Construction sites are among the most dangerous places you can work, but that doesn’t mean the risk should all be on you. Your employer is responsible for taking reasonable measures to keep you from getting hurt on the job. In many cases, he or she is liable to pay your expenses in the event of an injury. That’s where working with a construction lawyer in Houston, TX can help.
8 Reasons to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer
1. You Had a Slip and Fall
On construction sites, slippery areas and uneven surfaces can cause you to fall while at work. In fact, slip and fall accidents are some of the most common issues personal injury lawyers deal with. An experienced lawyer will fight to help you get compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
2. You Fell From a Height
Falling from heights is another type of injury that frequently occurs on construction sites. Whether you were working on scaffolding, an unfinished roof, or an aerial lift, a construction accident lawyer in Houston can look into your case. Employer negligence happens in a lot of ways that cause falls, including failing to provide the correct harnesses, using ladders that do not meet OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements, and other oversights. You can learn more about OSHA requirements here.
3. You Were Working With Toxic Substances
Exposure to toxic substances can cause a variety of health issues. Some of these take time to develop but can have lifelong consequences. Construction workers are especially susceptible to asbestos poisoning when they are working on buildings that have asbestos problems. This can lead to a lung condition called asbestosis and even cancer. If you believe you may have been exposed to a toxic substance, you should speak with an attorney.
4. You Became Entangled in Machinery
Entanglement is a danger that can lead to serious injury and even death. The heavy machinery commonly found on construction sites often has points that can catch on loose clothing or parts of your body. Some of the most dangerous points include:
- Cutting points
- Pinch points
- Pull-in points
- Wrapping points
Employers need to be sure safety protocols are in place and the machinery being used is functioning properly. A qualified personal injury attorney should be able to argue your case in the event of entanglement.
5. You Experienced Another Type of Work-Related Injury
Other accidents that construction workers often experience are wide-ranging, from electrocution incidents to burn injuries. Other types of workplace injuries include assault, overexertion, and carpel tunnel syndrome. Operating motor vehicles on a construction site is something that presents yet another set of hazards. If you are in doubt about whether your injury justifies a claim, you should speak with an attorney to learn about your options for pursuing compensation.
6. A Third Party Was At-Fault
Sometimes, a construction site injury is caused by the negligence of someone other than your employee. For example, if machinery malfunctions while you are working with it, the manufacturer could be at fault. In the case of a slip and fall, you might get hurt on a client’s premises. The same goes for falling from a height. These types of claims can become complicated, so it is a good idea to work with an attorney when third parties are involved.
7. A Loved One Experienced Serious Injury or Wrongful Death
Family members can work with a construction lawyer to receive compensation for the loss of a loved one. The right lawyer can be helpful in determining exactly what happened and building evidence, especially when the victim can no longer argue on their own behalf. Having an experienced attorney is essential when you are grieving a loved one who may have been a provider in your family.
8. Your Accident Aggravated a Pre-Existing Condition
Many people worry that the existence of a pre-existing condition will jeopardize their right to workers’ compensation. In fact, Texas law specifies that when someone else’s negligence causes you to get hurt at work, you can be compensated for any new medical bills and lost wages that result. According to the Eggshell Skull Rule, a person with a pre-existing condition must be treated the same as someone without one when it comes to personal injury claims.
Get Justice With a Houston Construction Accident Lawyer
You have the right to work in a safe environment, even when you deal with heavy machinery, toxic substances, uneven surfaces, and heights. Construction sites present a lot of opportunities for accidents, but it is your employer’s job to follow effective safety protocols. If you have experienced a construction site injury, the best thing to do is to get in touch with a lawyer. That’s the first step towards a just outcome for you and your family.