Construction Accident Attorneys in Yakima, Washington

Different Types of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, but safety protocols can help mitigate those risks. When workplace negligence occurs, though, a wide range of accidents and serious injuries can occur. If you’ve been involved in a construction accident, you may have options to pursue the compensation you need to recover.

We can handle cases involving all types of construction site incidents, including but not limited to:

• Falls: Accidents involving scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or trenches lead to some of the most common and severe injuries.
• Machinery accidents: Malfunctioning equipment, inadequate training, or improper maintenance can result in devastating injuries.
• Electrical accidents: Contact with live wires, electric shocks, and poorly maintained equipment are serious hazards.
• Struck-By accidents: Workers struck by falling tools, materials, or moving equipment can suffer serious injuries.
• Caught-in/between accidents: Crushing injuries that occur when workers are pinned by machinery or caught between heavy objects.
• Strains and overexertion: Many workers suffer from physical injuries caused by lifting heavy materials or repetitive motions.
• Toxic exposure: Harmful substances like asbestos, silica dust, or chemical fumes can cause long-term health complications.
• Hearing loss: Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud construction equipment is also a frequent issue.

Reasons to File an Injury Claim After a Construction Accident

Workers injured on construction sites often face significant hurdles in trying to recover financial compensation. Your employer might tell you that you need to use workers’ compensation or that they can’t be held liable in any circumstances. An insurance company might try to blame you for what happened. If you want to pursue a recovery without worrying about taking the wrong steps, talk to Carpenter & Zuckerman, and we can explain the reasons why you might need to use a construction accident claim to seek compensation for your losses. 

Reasons why a personal injury claim after a construction accident might be necessary in your situation include:

• Lack of workers’ compensation coverage: If you are not covered by workers' compensation due to your employment situation or the laws in your state, a personal injury lawsuit may be your only way to seek compensation.
• Third-party liability: Some accidents are caused by parties other than your employer, such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. Third parties can sometimes be held accountable through a personal injury claim.
• Insufficient workers’ comp benefits: Workers’ compensation payments are typically limited and do not cover damages like pain and suffering. A personal injury claim allows you to pursue compensation for losses not covered by workers’ comp, as long as you do not file against your employer.

What Compensation Can You Pursue?

Construction injuries can have long-term consequences, leaving workers with high medical bills, lost wages, and other significant losses.

A construction accident injury claim filed in Washington may allow you to recover compensation for the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses: Medical costs can include current and future medical bills related to surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, etc.
• Lost wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work, including future loss of earning capacity if your injuries are permanent.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
• Rehabilitation costs: Coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized equipment needed to aid in recovery.
• Disability-related modifications: Costs associated with making your home or vehicle accessible, such as installing wheelchair ramps or modifying bathrooms.
• Loss of quality of life: If your injury has limited your ability to enjoy life as you once did, you may be able to pursue damages for this specific type of loss.
• Punitive damages: If the responsible party’s behavior was egregiously negligent or reckless, punitive damages might be awarded to penalize them and deter similar conduct. Punitive damages are rare, though, and not available in every case type.

Pursuing a construction accident claim requires a thorough evaluation of your injuries, expenses, and future needs to ensure you receive what you deserve. Our team at Carpenter & Zuckerman is prepared to build a strong case on your behalf.