As one of the country’s most dangerous industries, construction sites are high-risk environments with serious injury potential. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, seek legal help from a Columbus construction accident lawyer at our personal injury law firm.
We can guide you through the complex legal process—including the workers’ compensation insurance process—to recover compensation for your workplace injuries. Call us for a free consultation.
In this Article
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Construction Accident in Columbus?
What Causes Construction Accidents in Columbus?
Construction accidents occur on construction sites for a variety of reasons, including a lack of proper safety equipment and training, failure to follow safety regulations and protocols, negligence on the part of the construction company or site manager, defective equipment or machinery, hazardous or improperly secured building materials, and unsafe working conditions caused by weather or other external factors.
Construction Accidents That Cause On-the-Job Injuries
There are common construction accidents that can lead to construction site accident claims:
- Falls from heights
- Electrocutions
- Being struck by falling objects
- Being caught between objects
- Machinery accidents
- Chemical exposures
Types of Injuries That Can Result from a Construction Accident
Common severe injuries include broken or fractured bones, lacerations, and head trauma (like traumatic brain injuries). In addition, workers on construction jobs can suffer spinal cord injuries, burns, amputations, and internal organ damage. Construction sites have the highest number of fatal accidents among professions.
How Are Construction Workers Protected in Columbus, OH?
There are laws that protect employees in workplace accidents, including:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laws protect the construction industry and workers from accidents and injuries, requiring employers to provide safety training, equipment, and a safe work environment.
Through the state-run Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), Ohio’s no-fault workers’ compensation system provides injured workers with benefits to cover essential medical expenses and lost wages.
Third-party claims provide a way to seek compensation from non-employers, like contractors or manufacturers.
Ohio law imposes strict penalties and increased fines for motorists who commit traffic violations or cause accidents while entering a designated work zone.
Steps to Take After a Construction Site Accident
Injured construction workers should take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries sustained.
- Report the accident to your employer or construction site manager.
- Document the accident by taking photos of the accident scene and equipment involved.
- Gather witness contact information for corroborating statements.
- Obtain OSHA inspection reports to reveal safety violations.
- Keep track of all medical records and expenses related to your injury.
- Consult with an experienced construction accident lawyer to understand your legal options for recovering full compensation.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
A construction accident lawyer helps pursue compensation by conducting a thorough investigation into the accident to identify how a party’s negligence contributed to your injuries. By gathering key evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and managing communication with other involved parties, they can accurately calculate your total damages. They will also represent you in court if needed, protecting your rights throughout the entire legal process.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Construction Accident Injuries?
Ohio workers’ compensation law allows multiple parties—such as employers, contractors, or property owners—to be held liable for accidents on construction projects. A third-party lawsuit can provide additional compensation if someone other than the employer caused the injury. An injured construction worker may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?
Victims of construction-related accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
What Is My Construction Site Injury Case Worth?
Each construction accident case is unique. Your Columbus accident attorney will evaluate your case considering: the severity of your injuries, lost income, medical costs, the extent of pain and suffering you’ve experienced, and (in some cases) wrongful death.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?
The length of your case depends on factors like accident complexity, injury severity, and insurance negotiations.
What If I Was Injured on a Construction Site, but I’m Not a Construction Worker?
Workers injured on a construction job site who are not Columbus construction workers may still have legal rights. Consulting with a construction accident lawyer on our legal team can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action.
How Much Time Do I Have to Take Action?
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10(A), the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit—including a third-party liability lawsuit stemming from a serious accident on a construction site—is two years from the exact date the accident occurred.
Our Columbus Construction Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help
If you have suffered injuries on a construction site, contact our law firm for a free initial consultation with experienced Columbus attorneys to explore your legal rights and seek full and fair compensation.
Our construction injury attorneys are here to provide legal representation to help construction accident victims with legal claims, including negotiating a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party liability claim. Like most construction accident lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, avoiding upfront legal fees.
(312) 223-1700