Excavation Injuries Lawyers in Delaware

Helping Workers Get the Compensation They Deserve

The construction industry is an essential driver of the American economy. In fact, increased construction projects are a solid indicator that the economy is doing well. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most dangerous industries to work in — particularly for those in excavation and trenching positions. Sadly, such dangers can exist even for non-employees. If you or a loved one was injured in such an accident, an excavations injuries lawyer in Delaware may be able to help.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, our personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers in Delaware have spent years serving the local community and those in the surrounding region. We know that construction site accidents can be devastating for those involved, and those who handle essential excavation tasks face unique dangers.

What Are the Dangers of Excavation and Trenching?

Trenching and excavation result in dozens of deaths every year in America. Hundreds of others are injured in these accidents. Unfortunately, this dangerous job is also vital. Trenching is necessary for plumbing, running electricity, accessing underground areas, and a variety of other essentials. Similarly, many projects can’t even start without excavating a site. Unfortunately, these tasks can lead to what OSHA calls the “Fatal Four” of construction:

• Falls: Falling into an unguarded or non-stabilized trench is not an uncommon occurrence on construction sites.
• Caught-in/between accidents: Workers can become caught under heavy machinery while excavating. A trench collapse also falls into this category.
• Electrocution: Trenches are used to run electrical wires throughout construction sites, so the risk of electrocution is ever-present.
• Struck-by accidents: Workers can be struck by vehicles excavating a site or unsecured machinery.

Any job that involves every danger of OSHA’s “Fatal Four” requires great care. Unfortunately, even the most experienced and safety-focused workers can be injured while on the job. It’s okay if you’re unsure how to proceed after experiencing a serious injury or losing a loved one in such an accident. Most people have never been through such a situation. Let us help you better understand what comes next; contact Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law today.

“What Compensation am I Entitled To?”

If you were injured in any type of accident on a job site, there’s a good chance you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These can cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other common losses. The great thing about workers’ comp is that it provides benefits even if you somehow caused your own accident. For instance, if a collapse happens because you failed to properly install a trench box, you can still recover losses for your injury.

Unfortunately, recovering fair compensation isn’t always as simple as our legislators may have intended. For instance, there may be a difficult path ahead if your employer failed to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. You may also encounter a situation where you’re unfairly denied benefits. This would create a two-year deadline for appealing. In either of these circumstances, reaching out to an excavation injuries attorney in Delaware may be in your best interest.

Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Workplace Injuries?

If you suffer an injury on the job, your first inclination may be to contact a Delaware personal injury attorney. After all, shouldn’t you be eligible to recover additional damages — such as those related to pain and suffering — if negligent actions by your employer cause you harm? Unfortunately, this isn’t typically the way it works. While workers’ compensation is advantageous since it offers benefits without having to prove fault, it also typically disqualifies individuals from suing their employers.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not entitled to personal injury damages. Workers’ compensation only applies to your employer. Since you likely work with a variety of other contractors and businesses on a job site, you could easily be involved in an accident caused by a third party. And if you’re a non-employee injured on or near a site, you may be entitled to monetary damages. In either situation, you should contact a Delaware excavation injuries lawyer immediately. There are time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits.