Summerville Construction Injury Attorney

Getting workers’ compensation for injured construction workers in Summerville, South Carolina

The construction industry has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous in terms of serious injuries and deaths. Construction workers deal with hazardous situations on a regular basis, whether it is climbing on high scaffolding or using heavy equipment. When accidents occur on jobsites, construction workers have access to workers’ compensation. It is an employer’s duty to provide workers with benefits that pay for medical bills, lost income and other expenses that arise from a construction injury.

Steinberg Law Firm Gets Results for Construction Workers in Summerville

One in Five Worker Deaths Each Year Occur on Construction Sites

Safety data over the years has consistently shown that construction is one of the deadliest jobs in the country. In 2018, construction workers accounted for 47 percent of all fatal work injuries, with falls being the leading cause of death. The construction industry has the highest number of deadly falls out of all occupations with 51 percent.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified four leading causes that account for 58.6 percent of construction worker deaths. Known as the “Fatal Four,” they are falls, being hit by an object, electrocution and getting caught in something. Falls are responsible for over one-third of workplace fatalities in the construction industry, while 11 percent of deaths result from being struck by something.

One out of every 10 construction workers suffer an injury annually, according to OSHA. The construction industry’s nonfatal injury rate is 71 percent higher than other sectors. In 2018, there were 77,490 nonfatal injuries in the construction industry nationwide. The top three causes were contact with an object or equipment, slip and fall accidents, and overexertion.

Obtaining Workers’ Compensation for Construction Injuries

If you are a construction worker who has been injured at a jobsite in Summerville, you are likely to qualify for workers’ compensation. Fault does not play a role in eligibility for benefits. Under South Carolina laws, injured workers are not required to prove that an employer or third party was responsible for causing their accident in order to get workers’ compensation.

Injured construction workers may need ongoing medical care, surgery and months of rehabilitation, among other treatments. Workers’ compensation should cover all the costs you incurred because of your construction injury, including the wages you lost while being unable to work.

The amount of benefits you receive depends on factors such as the type of injury and how long you are away from work. Here are some of the workers’ compensation benefits you may be eligible for after a construction injury:

• Medical expenses
• Reimbursement for lost wages
• Permanent partial disability
• Permanent total disability

The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm will help you secure the benefits you need, even if your employer and its insurance company are not playing fair. We understand the hardships that come with dealing with a painful injury. Our attorneys are on your side and are committed to getting the compensation you need to recover after a construction accident.

Personal Injury Claims Against Third Parties

While most construction injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, some cases may warrant separate legal action. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit to get the full scope of compensation you are owed.

For example, your employer may have intentionally harmed you, or a third party was responsible for your construction accident. Construction projects often involve multiple firms including architects, equipment manufacturers and subcontractors. A personal injury lawsuit allows you to hold these negligent parties liable for your injuries.

In such cases, you may be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits while filing a personal injury lawsuit to pursue damages for future earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses. Discuss your situation with the Summerville construction injury lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm to determine the best legal option for you.

Common Types of Construction Accidents

Construction workers are exposed to great heights, toxic chemicals, heavy tools and other dangerous working conditions that put them at risk of injuries. From employer safety violations to collapsing structures, the causes of construction accidents vary widely. Here are some that are commonly reported:

• Falls from heights including roofs, ladders and scaffolding
• Trench collapses and cave-ins
• Malfunctioning equipment like cranes or forklifts
• Electrocutions or burns
• Fires or explosions
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Cluttered work areas and debris
• Falling objects
• Overexertion
• Getting caught in between objects
• Lack of protective safety gear
• Inadequate warnings of hazardous conditions

Construction accidents can result in many different types of injuries, some of which can cause long-term or permanent damage. Examples of construction injuries include brain injuries, limb loss, eye injuries, crush injuries, burn injuries, broken bones and spinal injuries.

How Steinberg Law Firm Can Help With Your Construction Injury Claim

Knowing what to do after suffering a construction injury in Summerville can be confusing. Unfortunately, filing a workers’ compensation claim is not always straightforward. When there is resistance from employers and their insurance companies, injured workers can face an uphill battle to get the benefits they deserve.

At Steinberg Law Firm, we understand recovery after a construction accident can be stressful, which is why we want to make the process of getting compensation as quick and easy as possible. Our highly capable workers’ compensation lawyers will fight for your rights and pursue all avenues of recovery for your construction injury. With our help, you and your family can regain financial stability after a workplace accident.

Free Consultations

If you are a construction worker who is being denied workers’ compensation or getting inadequate benefits, contact Steinberg Law Firm right away. Schedule a free consultation to speak to a knowledgeable Summerville construction injury lawyer about your situation.