Chelmsford, MA Construction Accident Injury Lawyer

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In Chelmsford, construction accidents are known to cause some of the most severe and life-altering injuries. Te aftermath of such accidents often leaves victims with significant medical expenses to cover, which can cause immense financial strain.

Construction sites can be inherently dangerous, and as such, accidents can occur in a variety of ways. However, that does not mean you should be responsible for covering damages you did not cause through any fault of your own. Those overseeing and working on construction sites are held to a high standard of care and are expected to follow all safety regulations. When they do not, they can be held liable in a legal case like any other negligent party.

For a free case evaluation with our construction accident injury attorneys, call the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.

Parties that Can Be Held Liable for Construction Accident Injuries in Chelmsford, MA

Construction accident cases in Chelmsford are known to be complicated, as numerous parties could potentially be held liable for injuries. While this can make a claim more challenging, it also provides multiple potential paths to recovering compensation. Our construction accident injury attorneys know how to evaluate these cases and who should be made to pay for your damages. The following are the parties most commonly held accountable in construction accident lawsuits:

Site Owners

Construction site owners bear significant responsibility for any accidents that occur on their premises. This is particularly true if the owner retains control over the work being performed. If a site owner knew or should have known about a potential hazard and failed to take appropriate action to address it, they could be held responsible for any accidents that result from this negligence.

For example, if a site owner was aware of a large hole on the property and did not take steps to cover it or warn workers, leading to a worker’s injury, the owner could be held liable. This could include being responsible for covering the worker’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the injury.

General Contractors

To mitigate the risks construction sites present, general contractors play a crucial role in ensuring that safety standards are maintained. They are legally required to comply with numerous OSHA regulations and other state safety laws to protect workers from harm.

In case of an accident, a general contractor can be held accountable if they fail to uphold these standards. For instance, if a contractor neglects to provide workers with the necessary safety equipment and a worker sustains injuries as a result, the contractor might be held liable for the accident.

Sub-Contractors

Like general contractors, subcontractors are also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. They have a legal obligation to ensure that their employees are protected while they work on a project and that their portion of the project complies with all relevant safety regulations.

If a subcontractor fails to meet these obligations, they might be held accountable for any resulting injuries. For example, if a roofing subcontractor neglects to provide their workers with proper fall protection equipment and an employee falls and sustains an injury, the subcontractor should be considered responsible for the worker’s injury.

Equipment Designers and Manufacturers

It is the responsibility of equipment designers and manufacturers to ensure that the products they create are safe for usage. If a piece of equipment is defectively designed or manufactured and causes an injury, the designer or manufacturer could be held accountable under product liability laws.

As an example, if a safety harness is defectively designed and breaks, causing a worker to fall, the company that designed or manufactured the harness would be liable for the incident. That is why it is essential for manufacturers to perform rigorous testing to guarantee that their products are safe for use and comply with all relevant safety regulations.

Architects

The role of architects in construction projects cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to ensuring safety. Architects are entrusted with the crucial task of creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and safe. They are responsible for overseeing the entire construction process, from planning and design to execution.

It is critical for architects to make sure that their designs are safe and that the construction project adheres to those safe designs. If an architect’s design is inherently unsafe or if they fail to ensure that the project is built according to their safe design, they could potentially be held liable. For instance, if a structure collapses because of a design flaw, the architect could potentially be held accountable for any injuries or damages that result from the incident.

Engineers

Like architects, engineers hold a significant responsibility in ensuring the safety of a construction project. They play a crucial role in the project, with both design engineers responsible for creating the project plans and field engineers overseeing the construction process.

In case an engineer’s negligence leads to an unsafe condition, it could result in an accident, making them directly accountable for the damages. For instance, if an engineer approves the use of inadequate materials that lead to the structure’s failure, they should be held responsible for their failure in a lawsuit.

Common Causes of Construction Accident Injuries in Chelmsford, MA

Working on construction sites in Chelmsford is fraught with potential hazards. For instance, falls, whether from heights or on the same level, are among the leading causes of construction accident injuries. Workers might fall from scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or through unguarded holes and open edges. These falls can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Often, these accidents are a result of inadequate fall protection, lack of safety training, or failure to adhere to safety regulations.

Electrocutions are another significant cause of construction injuries. With numerous power tools, machinery, and electrical installations present on construction sites, workers are at high risk of electrical accidents. Injuries can vary from minor electrical burns to severe shocks leading to cardiac arrest. These incidents often occur because of contact with power lines, improper use of equipment, inadequate training, or failure to lock out electrical sources before working on them.

Overexertion from heavy lifting or repetitive motions can also lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as sprains, strains, and chronic back injuries. These injuries might not be immediately apparent but can develop over time, leading to long-term pain and disability. Often, these injuries are caused by a lack of ergonomic considerations, inadequate rest breaks, and insufficient training on safe work practices.