PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

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Bellevue Construction Accident Attorneys

Were You Hurt on a Construction Site? Call Now

While safety protocols and regulations exist to protect workers on construction sites, accidents can still happen due to negligence, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe working conditions. If you were injured on a construction site, the process of getting compensation can feel like an uphill challenge, especially if you aren’t covered by workers’ compensation benefits, as many construction workers are not. 

When you need help understanding your legal options after a construction accident in Bellevue, turn to Carpenter & Zuckerman. Our entire team, including trial lawyers and support staff, is committed to helping injured workers and their families pursue the compensation they deserve, offering support every step of the way.

Why should you pick our Bellevue construction accident attorneys for your case?

  • We have won more than $2 billion for clients through settlements and awards.
  • We have earned a long list of positive testimonials from real clients.
  • We have been representing the wrongfully injured since 1995.
  • We have dozens of trial lawyers on our team who are ready to handle any complex injury case.

Dial (425) 585-4009 to request a no-cost case consultation with Carpenter & Zuckerman in Bellevue.

Types of Construction Accidents

Common types of construction accidents include:

  • Falls: Workers can suffer serious injuries from falls off ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated surfaces.
  • Falling Objects: Tools, materials, and debris falling from heights can cause traumatic injuries to workers below.
  • Machinery Accidents: Heavy machinery, such as forklifts, cranes, or bulldozers, can malfunction or be improperly operated, leading to crushing injuries or amputations.
  • Electrocutions: Contact with live wires, faulty electrical components, or improperly grounded equipment poses significant risks of severe injuries.
  • Trench Collapses: Workers in improperly supported trenches can be trapped, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Construction sites involving asbestos, chemicals, or toxins can cause long-term illnesses or injuries upon exposure.

When such accidents occur, determining liability and seeking compensation can quickly become complex. Did someone do something wrong that led to your injury? Was that mistake enough to make them liable for your losses? We’ll ask and explore these questions and more when you hire us to handle your construction accident claim.

When to File an Injury Claim Instead of a Workers' Compensation Claim

Many construction workers file a workers' compensation claim after an accident, assuming it is their only option. While workers’ comp provides benefits regardless of fault, there are situations when a personal injury claim might also apply, particularly if a third party was involved. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we focus on construction accident cases that call for an injury claim, rather than a workers’ comp claim.

You may consider filing an injury claim if your accident was caused by:

  • third-party contractor or subcontractor working on the site.
  • defective product or equipment malfunction from a manufacturer.
  • Unsafe working conditions caused by an outside entity not employed by your company.
  • Intentional misconduct or gross negligence by a party at the site.

Importantly, if you have workers’ compensation, you are likely required to use it first to pursue compensation for your losses. Also, if you use workers’ compensation, you are not allowed to file a separate injury claim against your employer if their negligence caused your construction accident. To figure out your options, call (425) 585-4009 now.

Types of Compensation in Construction Accident Claim

A personal injury claim for a construction accident may allow you to recover several types of damages, usually including:

  • Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical treatments, surgeries, therapy, medications, and hospital stays.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost due to time off work and for any diminished ability to earn an income in the future.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional toll the injury has taken on your life.
  • Rehabilitation and Long-term Care Costs: Financial support for ongoing needs, such as physical therapy, assistive devices, or home modifications.
  • Property Damage: If personal property, like tools or equipment, was damaged in the accident, you may be compensated for its repair or replacement.
$131 Million Dram Shop Liability
Our client was injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was over-served at a restaurant/bar.
  • $10.5 Million Distracted Driving Accident
  • $2.1 Million Hit-and-Run Accident
  • $10.5 Million Car Accident

Get Answers from Our Talented Attorneys

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we have the experience and dedication to help you pursue the compensation you deserve after being in a construction accident. Our Bellevue construction accident attorneys can handle your case from start to finish. If your case heads to court, we can draw upon the insight and experience of our entire roster of trial lawyers, too, so your case always has the professional support it deserves.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discuss the next steps you can take.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accident Claims

What is the difference between workers' compensation claims and personal injury claims?

Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of who was at fault but typically doesn’t include compensation for pain and suffering. Personal injury claims, on the other hand, allow you to recover additional damages if negligence by a third party can be proven.

How do I know if a third party is liable for my construction accident?

An attorney can investigate your construction accident case to determine if negligence by a third-party contractor, manufacturer, or other entity contributed to your injury. Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis can establish liability.

What is the statute of limitations for construction accident claims in Washington?

Generally, personal injury claims in Washington must be filed within three years of the construction accident. However, you should not wait the full three years to start a claim. It is recommended that you begin one as soon as possible.

What if my employer retaliates after I file a claim?

Washington law prohibits employer retaliation, including termination, demotion, or harassment, against workers who file legitimate claims. If retaliation occurs, you may have additional legal grounds to pursue. Carpenter & Zuckerman can help you find a reliable employment law attorney that we trust with such cases.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a construction accident case?

Carpenter & Zuckerman works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case, and we strive to keep our attorney fee rates fair and competitive. This approach to payment allows injured workers to access legal representation with no upfront costs and very little financial risk overall.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Should I talk to Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance policy provider about the claim and compensation?
    While it may seem logical to discuss your accident and potential claim with Uber's or Lyft's insurance provider, it's not recommended to do so without legal representation. Insurance companies are businesses aiming to minimize payouts, and their representatives are trained to gather information that could potentially limit or deny your claim. Therefore, you should let an experienced rideshare accident attorney from our firm handle all communications with the insurance company.
  • Will Uber or Lyft use an insurance policy to cover my losses?

    Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies in place that can cover losses after a rideshare accident. In some situations, up to $1,000,000 in coverage could be available to pay for the damages of a rideshare accident. However, you aren’t guaranteed anything from these policies, and rideshare companies often try to minimize what coverage is provided after a crash.

  • Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident?

    While you are not required by law to hire a lawyer for a truck accident case in WA, it is highly advisable to consult with and consider retaining an experienced Seattle truck accident attorney. Truck accident cases can be complex, and having legal representation can be crucial for several reasons:

    • Navigating the Legal Process
    • Investigation and Evidence
    • Determining Liability
    • Calculating Damages
    • Negotiating with Insurance Companies
    • Lawsuit Representation
    • Legal Expertise
    • Reducing Stress
    • Contingency Fee Arrangement
    • Maximizing Compensation
  • Are there any caps on the compensation I can receive in a birth injury case?
    There are not.
  • How long do HIE cases take to resolve fully?
    The answer to this depends on a variety of factors. Typically, these cases can take anywhere from a couple of months to several years.
  • How can I ensure I get the best care following a catastrophic injury?

    We can arrange for you to see a highly qualified specialist.

  • How long do I file to file my lawsuit?
    The statute of limitations on personal injury cases is either three years or one year after discovering that malpractice led to your injury, whichever is later.
  • Can I sue for property damage?
    Yes.
  • How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit?
    You have either three years from the date that the injury was sustained or one year after you discovered your injury was caused by negligence, whichever is later.
  • What damages can I recover in my case?

    Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation. There are two main types of damages that can be recovered: economic and non-economic.

    Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that result from the accident. They are intended to compensate you for actual financial expenses and losses. Common economic damages in a truck accident case may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

    Non-economic damages are less tangible and are meant to compensate you for the pain, suffering, mental anguish, or loss of consortium resulting from the truck accident.

  • Is there a limit to the economic and non-economic damages I can collect?
    In the past, there have been caps on non-economic damages; however, caps on damages have since been ruled unconstitutional by the Washington Supreme Court. The stipulation regarding caps on non-economic damages still exists in the Revised Code of Washington; however, it is no longer relevant.
  • What forms of damages can I recover in my Erb's palsy case?
    You may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. Once we know more about your case, we can provide a more specific answer.
  • Can I seek property damages in my car accident case?
    Yes.
  • Does Washington have a cap on the compensation you can recover in a medical malpractice case?
    No, damages are uncapped.
  • How much does a surgical error attorney cost?
    We charge on a contingency basis, meaning we will not charge you unless we recover compensation. If we are successful, our fee will be deducted from the compensation that you are awarded.
  • Can I file a claim if I was a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare accident?
    If you were a nonpaying passenger in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the accident, you still have the right to file a claim for damages. You don’t have to be the rideshare customer who paid for the service to have the right to seek compensation after a rideshare accident.
  • How much is my case worth?
    We cannot give you an estimate without knowing more about your case. In a consultation, we can break down the damages that you may be able to recover.
  • How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit?
    The statute of limitations in cases of wrongful death is three years.
  • How do I file a cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuit?
    During your consultation, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to file a lawsuit.
  • I think I have a case, but I am not sure. How should I proceed?
    We off a free initial case consultation to prospective clients. In that meeting, we will discuss your case and determine how to move forward.

The Opinions That Matter Most

    “Lance was always professional and courteous to me and fought hard on my behalf.” - Tyler R.
    “They were able to get more than double what the first firm was able to get for me.” - Leah D.