Los Angeles Construction Accident Attorneys

Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?

The circumstances surrounding a construction accident will determine who is liable. Many times, more than one person is to blame. We at Atoyan Law can assist you in identifying the party responsible for your losses, which could include lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other things.

Some of the most common parties that can be held liable for construction accidents include:

• Construction companies – Construction companies are in charge of making sure that all employees have the right tools and training to perform their jobs safely. They are also in charge of guaranteeing that there are no risks and that all job sites are secure. A construction company may be responsible for any accidents and injuries that occur as a result of their neglect of these obligations.
• Contractors – Many contractors often work on a single project at construction sites. Contractors may be held accountable if worker injuries are caused by their carelessness or inability to adhere to safety regulations.
• Subcontractors – If a worker sustains injuries as a result of subcontractors' negligence or inability to adhere to safety regulations, subcontractors may also be held accountable for construction mishaps.
• Property owners – It is the responsibility of owners to ensure that their property is safe for visitors and workers. A landowner may be held accountable if a worker is hurt on a building site as a result of their neglect to address a hazardous situation.
• Manufacturers – A worker may sustain injuries occasionally as a result of a faulty product or piece of machinery. If this happens, the product's maker may be held solely accountable for the worker's damage.
• Engineers and architects – It is the duty of architects and engineers to create safe constructions. An engineer or architect may be held accountable if their design flaw causes a construction accident.

Our construction accident attorney in Los Angeles can investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence to prove liability and help you seek the maximum compensation you are owed.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Falls from Heights: Falls are among the most frequent causes of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Workers on scaffolds, ladders, or roofs are particularly vulnerable, especially if proper safety gear such as harnesses is not provided. Even a fall from a relatively low height can result in severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.
• Falling Objects: Construction sites are filled with tools, materials, and debris, all of which can pose a risk if not properly secured. Falling objects can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions, particularly if workers are not wearing protective headgear.
• Electrocution: Exposure to live wires, faulty wiring, and inadequate grounding can lead to electrical accidents on construction sites. Electrocution is often fatal, and survivors may suffer from burns, nerve damage, and internal injuries.
• Heavy Machinery Accidents: Cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery are essential for construction work, but they can also be dangerous. Operator error, mechanical failure, or improper maintenance can lead to accidents, resulting in crushed limbs, amputations, and other serious injuries.
• Slip and Falls: Uneven surfaces, exposed wires, and debris can cause workers to slip, trip, and fall. These accidents may lead to sprains, fractures, and head injuries, particularly if the site is not properly cleaned and maintained.
• Trench Collapses: Trenching is common in construction work, but improperly dug or supported trenches can collapse, burying workers. Trench collapses can lead to suffocation, broken bones, and death.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Workers on construction sites may be exposed to harmful chemicals, asbestos, or toxic fumes. Long-term exposure to such substances can lead to respiratory issues, chronic diseases, and in some cases, cancer.
• Vehicle-Related Accidents: Construction vehicles, whether onsite or in transit to the site, can be dangerous. Workers or bystanders may be struck by moving vehicles, leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Poor visibility, lack of warning signs, and inadequate training are often contributing factors to these accidents.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Construction Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Injuries from construction accidents often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing physical therapy. Victims may also need specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics, and home modifications to accommodate disabilities. Compensation can cover both current medical expenses and the projected cost of future treatment.
• Lost Wages: Many construction accident victims are unable to return to work for weeks or even months following an injury. Compensation can cover lost income during the recovery period. In cases where the victim is permanently unable to return to their previous line of work, they may also recover compensation for lost future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Construction accidents could result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Victims may suffer from chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to address the non-economic damages victims experience due to their injuries.
• Disability or Disfigurement: Some construction accidents result in permanent injuries, such as amputations, paralysis, or severe scarring. These life-altering conditions can impact a person’s capability to work, perform daily tasks, and enjoy life. Compensation for disability or disfigurement is intended to provide for the long-term financial, physical, and emotional challenges the victim may face.
• Loss of Consortium: If a construction accident victim’s injuries have severely impacted their relationship with their spouse or family, the family may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This type of damage compensates the spouse or family member for the loss of companionship, affection, and support that the victim can no longer provide due to their injuries.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event of a construction accident resulting in death, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. Damages in these cases can cover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Wrongful death claims are essential for families who are left struggling both emotionally and financially after losing a loved one.