Construction Accident Lawyers in Delaware
Dedicated to Getting the Compensation You Deserve
There are around 130 million visits to American emergency rooms yearly. Of those, 35 million are related to injuries. While such injuries can affect literally anyone (e.g., we’re all at risk for car accidents), there are certain individuals who are at higher risk than others. Those who work on construction sites — or simply spend time around them — fall into this category. If you’ve been injured on one of these sites, you should speak with a construction accident lawyer in Delaware.
At Schwartz & Schwartz, we frequently represent those who have suffered serious injuries due to the inherent dangers of construction work. We know that these events can lead to lost income, pain and suffering, ongoing medical expenses, and many other losses. If you’re unsure of how to move forward — or even if you have a valid case — our Delaware personal injury lawyers can help. Let our experienced construction accident lawyers review your case today.
“Am I Entitled to Compensation for Delaware Construction Accidents?”
If you were injured in a construction site accident, there are various ways that you may be entitled to compensation. For employees, workers’ compensation benefits are the most likely outcome. Workers’ comp pays out regardless of who was at fault for your injury — even if it was you. Theoretically, this should be a straightforward process. If your employer or their insurer denies benefits, though, you should speak with a Delaware workers’ compensation attorney.
Of course, construction sites aren’t merely a danger for those who work on them. For instance, around two-thirds of all deaths in road construction site accidents involve pedestrians and drivers instead of workers. If a non-employee suffers injuries in such an accident — or loses a non-employee loved one — they may be entitled to monetary compensation for their losses. Reach out to the Delaware personal injury attorneys at Schwartz & Schwartz today to learn more.
What Are the Fatal Four Construction Site Accidents?
Construction workers face a variety of dangers on the job site. Safety regulations are meant to reduce these risks, but accidents still happen. Of all the potential mishaps that could occur, though, there are some that have proven particularly devastating over the years. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to these as construction’s “Fatal Four.” These accidents cause the majority of all deaths within the field:
- Struck-by accidents (e.g., being hit by machinery)
- Electrocution
- Falls
- Caught-in or between objects (e.g., getting stuck under the equipment)
These mishaps result in around 60% of all worker deaths in the construction industry. Even with stringent safety measures in place, such accidents often prove fatal. If you lost a loved one in such an incident, workers’ compensation may very well cover funeral expenses and other losses. However, many surviving family members ask if there are other ways to hold negligent parties responsible. While the answer will vary based on your circumstances, it is possible.
Can I Sue My Employer After a Construction Site Injury in Delaware?
In most cases, injuries sustained on any job site do not allow for a personal injury lawsuit against the employer. Workers’ comp insurance helps minimize the burden on the judicial system by providing benefits regardless of who was at fault. This can be a great thing if you get hurt due to a mistake on your own part, but it can also lessen your recovery if your employer’s negligence is what led to an accident.
There are also some instances where injury victims can receive both workers’ compensation benefits and a personal injury settlement or court award. This frequently occurs when a third party is involved in an injury-causing event. Construction sites often have multiple contractors, businesses, and firms onsite working side-by-side. If someone that’s not an employee of your employer causes your injury, you may be entitled to additional compensation. Contact a Delaware construction accident attorney to learn more.
Do I Need a Delaware Construction Accident Attorney?
Many people who suffer injuries on a construction site wonder if they even need an attorney. After all, workers’ compensation insurance is meant to reduce the need for lawsuits and insurance negotiations. This leads many people to only seek legal advice if they’re denied benefits. If you were injured due to a mistake on your part, filing for benefits may lead to a perfectly acceptable outcome. Unfortunately, many people don’t fully understand all the factors of their case.
For instance, imagine a situation where a worker is struck by a falling toolbox. This would typically lead to a workers’ comp claim and — if approved — compensation benefits. However, what if that toolbox belonged to a third-party contractor who negligently sat it on the edge of an I-beam? In such a situation, failure to speak with a construction accident lawyer in Delaware could result in you leaving substantial financial recovery on the table. An attorney can help you avoid such mistakes.
Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer in Delaware Today
No one expects to suffer a serious injury when they walk out the front door in the morning. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as we plan. This is particularly the case if you work within the construction industry — or even if you spend any time nearby a construction site. While the work getting done is no doubt an economic necessity, it doesn’t mean that accidents have to be a normal or expected outcome. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, it’s time to seek legal help.
At Schwartz & Schwartz, our Delaware personal injury lawyers have dedicated themselves to helping our clients secure maximum compensation. We understand just how detrimental a construction site injury can be, so we always work diligently to ensure victims receive a fair outcome. Our construction accident lawyers in Delaware serve our local area and individuals in surrounding states. Contact us today by calling (302) 678-8700 to consultation to free case review. We’ll work hard to help you get justice.