If you were hurt in a construction site accident in Largo, you have a few options for recovering fair compensation for your injuries.
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in addition to damages in a third-party personal injury lawsuit.
The Largo construction accident lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers regularly work to protect injured workers’ right to full compensation.
If you or a loved one were injured in a construction accident, don’t think twice and contact us by giving us a call at our law firm at (727) 787-2500 to arrange a free initial consultation.
How Our Largo Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Construction Accident
Despite strict and detailed safety laws, construction accidents happen a lot in Florida. Employers, property owners, and others might cut corners to save a few dollars–putting workers’ lives at risk in the process. If you’re seriously hurt, fighting for fair compensation can be critical to staying afloat financially.
But how do you find out how much you deserve?
Filing an injury claim with an insurance company can be tricky–and workers’ compensation is no different. One misstep and you could lose your right to compensation entirely
You can protect yourself by hiring an experienced Largo personal injury lawyer to handle your case. Collectively, the Board Certified lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers have over 75 years of experience fighting for injured workers’ rights.
We’ll stand by your side every step of the way, including by:
- Helping with your workers’ compensation claim and any challenges you face along the way
- Investigating your case to find out what went wrong
- Standing up for you when the insurance company tries to pay less than you rightfully deserve
- Explaining your legal options so you can make smart and informed choices
- Hiring experts who can testify about what your case is really worth
- Taking care of the insurance paperwork and negotiations
Insurance companies know that most injured workers don’t fully understand their rights. It’s important to remember that the insurance adjuster isn’t on your side. They’ll go to great lengths to pay less than you deserve–or nothing at all.
If you’re ready to take matters into your own hands, we’re here to help. Just reach out to our law offices and schedule your free consultation.
Construction Accident Statistics: An Overview
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data shows that over 1,000 construction workers died on the job in 2018. Overall, 21.1% of all workplace fatalities happened on construction sites. Florida is no exception. The construction industry in Florida also has the highest number of fatalities when compared with every other occupation.
Research has found that if you work in construction over a 45-year career, you have a 75% chance of sustaining a disabling injury. You also have a one in 200 chance of being killed on the job.
Why Are Construction Accidents So Common in Largo, Florida?
Nearly 60% of all construction fatalities are caused by four types of accidents.
The “fatal four” include:
- Falls
- Accidents where a worker is struck by an object
- Electrocution
- Caught-in/between accidents
Many of these accidents are both predictable and preventable. General contractors, construction site owners, and other responsible parties could take steps to keep workers safe–and the statistics aren’t new. Construction workers routinely face these risks year after year.
Construction accidents are so common because the people in charge often:
- Fail to provide proper protective gear
- Ignore OSHA safety regulations
- Hire unqualified workers
- Fail to properly train and supervise workers
- Fail to properly inspect and maintain work equipment
Working in construction is risky. When your supervisor fails to invest in strong safety measures, you might face life-threatening conditions on a daily basis. You shouldn’t have to handle the financial consequences on top of the physical harm these accidents cause.
Examples of Construction Site Accident Cases We Handle at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re dedicated to helping all construction accident victims recover full compensation for their injuries. We regularly help clients hurt in all types of accidents, including:
- Building collapse
- Scaffolding accidents
- Roof and ladder falls
- Slip and fall accidents
- Crushing accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Crane accidents
- Electrocution
- Electric shock
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Welding accidents
- Fires and explosions
- Trench collapses/excavation accidents
- Nail gun accidents
- Accidents involving unsafe work equipment
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- And more
If you were hurt on a construction site, don’t hesitate to call our construction accident attorneys in Largo for a free case review.
Construction Accidents Often Cause Life-Changing Injuries
Construction accident injuries are often among the most serious possible. Our construction accident attorneys at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers often work with construction accident victims who have sustained:
- Brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Eye injuries
- Hearing damage
- Crush injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Broken bones
- Traumatic amputations and loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
You might not see a paycheck for weeks or months if you were seriously hurt. Give us a call as soon as possible so that we can work to get money in your hands.
Who’s Liable For My Construction Accident Injuries?
Florida employers generally carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect them from liability after an accident. Your employer has seven days after they find out about the injury to notify the insurance company about your pending injury claim.
As long as your employer follows all steps mandated by law, you can’t sue your employer for damages. The workers’ comp laws act as a shield against any further liability.
However, you can hold negligent third parties responsible. You might be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against:
- Property owners
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Engineers
- Manufacturers of a defective product or piece of equipment
- A company responsible for maintaining a construction vehicle
- An at-fault driver in a car crash
In other words, Florida law allows you to hold anyone other than your employer liable for your injuries. It’s not always easy to find out what went wrong on the job–but our lawyers in Pinellas County are up to the task.
What Deadlines Might Apply in My Injury Case?
It’s always important to be aware of the time limits on filing a claim for compensation based on injuries. Applicable deadlines depend on how you choose to pursue your right to compensation.
The Florida statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits is two years.
That means you have two years from the date of the accident to sue for damages. Historically, the deadline gave personal injury victims four years, but the law was changed on March 24, 2023. Therefore, if your Largo construction accident happened after that date, you have two years to take legal action.
In fatal construction accident cases, surviving family members have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
Workers’ compensation timelines are much shorter. You should always notify your employer or supervisor that you were hurt on the job as soon as possible. If you wait longer than 30 days, your claim could be denied.
What Forms Of Compensation Are Available to Construction Accident Victims in Largo, FL?
Work accident cases are handled differently than injuries caused by things like medical malpractice or car accidents. Construction accident victims who are hurt on the job generally have two options for recovering compensation: workers’ compensation and a personal injury lawsuit against a third party.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Florida workers’ compensation benefits come in two primary forms:
- Reimbursement for all medical expenses related to the injury
- Partial wage replacement benefits during your period of disability
Wage replacement benefits are limited to about ⅔ of your average weekly wages before the accident. Surviving family members are also entitled to death benefits if the accident was fatal.
Third-Party Claims
Workers’ compensation isn’t always enough if you’re seriously hurt on a construction site.
If a third party’s negligence caused your accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for:
- 100% of your lost wages, income, and employment benefits
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost future earning potential
- Physical therapy, rehab, and long-term care needs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Reduced quality of life
- Damages for wrongful death, including loss of consortium, parental guidance, and financial support
Here at our law group, we know that you have a lot going on if you were hurt in a construction accident. Whenever you’re ready, call our law offices to learn more about how we can help maximize your compensation award.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Partly To Blame For a Construction Accident?
Workers’ compensation is a purely no-fault system. That means you’re entitled to your full benefits even if you were completely to blame.
The rules are a bit different in personal injury cases. Every party is held accountable for their share of the damages under Florida modified comparative fault rules. You still have the right to pursue compensation from anyone else who was to blame, but only if your apportioned fault is 50% or less. Your compensation award will just be reduced to account for your own share of fault.
Call a Largo Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Were you or a loved one hurt in a construction accident? Don’t hesitate to hold the people responsible financially liable. Call a Largo construction accident lawyer at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers to learn more about your rights today. Your first consultation is always free.
