The Gibson Law Firm Practice Areas
Houston Construction Accident Injury Lawyers
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and when other workers, general contractors, or management becomes negligent, accidents can happen, severely injuring or killing workers. Accidents include falling objects, equipment malfunctions, exposure to hazardous materials, and structural failures. If you have been injured on a Houston construction site, The Gibson Law Firm is here to help. We will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Do not let someone else’s negligence cost you thousands in medical bills and lost income from being off work. Our legal team reviews your case to see if you have a solid case to receive compensation.
Unfortunately, insurance companies and at-fault parties often prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of construction workers. At The Gibson Law Firm, we are fierce advocates fighting for the rights of injured construction workers. Our team has a track record of success in securing substantial compensation for our clients. Contact our law firm to discuss your construction accident case with our Houston construction accident lawyer today.
What to Do If Injured in a Houston Construction Accident
Injuries can be a common occurrence on job sites. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nationwide, there were 5,486 fatalities due to construction accidents in the last reporting year. That’s 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time construction workers. Roughly 15 fatal accidents occur every day.
Knowing the statistics, construction workers need to know what to do after an accident to protect themselves and their legal rights. Our construction accident attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process. Take these next steps to protect yourself and make sure you can receive fair compensation. Here's what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention
Injured construction workers need to prioritize their health. If you have experienced a job injury, you need to seek medical care immediately, no matter how you feel after the fact. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms of a bad injury that could affect you later on. Head injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding are not always noticeable right away but are more likely to be caught quickly by medical professionals.
Seeking medical treatment also establishes a credible account of your injuries that can be useful if you decide to file a claim with insurance or a personal injury lawsuit. Be sure to keep all your documentation, like medical bills.
Report the Accident
Immediately following a construction accident, you must report the incident to your supervisor or a safety officer. Be as detailed as possible when documenting the accident. Include information such as the date, time, and location of the incident, a description of what happened, a list of injuries sustained, and any witnesses' names and contact information. This documentation will be essential in building a strong case and pursuing compensation.
Avoid Admitting Any Fault
Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, you must avoid admitting fault to anyone. Insurance companies often use any admission of guilt against accident victims to minimize liability and reduce the amount of compensation they are willing to pay. Letting an attorney handle all communications with the insurance adjuster and company can help you protect your rights.
Collect Evidence
Gather any evidence related to the accident, such as photos or video of the scene, records of medical expenses, and witness statements. Injured construction workers should take photos of any damaged equipment, hazardous conditions, visible injuries, and anything else that could help later establish the connection between their injuries and the negligence of the at-fault party. Keep detailed records of all bills, lost wages, and other losses. If you have experienced emotional and psychological trauma from your accident, keeping a journal can also be used as evidence to support your case, shedding light on your day-to-day experience.
Consult with a Construction Accident Lawyer
Contact an experienced Houston construction accident lawyer to discuss your case and to help you understand your legal rights to pursue maximum compensation. At The Gibson Law Firm, we offer free case evaluations to help get you started. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of recovering from your losses after an accident.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one in a construction-related accident is a devastating event. If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim, start by contacting our team to discuss what steps to take that are specific to your circumstances. We understand that you are processing a lot of emotions and how difficult the financial pressures can be after a wrongful death. Our team will work closely with you to fight for justice so you can recover.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Accidents can happen at any time on a construction site. No matter how safe you try to be, there will always be a risk of accidents on any job site. Common causes of construction accidents include:
- Falls: Fatal falls from heights are the leading cause of construction fatalities and can cause severe harm even if a worker survives. Scaffolding injuries and those sustained falling from ladders, roofs, or other elevated surfaces are often debilitating, causing life-long pain or extended recovery.
- Struck-by Accidents: Falling objects such as tools, debris, or materials can leave a construction worker with severe injuries, especially head injuries like concussions. Heavy machinery, forklifts, and other vehicles also pose a risk of struck-by accidents as well, often causing crush injuries.
- Caught-in or Between Accidents: Construction workers can get caught in or between objects such as dangerous equipment, machinery, or situations like trench cave-ins. Lift accidents are also a common type of accident in Houston.
- Electrocution: Electrical hazards are everywhere on construction sites, whether you work directly with them or not. Any contact with electrified wires can result in severe injuries, burns, and electrocution.
- Hazardous Materials Exposure: Chemical exposure, toxic fumes, and other hazards can quickly injure workers or build up in their bodies over time.
Construction companies should prioritize their workers’ safety. If they do not, they should be reported to OSHA. If you have been injured in a construction accident due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses. Contact our Houston construction accident lawyers today to learn more about how much your case could be worth.
Common Construction Site Accident Injuries
The construction industry sees some of the most catastrophic injuries and fatalities in all fields. While there has been an increased awareness and focus on workers’ rights and protections, the mere nature of construction jobs means there will always be more risk. Common injuries our law firm has seen in a Houston construction site accident include:
- Respiratory illnesses
- Heat or chemical burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crush injuries
- Fractured or dislocated bones
- Electrocution injuries
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
- Amputation injuries
- Organ damage or internal bleeding
For serious injuries like these, injured workers typically require extensive medical treatment and care. Some situations, such as those sustaining injury to their spinal cord, can result in wrongful death or permanent disability, affecting a worker’s future earning potential. Do not go broke trying to handle the bills on your own. Working with our construction accident lawyer can help you regain compensation for your losses and ensure that you are not bankrupted by your injuries.
Third Party Injury Claims
A third-party claim is a legal action taken against a party other than your employer in a workplace injury case. This is often the case when a negligent third party, such as contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, or vehicle drivers, contributes to the accident. While some compensation may cover on-the-job injuries, you may need to file a personal injury claim or construction accident lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover from all of your losses.
A third-party claim may allow you to get additional damages, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. This can significantly increase the potential compensation you can recover. Some common scenarios for third-party claims include:
- Defective Equipment: If a faulty piece of equipment causes workplace accidents, the manufacturer, supplier, or repair company may be able to be held liable.
- Negligent Contractors: If a contractor's negligence, such as failing to follow safety protocols or provide proper training, contributed to your injury, they may be held responsible.
- Vehicle Accidents: If a vehicle accident involving a third-party driver, such as a truck driver, caused your injury on the job site, the driver and their employer may be held liable.
- Property Owner Negligence: If the property owner does not maintain a property, and that leads to your injury, they may be held liable. This could include situations with unsafe conditions, lack of safety measures, or failure to maintain equipment.
- Negligent Security Companies: If a security company fails to adequately protect the construction site, leading to a crime or accident, they may be held responsible. Inadequate security measures in place, lack of personnel training, or negligent security practices could be potential situations that would result in this.
Third-party claims can be complex, so consult with an experienced Houston construction accident attorney to understand your rights and options going forward. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Houston Construction Accident Injuries?
Remember, the clock is ticking for your case. Do not wait to reach out to our team for legal advice to protect your rights and maximize your recovery. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years under Texas Practice and Remedies Code Sec. 16.001. This means you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, such as in cases involving minors or specific types of injuries.
It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Missing the deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation. We can assess your case and advocate for your best interests as you pursue the justice you deserve.
How Can The Gibson Law Firm Help Me?
After a catastrophic accident, you need to be focused on recovering physically and mentally. Finding a legal team you can trust helps you take the burden of filing your claim and negotiating for the compensation you deserve. We understand how a catastrophic injury can have a significant impact on your life, affecting you both physically and emotionally, as well as your ability to work and provide for your family.
Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you rebuild your life. We will work tirelessly to investigate your accident, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. If necessary, we will take your case to trial to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact The Gibson Law Firm If You Need Representation Due To A Houston Construction Accident
When you are facing the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, you need a legal team that understands the challenges you are facing. At The Gibson Law Firm, we are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to help you recover the compensation you deserve. When you choose to work with our Houston construction accident attorney, you are partnering with a determined advocate who will not stop until the responsible parties are brought to justice.
After a workplace injury, you and your family members need a compassionate but determined force to champion your cause. At The Gibson Law Firm, our injury attorneys have been fighting for the legal rights of injured workers for over 25 years. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice, holding negligent parties accountable. When you trust us with your case, we will give you personalized attention and work closely with you to understand your unique situation and fight for your best interests.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today. We will assess your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process.