Construction work can be dangerous. Even when workers are careful, one unsafe condition can lead to a serious injury.
Workers are exposed to dangerous hazards every day. Defective scaffolding, ladders, unsafe ramps and walkways are just a few examples. Falling material from overhead work, inadequate or missing fall protection, and faulty equipment are also common worksite hazards that result in serious injuries to workers. In the blink of an eye, even a diligent worker can suddenly find himself or herself having to deal with medical treatment, time away from work, lost income, permanent physical or mental injuries, and questions about who is responsible.
At The Carrano Law Firm, we represent people injured at construction sites and other worksites throughout Connecticut. These cases are not always as simple as they first appear. One of the most important things we look at is who was working at the site and who had control over the work that led to the injury.
More Than One Company May Be Involved
Many construction projects have several companies working at the same location.
There may be a property owner, general contractor, subcontractors, electricians, plumbers, equipment companies, delivery companies, and other businesses on the site at the same time.
Each company may have a different job. They may also have different responsibilities when it comes to keeping the worksite safe. When assessing each company’s liability for an injury, it is necessary to conduct a full review of the applicable contracts and the actual conduct of the companies at the jobsite.
This is one reason that a construction injury should be looked at carefully. It may not be enough to simply know where the accident happened. Evidence needs to be preserved and obtained to establish exactly what caused the injury, who created the unsafe condition or hazard, who knew about it, and who had the ability or responsibility to correct it.
What Caused the Accident?
The details matter in a construction injury case.
Consider a worker who falls because of an unsafe condition at a job site. Who created that condition? How long had it been there? Was anyone supposed to inspect the area? Did someone know about the problem before the accident? Which contractor controlled that part of the project? Were there multiple contractors who shared control and responsibility?
Those questions can lead to very different answers depending on the job or project.
Construction and worksite injuries can involve falls from ladders or scaffolding, unsafe/improperly anchored stairs, holes or openings, falling objects, defective tools, dangerous equipment, electrical hazards, unsafe walking surfaces, and other hazardous conditions.
Finding the cause of the accident is an important part of determining who may be responsible.
Why an Early Investigation Matters
Construction sites change quickly.
Equipment gets moved. Materials are removed. Temporary stairs and platforms may be removed and discarded. Contractors complete their work and leave the site. A dangerous condition that existed on the day of an accident may look completely different a short time later. These are only some of the reasons it is important to investigate a construction accident as soon as possible.
Photos, video, witness information, accident reports, contracts, work records, and other information may help show what was happening at the site when someone was hurt.
Waiting too long can make some of that information harder to find.
Workers’ Compensation May Not Be the Only Issue
When someone is injured while working, workers’ compensation may provide certain benefits. But a construction accident can sometimes involve another person or company in addition to the injured worker’s employer.
For example, another contractor working at the site may have created the condition that caused the injury. The property owner or another company may also have had responsibilities related to the area where the accident happened.
Whether there is a claim against another party depends on the facts of the case.
This is an important distinction because there are significant limitations to the compensation that an injured worker can recover in the context of a workers’ compensation claim in comparison to a personal injury claim. An injured worker should not assume that workers’ compensation automatically results in a recovery of fair, just, and reasonable compensation for an injury from a construction accident.
Commercial and Residential Construction Accidents
Serious injuries occur on all types of projects. Serious injuries occur on residential construction projects as well as on large commercial projects.
Residential construction can also involve several contractors and many of the same dangers found on larger jobs. In fact, serious hazards are often found on small residential worksites because small worksites are much less likely to have dedicated safety personnel on site. Home construction, remodeling projects, roofing work, electrical work, plumbing, additions, and other residential projects can create unsafe conditions that pose serious dangers to workers.
At The Carrano Law Firm, we handle both commercial and residential construction site injury claims.
No matter the size of the project, we want to understand exactly what happened and why.
What Should You Do After a Construction Injury?
Your well-being is the priority here. If you have suffered an injury, your priority should be seeking out and receiving appropriate medical treatment.
File the report of the incident according to the appropriate procedures in your workplace. Provide information accurately and refrain from guessing or speculation regarding the things/ elements of which you have no knowledge.
Wherever possible, keep the documentation of the accident intact. Photographs of the incident can come in handy. Take copies of all pertinent documents, including the accident report, medical papers, receipts, and days off work. If someone witnessed the accident, make sure you have their contact information.
As soon as possible, you should also speak with an attorney so that important evidence can be preserved or documented before it disappears or the worksite changes.
We Take the Time to Find Out What Happened
Construction injury cases can require more investigation than people expect.
At The Carrano Law Firm, we look beyond the fact that an accident happened. We work to understand the project, the companies involved, the responsibilities of each party, the safety conditions at the site, and the events that led to the injury. Sometimes the answer is straightforward. Other times, several contractors may have played a part.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured at a construction site or worksite in Cheshire or anywhere in Connecticut, The Carrano Law Firm can help you understand your options and the next steps that may be available to you.
Every construction accident is different. Getting answers starts with understanding exactly what happened.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its individual facts and circumstances.