Baltimore Construction Site Injury Attorneys
Construction workers face dangerous conditions every day that can result in serious injuries or even death. When these accidents occur, you may have the right to pursue workers’ compensation benefits or file a third-party personal injury claim against negligent parties.
Engel Law Group, P.C., has provided dedicated legal representation for injured construction workers in Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities since 1950. Our experienced construction accident lawyers understand the complexities of workplace injuries and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Construction Site Hazards
Construction sites present numerous dangers, making them among the most hazardous work environments. Workers regularly encounter heavy machinery, electrical systems, unstable structures and hazardous materials that can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
Common construction site hazards include:
- Falls from heights, scaffolding and ladders leading to construction site falls
- Electrocution from exposed wiring or power lines
- Being struck by falling objects or construction equipment
- Caught-in or caught-between accidents involving machinery
- Trench collapse cases and excavation cave-ins
- Chemical exposure and burns
- Crane accidents and equipment malfunctions
- Inadequate safety equipment or training
These hazards become even more dangerous when construction safety regulations are not properly followed or when general contractor negligence occurs.
Types Of Construction Site Injuries
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), four primary hazards cause the majority of construction fatalities each year: falls from elevated surfaces, electrical accidents, impact from falling or moving objects, and workers becoming trapped in or between equipment or structures. These incidents account for more than half of all construction fatalities each year.
Common construction site injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from construction site falls
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe burns from electrocution injuries
- Crush injuries from construction equipment injuries
- Respiratory problems from chemical exposure
- Cuts and lacerations
- Heat-related illnesses
A construction accident lawyer can help determine liability and pursue appropriate compensation for any of these serious injuries.
Workers’ Compensation Versus Third-Party Claims
Understanding the difference between workers’ compensation and third-party claims is crucial for construction workers seeking to maximize their compensation after an injury.
Workers’ comp insurance provides benefits regardless of fault when you suffer injuries while performing job duties. This system covers medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits for injured workers through construction worker compensation claims. In Maryland, employers with one or more employees are generally required to carry this insurance, although certain exemptions may apply.
Workers’ compensation claims typically result when:
- You are injured while performing work duties.
- The injury occurs at your workplace.
- You are an employee (not an independent contractor).
- Your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance.
Third-party liability construction claims allow you to sue specific parties for negligence. These cases often result in higher compensation amounts than those provided by workers’ compensation alone.
Third-party claims may apply when:
- General contractor negligence caused your injury.
- Defective equipment or tools cause harm.
- Property owners fail to maintain safe conditions.
- Subcontractors create dangerous situations.
- OSHA violation injuries result from another party’s actions.
Another important difference is that injured parties may also be eligible for noneconomic damages in third-party claims such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our construction accident lawyers have extensive experience guiding injured parties through both workers’ compensation benefits claims and third-party personal injury cases.
Can You Sue Someone Other Than Your Employer For A Construction Site Injury?
Yes, you can pursue third-party liability construction claims against parties other than your employer. A scaffold accident attorney can help identify liable parties such as general contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners or subcontractors whose negligence contributed to your injury. These claims can provide additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
How Do OSHA Violations Impact Construction Injury Cases?
OSHA violations can significantly strengthen your construction injury case by establishing negligence. When construction safety regulations are violated, it demonstrates that the responsible parties failed to maintain safe working conditions. A construction accident lawyer can use these violations as evidence to prove liability and secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact Us After A Workplace Injury For Guidance
If you suffered injuries at a construction site, we understand the physical, emotional and financial challenges you face. Engel Law Group, P.C., fights to secure the workers’ compensation benefits and personal injury compensation you need to recover and move forward. Call us at 410-449-2928 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our construction accident lawyers. We will review your case and explain your legal options to you.
