Los Angeles Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction workers in Los Angeles face significant dangers on the job. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry is considered a high hazard sector, encompassing various activities involving construction, modifications, and repairs. Construction workers are exposed to serious hazards, including the risk of falling from heights, getting injured due to unguarded or faulty machinery, being struck by heavy construction equipment, suffering electrocutions, and facing the risk of workplace illnesses resulting from silica dust or Asbestos exposure.

If you have been injured in a construction accident in Los Angeles, Pisegna & Zimmerman, LLC is here to provide you with the strongest legal support and representation you need. With a dedicated team of Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorneys and personal injury attorneys focusing on construction accidents, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and social security disability, our law firm has over six decades of collective experience and a proven record of large settlements and verdicts won for our clients.

Common Construction Accident Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Construction accidents, such as falling from heights or being struck by heavy objects, can lead to TBIs when the head sustains significant impact or sudden acceleration and deceleration forces.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Spinal cord injuries often occur in construction accidents involving falls from heights or machinery accidents, where the spine experiences trauma, resulting in nerve damage and paralysis.

Crush Injuries: Workers on construction sites can suffer crush injuries when caught between heavy equipment or materials, leading to compression of body parts and tissue damage.

Broken Bones and Fractures: Falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery can cause construction workers to experience broken bones and fractures.

Internal Organ Injury: Blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries from construction site accidents, like falls or machinery mishaps, can damage internal organs.

Amputations: Amputations can occur during construction accidents involving heavy machinery, power tools, or equipment, often due to severe crushing or severing of limbs.

Burn Injuries: Construction site accidents, including electrical mishaps or exposure to hazardous chemicals, can cause severe burns due to heat, flames, or chemical reactions.

Musculoskeletal Injuries: Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and inadequate ergonomics in construction tasks can result in musculoskeletal injuries over time.

Chemical Exposure Illnesses: Workers on construction sites may inhale or have skin contact with hazardous chemicals, leading to respiratory conditions, skin ailments, and long-term illnesses.

Asbestos Exposure Illnesses: Construction workers exposed to asbestos during demolition or renovation can inhale asbestos fibers, which later cause serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit in Los Angeles?

The statute of limitations for filing a construction accident lawsuit in Los Angeles typically varies depending on the specific circumstances and the type of claim.

Workers’ Compensation Claim

Notice Period: Injured workers are required to provide notice to their employer within 30 days of the date of the workplace injury or when they became aware of the work-related illness. Failing to report the injury within this timeframe could affect your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.

Statute of Limitations: In addition to the notice period, there is a one-year statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim. This means that you must file your claim with the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board within one year of the date of injury or the date you became aware of the injury.

Personal Injury Claim

The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit related to construction site injuries in Los Angeles, California, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This timeframe is specified in California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, which outlines the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Consult with our Los Angeles construction accident attorney at Pisegna & Zimmerman to understand how the statute of limitations may apply to your specific construction site injury case, as there can be exceptions and variations based on the circumstances of the incident.

Compensation for Construction Accidents in Los Angeles

Workers’ Compensation Claims

• Medical Benefits: Injured construction workers are entitled to have their medical expenses related to the accident covered, including doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: If the severe injuries prevent a construction worker from working during their recovery, they can receive temporary disability benefits to partially replace lost wages.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If the construction worker sustains a lasting impairment, they may be eligible for permanent disability benefits, which provide compensation for ongoing limitations.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Workers who cannot return to their previous job may receive vocational rehabilitation services to help them transition to a new occupation.
• Death Benefits: If a construction worker is killed in a workplace accident, their dependents may receive death benefits, including funeral expenses and financial support.

Personal Injury Claims

• Medical Expenses: In personal injury claims, injured construction workers can seek compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, which can include past and future medical treatments, surgeries, and therapy.
• Lost Wages: Personal injury claims can cover lost earnings due to the construction accident, including future income if the injury leads to a permanent disability or impacts the worker’s earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: In personal injury cases, construction workers can seek compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from the accident and injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In exceptional cases, punitive damages may be awarded if it is proven that the accident resulted from gross negligence or intentional misconduct by a party involved.

What are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Los Angeles?

OSHA “Fatal Four” Causes of Construction Accidents

OSHA’s Fatal Four causes of construction accidents are the four leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. These are:

Falls: Falls from heights, including ladders, scaffolding, and roofs, are a major cause of fatal construction accidents. Proper fall protection measures are crucial to prevent these incidents.

Struck-By Accidents: These accidents occur when construction workers are struck by heavy objects, equipment, vehicles, or machinery. Proper safety precautions and equipment can mitigate this risk.

Electrocutions: Contact with live electrical wires, faulty equipment, or improper wiring can result in fatal electrocution accidents. Electrical safety protocols are essential to prevent such incidents.

Caught-In/Between Accidents: These accidents involve workers getting caught in or between heavy machinery, equipment, or collapsing materials or structures. Ensuring safe working spaces and proper equipment use is vital in preventing these incidents.

Other Common Causes

• Trenching and Excavation Accidents: Collapses of trenches and excavations can trap workers and cause injuries.
• Equipment and Machinery Accidents: Accidents involving the operation of heavy equipment, power tools, or construction machinery can lead to injuries.
• Slips and Trips: Uneven surfaces, debris, or inadequate safety measures can cause workers to slip or trip and suffer injuries.
• Hazardous Material Exposure: Construction workers may be exposed to toxic substances or hazardous materials, such as Asbestos exposure, leading to illnesses and injuries.
• Fires and Explosions: Faulty wiring, gas leaks, or flammable materials can result in fires and explosions on construction sites.
• Overexertion and Repetitive Stress: Prolonged heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and inadequate ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
• Insufficient Safety Measures: Lack of proper safety equipment, training, or enforcement of safety protocols can contribute to accidents.

Who is Liable for Construction Accident Injuries in Los Angeles?

Liability for construction accident injuries in Los Angeles can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Several parties may be held liable, including:

Employers: Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment. They can be held liable if they fail to maintain safe conditions, provide proper training, or neglect safety regulations.

Property Owners: If the construction site is on the property of another entity, the property owner may be liable for maintaining safe premises, especially if they were aware of hazards.

General Contractors: General contractors often have a duty to oversee the safety of the entire construction site and can be held liable if safety protocols are not followed.

Subcontractors: Subcontractors may be held responsible for accidents within their specific area of responsibility on the construction site.

Manufacturers: Manufacturers of faulty equipment or materials used on the site can be held liable if their products caused the accident.

Third Parties: Individuals or entities not directly involved in the construction project but whose actions contribute to the accident can also be held liable.

How Our Los Angeles Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Pisegna & Zimmerman, our team of Los Angeles construction accident lawyers is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support and advocating for your rights in the aftermath of a construction site injury.

Legal Skills: We bring our extensive knowledge of California’s construction accident laws and regulations to your case, ensuring that you receive the best legal representation.

Investigation: We will meticulously investigate the circumstances of your accident, identifying responsible parties and any safety violations that may have contributed to the incident.

Evidence Gathering: Our team will collect and preserve critical evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and medical records, to build a compelling case on your behalf.

Maximizing Compensation: We are committed to securing the maximum compensation available under the law for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Negotiation: We will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and at-fault parties, ensuring that you are not offered inadequate compensation and that your rights are protected.

Litigation: If a fair settlement is not achievable through negotiation, we will not hesitate to take your case to court, vigorously representing your interests during the trial.

Legal Help is Here from Experienced Los Angeles Construction Accident Lawyers

Our Los Angeles construction accident attorneys at Pisegna & Zimmerman understand the unique challenges construction workers face and the serious risks associated with the industry. We have the skills, experience and resources to fight for your rights and help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve. Reach out to our construction accident lawyers today to ensure your case is handled with the attention and expertise it deserves. Call (818) 377-2200 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.