Carrollwood Construction Accident Attorney
The bustling construction sector in Tampa Bay is home to some of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Many of these dangers are part of the industry itself. Every year, commercial customers demand taller buildings and residential customers demand more sophisticated dwelling units. Compounding these difficulties, construction companies usually pressure workers to complete tasks as quickly as possible. Worker safety takes a backseat to profits.
The experienced Carrollwood construction injury accident attorneys at Moore Law are there to help in all phases of your injury claim. Initially, we connect victims with the medical treatment they need. Then, we collect evidence that supports your claim and work with outside experts as needed. Finally, when your claim goes to court, we never stop fighting for you. Over the years, we have developed proven methods which ensure maximum compensation in these cases.
The Fatal Four Construction Accidents
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the following four incidents are responsible for most fatal construction accidents in Florida:
- Electrocution: At a busy construction site, it’s very hard to tell the difference between a live wire and a dead one. That’s especially true if the worker is not an electrician and/or has limited English proficiency. These injuries usually cause severe burns. A wire often conducts electricity that’s hotter than the sun.
- Caught Between: Busy construction sites are also dangerous places for large construction vehicles. Many of these operators have little experience behind the wheel. As a result, workers often get caught between a dump truck or other large vehicle and a fixed object, like a retaining wall.
- Struck By: if Max drops a hammer on his foot, the resulting injury is minimal, at best. But if Max drops a hammer from eight or ten stories above ground, the impact could kill a pedestrian on the street. The further objects fall, the more speed they accumulate.
- Falls: Slip-and-fall injuries and falls from a height are, by far, the most common fatal construction accidents in Florida. These incidents usually cause head injuries and other catastrophic wounds. In fact, a fall from as little as four stories above ground is fatal in most cases.
Construction-related occupational diseases are common as well. Examples include hearing loss, repetitive stress injuries, and toxic exposure.
Noise as low as 35 decibels, which is basically a lawnmower engine, could cause permanent hearing loss. As for repetitive stress, most construction workers spend a lot of time kneeling, bending, and stooping. These joints can only absorb so much wear and tear. Toxic exposure injuries are especially common in renovation and demolition projects. Almost all structures built before 1980 have significant amounts of asbestos in their walls.
Your Legal Options
Usually, workers’ compensation covers injured workers in these situations. This no-fault insurance replaces lost wages and pays medical expenses.
Most injured victims receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage for the duration of their temporary disabilities. The medical payment benefit covers all reasonably necessary medical expenses. Some recent legal changes significantly expanded these benefits.
The law requires most construction companies to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Some companies ignore this requirement. Others lie about the number of employees or payroll amount. When the insurance company uncovers these false statements, it usually denies claim payment. Furthermore, many employers knowingly or recklessly send workers into dangerous areas. Finally, construction accidents often injure innocent bystanders.
These victims may usually file injury claims in civil court. If a Carrollwood construction accident lawyer proves negligence, or a lack of care, additional compensation is available.
Reach Out to a Dedicated Hillsborough County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced construction injury lawyer in Carrollwood, contact Moore Law by going online or calling 813-510-5400. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
