Construction Accidents in Florida: Your Legal Rights
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous in Florida, with workers facing a high risk of injury from falls, equipment accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials. Construction accidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how you can pursue compensation for your injuries.
At Graves Injury Law Firm, we represent construction workers and their families in personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often involving unsafe working conditions or defective equipment. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls from heights: Falls are the leading cause of construction-related fatalities. Workers who fall from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs can suffer serious injuries or death.
- Electrocutions: Construction workers may be exposed to live electrical wires, leading to electrocution accidents.
- Struck by objects: Workers may be injured by falling tools, materials, or debris, particularly in high-rise construction.
- Caught in or between accidents: These occur when a worker is caught between machinery, vehicles, or collapsed structures.
- Machinery accidents: Heavy machinery such as forklifts, cranes, and bulldozers can cause serious injuries if not properly maintained or operated.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can receive benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident. In Florida, workers’ compensation benefits typically cover:
- Medical expenses: This includes doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If your injury prevents you from working, workers’ compensation will cover a portion of your lost wages through temporary or permanent disability benefits.
- Permanent impairment benefits: If your injury leads to a permanent disability, you may be entitled to additional compensation based on the severity of the impairment.
- Death benefits: If a worker dies in a construction accident, their family may be entitled to workers’ compensation death benefits, including funeral expenses and financial support for dependents.
Third-Party Liability in Construction Accidents
While workers’ compensation provides important benefits, it may not cover the full extent of your losses, particularly in cases of severe injury or long-term disability. In some cases, you may be able to file a third-party personal injury claim against someone other than your employer. This could include:
- Contractors or subcontractors: If another contractor on the job site was responsible for your injury, you may be able to file a claim against them.
- Manufacturers of defective equipment: If your injury was caused by faulty equipment or machinery, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
- Property owners: If the property owner failed to provide a safe work environment, they may be held liable for your injuries.
Third-party claims can provide compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers, including damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of future earning capacity.
How Graves Injury Law Firm Can Help
At Graves Injury Law Firm, we are committed to helping construction workers recover after a serious accident. Whether you are seeking workers’ compensation benefits or pursuing a third-party claim, our experienced legal team will guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with a construction injury, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Construction accidents can have devastating consequences for workers and their families. If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Florida, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your rights. Contact Graves Injury Law Firm for a free consultation today. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to move forward.