Construction site accidents injure and kill thousands of Americans each year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction worker deaths have been steadily increasing over the years. From 2011 to 2019, deaths in the construction field have increased 41.4%. According to the statistics provided by BLS, one worker died on the job every 99 minutes in 2019. Despite all these deaths, there were also thousands who were injured. Many of these victims faced exorbitant health-care bills and could not return to work. If you are in this unfortunate situation, then one of your first calls should be to an accident lawyer.
It may be possible to recover lost wages and medical expenses, which can help you avoid overwhelming debt. There are several people who may be liable for the accident, but identifying these parties, gathering evidence and handling settlement negotiations can be legally complex.
If the incident happened in Arizona, then a Scottsdale personal-injury attorney from the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm can guide you through the claims process. Call us today at 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn five parties who may be liable for your construction site accident:
- Site Owner
There are certain circumstances when accident victims can hold the construction site owner liable for their injuries. You will need to determine who the landowners were at the time of the accident, and whether the liability rests with them or with the contractors.
- Contractors
According to United States Department of Labor regulations, contractors and sub-contractors must ensure that the construction site is reasonably safe and free from hazards. Their duty extends to many aspects of the building site, including the hiring of competent employees and regulation compliance.
Prime contractors are also responsible for the safety of many aspects of a construction site, but only those that fall under his or her contract. If the prime contractors delegate work to sub-contractors, they are still responsible.
- Equipment Manufacturers
If machinery or equipment malfunctions on the construction site, you may be able to hold the manufacturers liable. You will need to prove, however, that the malfunction was directly responsible for your injuries, and that you were using the equipment as a reasonable person would use it.
- Engineers and Architects
If the accident was the result of a design defect, you may be able to hold the architect or engineer who worked on the project liable. Engineers and architects may have a duty to observe progress, ensure compliance with building plans, and inspect the site to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The architects and engineers will usually agree to certain duties in the initial contract.
- Insurance Company
In big construction projects, there will likely be an insurance company that covers damages. You may need to identify if there is an insurance policy in place and what that policy covers.
If you were the victim of a construction site accident, there are many avenues you may be able to explore in order to recover lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages. A personal-injury attorney can guide you through this process.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Scottsdale accident lawyer from the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm, call us today at 480-951-9700.