent disability you suffered as a result of your injuries
- Loss of Consortium – Compensation that is only available through a third-party injury lawsuit for the impact your injuries have on your relationship with your spouse
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation that is only available through a third-party injury lawsuit for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experience because of your injuries
Contact Our Columbia Construction Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Evaluation
Contact a Columbia construction accident lawyer at Stewart Law Offices for a free case evaluation. We’ll review the circumstances surrounding your injury, help you identify the liable party or parties, and explain your legal options for seeking the compensation you need and deserve.