Suffering an injury on the job causes many challenges. You have to heal from your injury. You are likely out of work. Medical bills are piling up. Being unable to work means you have lost wages. Construction accident attorneys provide legal representation for people injured in construction accidents. At MZ Law we work to ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve.
In some cases, the injured party was not an employee. They were visiting a construction site when the accident occurred. The attorneys at MZ Law help our clients navigate filing a claim. We work closely with experts and engineers. Our lawyers will investigate the accident. Using this information, our lawyers build a strong case.
Attorneys at MZ Law strive to ensure clients receive justice. It doesn’t matter if they were an employee or a visitor. We want to help victims heal. Earning fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering is vital.
Understanding Construction Accidents
Construction accidents happen in Houston more often than you might think. The construction industry is one of the largest industries in the U.S. It is also one of the most dangerous. There are many potential hazards associated with construction sites. A fall from a height is a common accident. Workers may be struck by large objects. Electrocution can be a concern. Were you injured in a construction accident? Seek the help of a skilled Houston construction accident attorney.
Federal and state laws govern workplace safety. Companies have a responsibility to keep their workers and visitors safe from unreasonable harm. Sometimes they do not fulfill their responsibility.
When a worker is hurt on a construction site, they can face serious injuries. In some cases, these injuries have long-lasting effects. Physical and financial well-being may be impacted. It’s crucial to work with a Houston construction accident attorney. They specialize in representing injured workers. Your MZ Law attorney will fight for your rights and help you file your workers’ compensation claim.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Houston
Construction sites tend to be more dangerous than other workplaces. Therefore, they have more accidents than other industries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 21% of all fatal, work-related accidents occur in construction jobs. That means that more than one in every five work-related deaths happens in the construction industry. Do you work in the construction industry? Does a loved one? It is important to understand the types of accidents that can occur.
The four most dangerous types accidents, according OSHA, are as follows:
- Falls. One of the most dangerous and most prevalent types of construction accidents is falls. Whether from scaffolds/ladders or a slip/trip on the ground, falls are a common construction site accident. A construction injury lawyer, like the attorneys at MZ Law, can help if you fall at a construction site.
- Workers struck by objects on the site. Bystanders or employees can also be struck by objects on the construction site. This is another common type of construction accident. The type of object can range from tools to debris. During a case evaluation with MZ Law, we can help you determine whose fault the strike was.
- Electrocutions. Electrocutions are also very dangerous. Fatalities, disfigurement, explosions, scarring, and other dangers can all result from electrocutions. Safety protocols on the job site can help keep risk factors low and construction accident injuries to a minimum.
- “Caught in/between” accidents. A caught in/between accident occurs when a worker is either caught inside or compressed between two pieces of equipment or two objects. This type of accident is dangerous. The outcome can be severe injury or death. The attorneys at MZ Law can help with these severe accident claims.
Compensation and Damages
The nature and severity of your injuries will impact your compensation. . In some cases, filing a lawsuit is necessary. You have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a personal injury lawyer at MZ Law to help navigate the legal issues and help you get the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the damages that may be covered:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages
Damages can be classified as either economic or non-economic. Economic damages refer to financial losses. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, and future earning capacity. Non-economic damage are intangible losses. They include pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
Occasionally, punitive damages are considered. The victim or their attorney must prove gross negligence, malice, or fraud. It has to be shown that this negligence resulted in harm. Punitive damages are meant to punish the offending party. They deter other people from committing similar acts. If you receive workers’ compensation for your injury or illness, you will not qualify for punitive damages. A skilled Houston construction accident attorney can navigate these complexities.
Role of a Construction Accident Attorney
Houston has seen a big increase in construction accident cases in the past five years. The average settlement for a construction case is high, which means a consultation with the construction accident lawyers at MZ Law could help you. The role of a Houston construction accident attorney is key. They ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. This covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These professionals are well-versed in construction accident cases. They navigate the legal system. With their expertise, Houston construction accident attorneys play a crucial role. They help hold responsible parties accountable. The attorneys at MZ Law ensure our clients and their families get the results they need.
Who is Liable in A Texas Construction Accident
Construction Company
Construction companies in Texas have a responsibility to keep workers safe. Is the construction site accessible to the public? The company must keep visitors safe as well. In Houston, Texas, construction companies must take reasonable steps to keep their sites safe. These steps include:
- Hiring licensed and qualified workers
- Providing safe and well-marked detours for drivers
- Inspecting the site regularly for safety hazards or other issues
- Ensuring construction equipment is properly maintained
- Properly training all construction workers and contractors
- Keeping equipment out of the road
- Providing warning signs to let workers and visitors know of any hazards
- Providing the required safety equipment
- Posting warning signs leading up to construction zones
Were any of these steps not taken? Did an injury occur as a result? A construction accident lawyer can help you fight for compensation. Call our Houston construction accident attorneys today.
Construction Worker
In some cases, the construction worker causes the incident. They may make a mistake. The result is an injury. A worker may fail to secure their tools. They may not clean up a spill in a timely manner. Or the worker may drop something dangerous. These failures create a hazardous environment. In such cases, a Houston construction accident attorney can assist. They will determine liability. Did the company fail to provide proper training? Was the employee negligent? An attorney can help the injured party seek compensation.
In some cases, the negligent worker is an independent contractor or subcontractor. The worker then may be personally responsible. It can be difficult to know how to proceed in this kind of case. Therefore, it is important to hire a construction accident attorney. They can provide guidance on the right path forward.
How We Can Help
Construction accidents can be life-altering. These incidents may lead to disability or even death. Workers who are hurt on the job often seek compensation to recover their losses. Two options are through a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
The legal professionals at Magenheim Zehnder are devoted to helping people who have been hurt in all types of accidents. We specialize in helping victims of construction site accidents. Our attorneys advocate for our clients. Our considerable trial experience allows us to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Call MZ Law at (713)529-1700 or visit our “contact us” page. Our attorneys are ready to work on your behalf to ensure your work injury is compensated correctly.