Injuries suffered on construction sites can be physically and financially devastating, typically putting injured workers in immediate need of substantial compensation so that they can begin to heal.

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation, crushing injuries, and burns are some of the most serious, physically painful, and emotionally distressing injuries sustained on construction sites. Workers can very rarely sue employers for injury because of Workers’ Compensation laws, but may be able to sue a third party more easily. In addition to medical expenses, you may recover some or all of your lost wages and potentially even non-economic damages if you can file a lawsuit.

For help with your case from our lawyers for construction injuries, call the Graves Injury Law Firm at (305) 614-2767.

What Are Some of the Worst Construction Injuries?

Construction sites are dangerous places, and workers face a high risk of injury on the job.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common construction injuries. They can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, impaired motor functions, and other lifelong symptoms that prevent victims from working or engaging in their favorite hobbies or activities.

Construction workers can still sustain traumatic brain injuries from falls or falling objects, even when wearing the proper head protection.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries most often happen because of falls from high heights. Falls from poorly erected or poorly maintained scaffolding, or from a lack of proper fall protection, are common on construction sites and can even lead to fatal injuries or paralysis.

Amputation

Amputation and limb loss are also among the most serious injuries one could sustain on a construction site. Amputation is not only permanently disfiguring but might also permanently prevent you from returning to the same income level and could have serious other ramifications on your quality of life.

Crushing Injuries

Crushing injuries on construction sites often happen when workers get pinned between or beneath large equipment or vehicles. Widespread crushing injuries throughout the body can be totally disabling for a long period of time and cause overwhelming pain to injured victims.

Burns

Severe burns from fires or faulty wiring or electrical equipment may require intensive treatment, such as skin grafts. Burns can leave permanent scars and cause life-long pain and suffering for injured construction workers.

When Can You Sue for Construction Injuries in Tampa?

You may or may not be able to file a lawsuit for construction injuries in Tampa. If you can’t pursue civil litigation, you can most likely get some damages from Workers’ Compensation.

Third-Party Liability

If you were recently injured on a construction site, our lawyers can immediately determine liability. This will tell us whether or not a third party is involved whom you could sue, as you most likely cannot seek damages from your employer outside of Workers’ Compensation. Machine, tool, and safety equipment manufacturers are common liable third parties.

No Workers’ Comp Policy

If the construction company that employed you did not have Workers’ Compensation at the time of your injury, nothing is protecting your employer from a civil negligence lawsuit for damages.

Intentional Misconduct

Employers who have Workers’ Compensation policies but injure employees through their own intentional misconduct can also be held liable for a victim’s damages in a lawsuit, although this is rare.

What Documentation is Important for Construction Injury Claims?

No matter how you get compensation for construction injuries, you will need medical documentation and income documentation to do so.

Medical Documentation

Medical documentation is essential in any construction injury case. In case Workers’ Compensation is your only recovery option, you should see an employer-approved physician for your initial assessment and diagnosis. If you go to the emergency room, the doctor who treats you does not have to be employer-approved.

By getting medical attention from an approved doctor, you can confirm you suffered a workplace injury and cannot work for the time being because of it.

Income Documentation

Our lawyers for construction injuries also need income documentation, whether you pursue a Workers’ Compensation claim, a third-party work injury lawsuit, or both. Tax returns, paychecks, and other income documentation help us establish your pre-injury wages and calculate your lost wages after an accident.

What Economic Damages Can You Get for Construction Injuries in Tampa?

Recoveries of economic damages for construction injuries vary depending on whether victims pursue third-party lawsuits, Workers’ Compensation claims, or both.

Medical Expenses

Whether you ultimately pursue a Workers’ Compensation claim or a third-party work injury lawsuit, you can recover all incurred medical expenses. Continue to see an employer-authorized physician for all care other than emergency care so that medical damages are covered if your only option is a Workers’ Compensation claim.

Lost Wages

You can also get lost wages for the construction injuries you sustain in Florida. Lawsuits may cover the full amount of lost wages incurred, while Workers’ Compensation claims only cover a portion, the exact percent depending on whether a worker receives temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, or permanent total disability benefits.

Impairment Income Benefits

You may also get impairment income benefits after reaching maximum medical improvement for a construction injury, but only if you pursue a Workers’ Compensation claim.

Death Benefits

Workers’ Compensation also pays death benefits to survivors of construction workers killed in fatal accidents. If your loved one died due to a third party’s negligence, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim on their behalf for additional compensation.

Can You Always Get Non-Economic Damages for Construction Injuries in Tampa?

Whether you can get non-economic damages for a construction injury in Tampa depends on who bears liability and if you can file a lawsuit, Workers’ Compensation claim, or both.

Non-economic damages are never available in Florida Workers’ Compensation claims. While you may seek non-economic damages in a third-party work injury lawsuit, they are not guaranteed, and you must prove you incurred them to recover them.

Get Compensation for Your Construction Injuries in Tampa

Call the lawyers for construction injuries at the Graves Injury Law Firm at (305) 614-2767 for your free case assessment.