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Construction Accident Lawyers In Torrance, CA
Construction work is an inherently dangerous profession, with a significant number of accidents occurring annually across the country. Construction workers bear a wide range of responsibilities, from working on small-scale private projects to undertaking the construction of massive commercial buildings. Despite the undeniable importance of their work, they face substantial risks to their personal safety by simply being present on a construction site. If you have been injured on a construction site in California, we urge you to promptly reach out to our Torrance construction accident lawyers at Sheridan & Rund, PC Kahroba for a complimentary consultation.
The Significance of Collaborating with a Seasoned Construction Accident Attorney
Engaging the services of a Torrance construction accident lawyer immediately following an incident can greatly aid in establishing liability against the responsible party/parties. By enlisting the expertise of a construction accident attorney early on, a thorough investigation can be conducted, including site visits, preservation of video and photographic evidence, witness interviews, and more. In the event that the case progresses, additional evidence from involved parties may need to be obtained through court orders, and communication with government agencies such as OSHA to verify safety filings may be necessary. Managing these tasks alone can prove challenging. However, by enlisting the support of a seasoned construction accident attorney, you can effectively initiate and navigate these processes with confidence and efficiency.
The “Fatal Four” Construction Accidents
The “Fatal Four” are the primary factors contributing to fatalities on construction sites, as identified by OSHA. These causes encompass:
- Falls are the primary cause of accidents at construction sites in California, accounting for approximately 38% of all construction-related deaths. Workers are at a significant risk of falling from heights such as ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and cross beams.
- Struck-by-object accidents, caused by improperly secured tools, equipment, or construction materials, pose a serious threat to workers below. These accidents contribute to more than 9% of fatalities.
- Construction workers can also be caught in or trapped between equipment, machinery, or objects, or under collapsing structures, resulting in caught-in/between accidents. These accidents are responsible for over 7% of construction worker fatalities.
- Electrocutions are a common occurrence in the construction industry due to workers’ exposure to live wires, leading to more than 8% of deaths in this field.
In addition to the Fatal Four, construction workers in California are susceptible to injuries resulting from various other types of accidents.
- Brazing and welding play a crucial role in construction sites; however, welding accidents can lead to severe injuries and long-term complications.
- Collapses frequently occur during trench digging when proper precautions are not taken, resulting in potential cave-ins. Inadequate structural support can lead to collapses, trapping workers under debris.
- Fires and explosions can be caused by a variety of hazards, including exposed wiring, leaking pipes, flammable chemicals, fractured gas mains, and unattended welding tools.
- Improper training in the use of hand and power tools, such as saws, nail guns, drills, polishers, sanders, and spray guns, can result in injuries for workers.
- Construction accidents and injuries often involve heavy equipment and machinery, such as cranes, forklifts, and dumpsters.
To ensure you receive the rightful compensation you deserve following a construction accident, it is crucial to partner with a dedicated construction accident lawyer in Torrance. Regardless of the type of accident you have encountered, having the support of an experienced legal professional is paramount.
Common Injuries Caused by Construction Accidents in California
Construction jobs often involve minor injuries such as scrapes, scratches, bruises, sprains, lower back pain, and tendinitis. However, it’s important to note that severe traumas can also occur. At our Torrance law firm, our construction accident attorneys frequently handle cases involving injuries resulting from falls, motor vehicle or equipment accidents, falling objects, over-exertion, and interactions with hazardous chemicals, fires, or explosions.
Employees working at construction sites in Los Angeles face the risk of explosions, which can be caused by accidental impact on gas tanks during welding, hitting a gas line, or encountering a natural gas pocket while operating a jackhammer, among other situations. Such explosions can lead to fatalities or severe burns for nearby workers. Construction site injuries can have serious consequences and may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Deep wounds
- Dislocation
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Hearing loss
- Blinding injuries
- Scaffolding accidents
- Falls from great heights
- Collapsed ceiling injury
- Welding accidents
Construction accidents in Los Angeles County can lead to severe and catastrophic injuries, with long-term consequences that can devastate not only the workers but also their families. These accidents can result in infections, nerve damage or severance, partial or full paralysis, amputation, and even coma.
While wearing hard hats is mandatory, it may not be sufficient to prevent injuries caused by scaffolding accidents, falls into trenches, or mishaps with MIG, TIG, and oxy-acetylene welding tanks. Additionally, defective equipment or machinery can also contribute to these unfortunate incidents.
Understanding California Workers’ Compensation Claims
According to California law, workers’ compensation is the exclusive option for filing a claim against an employer. Construction companies are obligated to carry a no-fault policy that provides workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. This coverage is mandatory and applies to all employees, regardless of fault. The “no-fault” nature means that you don’t need to prove your employer’s fault to receive benefits when filing a claim.
While workers’ compensation benefits cover employees who sustain job-related injuries or suffer from occupational diseases within the scope of their employment, there are certain limitations. These benefits still apply even if the employee is partially at fault. However, if the employee wasn’t performing their job duties at the time of the accident, workers’ compensation benefits may not be applicable.
If an employee is off-duty or not scheduled to work, engaging in equipment misuse may result in a denied claim by the workers’ compensation carrier. Similarly, if an employee driving a construction vehicle is involved in an accident unrelated to their work responsibilities, workers’ compensation may not apply.
Contact Our Torrance Construction Accident Lawyers Now
Construction accidents are unfortunately all too common in California. If you have suffered injuries on or near a construction site, you may have the opportunity to pursue a personal injury lawsuit instead of solely relying on a workers’ compensation claim. Our team at Sheridan & Rund, PC Kahroba is here to help.
We can assess your eligibility for a personal injury lawsuit and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Serving accident victims in the Los Angeles County area, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we successfully recover money for you. To find out more or arrange a complimentary consultation with our experienced construction accident lawyers in Torrance, please reach out to us today at (310) 640-1200.