CONSTRUCTION SITE INJURIES

Let our West Palm Beach Accident Attorneys Handle Your Claim for Benefits from Construction Site Injuries

construction site injuries

Construction sites can be very dangerous places and can result in work accidents. Construction workers and contractors driving heavy equipment, lifting heavy objects resulting in back injuries, using power tools,
cranes, and in general, the construction debris on a job site expose workers to the risk of serious injury or death. Sometimes, general contractors cut corners to maximize profits. General contractors may hire employees and classify them as independent contractors or subcontractors to avoid paying the required workers compensation insurance premiums. Construction equipment may not be maintained or serviced as often as necessary. Safety equipment may not be provided and safety rules may not be taught.


When a serious injury or death occurs on a construction site, it is important to hire a West Palm Beach construction workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence such as photographs, text messages, emails, phone records, video surveillance, maintenance records, names or the number of workers on the job site where you were injured, or witness statements may be unattainable if you wait too long.

At the law offices of Vassallo, Bilotta and Davis, our experienced workers compensation lawyers have been representing hard-working men and women who have been injured on construction sites since 1978. We have been successful at getting workers compensation benefits for construction site injuries under both
workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. 

Common Construction Site Accidents in Florida

Construction workers are exposed to numerous hazards every day at work. Unfortunately, work accidents on construction sites occur too frequently. These work accidents can lead to severe injuries and even death.
Some of the most common work accidents on construction sites include:

- Motor vehicle accidents (car or truck accidents involving a worker and a construction vehicle or machine)

- Falls

- Explosions

- Fire

- Falling objects

- Equipment failures

- Scaffolding, building, and trench collapses


- Repetitive Trauma


- Neck or back injury from lifting

- Loss of limb

- Cuts

- Brain injury

- Strain/Sprain of an extremity

In addition to these work accidents and injuries, construction workers also are exposed to environmental hazards and toxic substances. Workers can suffer injuries to their neck, back, shoulders, or knees due to overuse or repetitive use. Road construction workers face the danger of other drivers and high speed motor vehicle collisions. Sometimes drivers speed, make unsafe lane changes, or text while driving in construction zones. This is dangerous and negligent and can result in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident and life threatening injuries. If this occurs, the injured worker may be able to pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim.

Breaking Down the Causes of Construction Site Injuries

Forklift Accidents

Forklifts are used on construction sites to load and unload heavy materials from a truck or move materials around the construction or job site. Forklifts are dangerous and can cause serious injury if the forklift tips over, hits or runs over a worker, or drops construction material on a worker. If you have been injured as a result of a forklift accident, a West Palm Beach construction accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

Crane or Lift Accidents

Because they lift objects or workers above the ground and into the air, cranes and lifts present obvious hazards on construction sites. Crane accidents or Lift accidents often result in serious injury or even death. Construction companies, contractors, subcontractors, or rental companies often fail to operate or ensure that the crane or lift is functioning properly with the necessary safety equipment and safety rules in place. If the crane collapses or drops material onto a worker or crushes a worker while moving material, if the crane comes into contact with power lines resulting in electrocution, if the worker falls from a lift, these can all result in severe injury and even death for the construction worker.

An experienced West Palm Beach construction accident attorney will be able to identify the cause of action and who should be held accountable.  The injured worker may be able to pursue both a worker’s compensation claim and personal injury claim.

Explosions 

Explosions occur on construction sites and can be caused by the following: 

  • Gas Leaks

  • Electrical sparks

  • Combustible or flammable materials

  • Faulty machinery and equipment

Explosions can cause severe first, second, or third degree burn injuries and other severe injuries that can leave workers scarred or permanently disabled. Determining why the explosion occurred and who is responsible could be critical in pursuing a personal injury claim, in addition to the worker’s compensation claim. A West Palm Beach construction accident lawyer can investigate your accident and determine the types of claims to pursue.  

Electrical and Burn Injuries

Electrical shocks and burn injuries can be very severe. Both can cause damage to the nervous system, muscles, tendons, and skin. Severe burns, whether first degree, second degree, or third degree, can leave a worker permanently disfigured, scarred, and/or disabled. If you have suffered electric shock or a burn injury on a
construction site, a West Palm Beach construction injury lawyer can help you get compensation for the medical treatment you need. In addition to your work comp case, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to pursue pain and suffering. 

Equipment Failures

All too often construction equipment and tools are not properly maintained. Power drills, saws, heavy equipment, and even ladders are often old and in poor repair with missing safety features. When heavy equipment, tools, and ladders fail, workers can be seriously injured. 

Florida Construction Site Injuries Eligible for Workers Comp

There are numerous types of injuries that happen to construction workers. The injuries can be mild but also severe. All on the job injuries should be covered under workers compensation. In addition to medical benefits, work injuries can lead to disability benefits, including temporary or partial disability. Some of the injuries that our clients have experienced include:

  • Repetitive Trauma

  • Back and Neck Injuries

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Nerve damage

  • Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries

  • Internal organ damage

  • Hernia

  • Broken bones

  • Torn ligaments and tendons

  • Cuts and deep lacerations

  • Loss of limbs, digits, hands, or feet

  • Loss of hearing or vision

  • Burns from fires or exposure to toxic substances

  • Electrocution injuries

You may not realize you’ve suffered a serious injury right away. Florida law allows you up to 30 days to report the accident and injury. It’s important to report the accident and injury as soon as possible so that you get a thorough medical exam sooner than later. If your condition does not improve, or gets worse, a follow-up medical visit should be scheduled and you should contact a board certified workers’ compensation lawyer. If you have suffered a serious on the job injury on a construction site, you may be entitled to work comp benefits. We can help. 

Are You Unable to Work? A West Palm Beach Construction Accident Attorney Explains Your Options for Benefits

Construction work is physically demanding. If you’re injured on the job while performing construction work, you may need time off because of the accident and injuries.

However, taking time off will often result in a loss of income. You must get medical treatment by an authorized workers’ compensation health care provider if you’ve been injured on the job in a construction accident. A West Palm Beach work comp construction accident lawyer can discuss with you the benefits that you’re entitled to.

When you’re injured at work, you are often entitled to medical and lost wage benefits. In addition to your workers’ compensation claim, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim too.

As a general rule, your employer has workers’ compensation immunity. This means your employer is protected from lawsuits outside of workers’ compensation.

However, there are exceptions and you may be able to pursue both a personal injury claim and workers’ compensation claim at the same time. It’s important to know
your rights and discuss your accident with a West Palm Beach construction accident lawyer before deciding how to proceed. 

About Workers’ Compensation Claims for Construction Workers in Florida

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. If an employee is injured on the job and the major contributing cause of the injuries are due to the claimant’s work accident, the employer/carrier is required to provide benefits to the injured worker. The Florida work comp law is designed to help injured workers cover a portion of their lost wages and provide medically necessary care and treatment to those injured on the job. For most injured workers, workers’ compensation is the only available insurance and the safety net that protects them from financial ruin as a result of their work accident and injury.

Work comp is a no fault system. The injured worker does not need to prove that the employer or anyone else caused the accident or injury. If you are disabled and unable to work and earn 80% of your pre-injury wages, workers’ compensation will pay either 64% or 2/3 of your average weekly wage (for up to 260 weeks). Workers’ comp is responsible for providing you with reasonable and medically necessary medical treatment (for possibly your entire life). For most injured workers, a workers’ compensation claim is the only option.

If you’ve been injured at work, you should speak with a West Palm Beach construction accident attorney to make sure you know your rights. We can help advise and educate you of your rights and ensure you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to under the work comp law.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim After a West Palm Beach Construction Accident

An injured worker may be able to pursue both a worker’s compensation claim and a personal injury claim at the same time. If you pursue a personal injury claim after a
construction accident, you will have to prove that someone else was at fault. There will need to be a third party that was responsible or negligent for your accident and injuries. Proving negligence outside of workers’ compensation can be difficult but an experienced attorney can help. You can received work comp benefits while
pursuing a personal injury case. The big advantage of pursuing a personal injury claim, in addition to your workers’ compensation case, is that in the personal injury case, you can pursue pain and suffering damages.

Contact a West Palm Beach Construction Accident Attorney For a Free Consultation

Contact a West Palm Beach construction injury lawyer at Vassallo, Bilotta and Davis by calling 561-471-2800 for a free consultation to understand what options are available to you under work comp and personal injury law for your construction site injuries.