Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces anywhere, with heavy machinery, unstable structures, and hazardous conditions contributing to serious injuries every year. If you were hurt in such an incident, an experienced Hitchcock, TX construction accident lawyer could help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, our seasoned work accident attorneys provide skilled legal representation to injured workers and their families. We understand how devastating a job site injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team is committed to holding negligent employers, contractors, and third parties accountable for the harm they cause and helping you rebuild after a construction site accident.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction sites are regulated by strict safety standards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Unfortunately, violations of the act are common. Many serious accidents occur when contractors or supervisors fail to follow these federal and state regulations. Construction site accidents commonly involve:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs
- Impacts from falling objects
- Electrical shocks or burns
- Trench or structural collapses
- Equipment defects or maintenance failures
- Lack of protective gear or safety training
Even a single act of negligence can result in catastrophic harm, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or even wrongful death. Our Hitchcock attorneys could investigate the cause of your construction site accident to identify every party who may share liability (including contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners) and hold them accountable under the law.
Who Is Liable for a Construction Accident?
Determining liability in a construction accident often depends on the relationship between the worker and their employer. Texas does not require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Employers who choose not to subscribe to this coverage are called non-subscribers, and workers could directly sue such an employer through a personal injury claim.
A non-subscriber employer loses certain legal defenses, meaning that if their negligence contributed to your injuries, you could hold them financially responsible for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases involving third parties, such as subcontractors, equipment suppliers, or negligent motorists near a work zone, you may file a separate claim against them, too.
Our lawyers in Hitchcock could carefully review all contracts, witness statements, and site safety records to determine where negligence occurred in your construction site injury. If we find gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, we may also pursue exemplary damages under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.009 to punish and deter future misconduct.
Steps To Take After a Construction Accident
Taking the right steps after a worksite injury can greatly enhance your ability to recover compensation. Our firm recommends that you do the following:
- Seek immediate medical attention to document your injuries
- Report the accident to your supervisor, but avoid admitting fault
- Collect evidence, including photos, witness names, and accident details
- Do not provide statements to insurance representatives without legal counsel
- Contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to gather evidence of your Hitchcock construction accident and build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Discuss Your Construction Site Injury With a Hitchcock Attorney
In the aftermath of a construction accident, you may be facing medical bills, prolonged recovery time, and uncertainty about your future. You do not have to face this alone.
A Hitchcock construction accident lawyer at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris could help you rebuild your life after an injury. We could pursue every available legal avenue to secure compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our experienced team could assist you in your construction injury claim.
