Lowell, MA Construction Accident & Injury Lawyer
Construction workers have dangerous jobs. There are multiple different types of accidents that can occur on construction sites. Unfortunately, victims of these accidents often suffer debilitating and painful injuries.
You may be able to recover payment for your construction accident injuries. However, the path to financial compensation is not always straightforward. During a free review of your case, our legal team can explain the appropriate next steps to take.
Seek guidance and support from our experienced construction accident and injury lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.
When You Can Sue for Construction Accident Injuries in Lowell, MA
Plaintiffs in construction accident lawsuits can recover financial compensation for an array of economic and non-economic losses they incurred. However, these cases may only be filed under certain conditions. You may only sue the third parties for construction accidents they cause. For example, if your falling accident happened because of poorly manufactured safety equipment, then you may sue the manufacturing company responsible for the defect. Further, if your slip and fall happened because a site owner did not take care of their property, then you can sue the at-fault property owner for the harm you sustained.
Alternatively, if your construction accident results from negligence displayed by your employer or coworker, then you may not be able to file a construction accident lawsuit. Still, there may be other opportunities for acquiring financial compensation. You can call our law firm to discuss the proper course of action in your case.
Types of Construction Accidents that Happen in Lowell, MA
The strategies utilized in your construction accident lawsuit may vary depending on the type of accident you suffered. The following are examples of the different types of construction accidents that happen in Lowell:
Electrocutions
Construction workers regularly work near power lines and other power sources. Accordingly, electrocutions are a common type of accident that occurs on construction sites. There are several different forms of negligent behavior that may cause workers to be electrocuted. For example, electrocutions may happen because of faulty wiring, inadequate tagout and lockout procedures, improper system design, and flawed electrical components. After being electrocuted, our construction accident and injury lawyers can investigate the cause of your accident.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are another very common source of harm on construction sites. These accidents are sometimes caused by property owners’ negligence. For instance, you may suffer a slip and fall because the owner of a site did not fix a loose handrail.
Meanwhile, other slip and fall accidents may happen because of negligence exhibited by other contractors on a site. As an example, you may slip and fall because another company’s contractor left debris on the floor of your worksite.
If your slip and fall accident happened because of a third party’s negligence, then you may be able to sue them for the damages you sustained.
Accidents Caused by Poorly Maintained Equipment
Furthermore, some construction accidents are related to poorly maintained equipment. For instance, you may suffer a fall because of a ladder that was allowed to rust. Also, you may suffer a harmful accident because safety equipment was not properly stored. If you suspect your construction accident was caused by poorly maintained equipment, then our team can assess the strength of your claim against the at-fault party.
Fires and Explosions
Fires and explosions are also a common cause of construction accident injuries. There are several potential sources of such accidents. For instance, a fire or explosion may result from a gas leak, electrical issue, defective product, or improper handling of flammable materials.
Those who are hurt because of fires and explosions on construction sites regularly suffer severe burns. These are some of the most excruciating injuries that people can suffer. Thankfully, after being burnt because of a construction accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages for the physical pain you experienced.
Demolition Accidents
Demolition projects are common on construction sites. These projects often involve the usage of dangerous explosives that can put nearby workers in imminent danger. Accordingly, when these materials are not handled properly, devastating accidents can happen. Further, demolition accidents can also occur when explosive materials are not properly handled.
Exposure to Toxic Substances
Construction workers may also be injured because of exposure to toxic substances. When exposed to certain substances for extended periods of time, dangerous illnesses can develop. For instance, a worker who was exposed to chemicals like silica and asbestos may develop catastrophic respiratory issues. Some examples of workers who may be exposed to toxic substances include painters, roofers, tile installers, stucco workers, drywall installers and removers, cement workers, and plumbers.
Strikes from Falling Objects
Finally, strikes from falling objects regularly cause injuries on construction sites. These accidents occur when objects fall from tall heights onto workers below. Even impacts from small items and light tools can lead to devastating injuries. For example, victims may incur head injuries like concussions and skull fractures. If you were hit by a falling object on a construction site, you should quickly explore your options for acquiring monetary damages.
Vehicle Accidents on Construction Sites in Lowell, MA
Many construction workers suffer injuries because of accidents involving large vehicles like backhoes, cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts. In many cases, these accidents happen because of poor operation of the vehicles involved. You may be able to file a lawsuit after suffering such an accident on a construction site. However, you must first analyze its cause. There are several different types of vehicle accidents that can occur.
Rollovers and Collisions
For example, rollovers and collisions are common types of vehicle accidents that happen on construction sites. Such accidents often occur because operators drive erratically or fail to pay attention. Large vehicles used on construction sites are more susceptible to rolling over than standard cars. Also, collisions involving construction vehicles are prone to causing devastating injuries because of the size of equipment involved.
Cargo Spills
Additionally, cargo spills are a common type of vehicle accident that can happen. When unsecured cargo is dropped or spilled onto workers, serious harm can occur. If you were hurt because of a cargo spill, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries.
Pinnings
“Pinnings” are another common type of vehicle accident that happens on construction sites. These accidents refer to cases where workers are pinned between vehicles and other hard objects. They are another type of vehicle accident that often results from operators’ careless conduct. For example, a worker may be pinned by a forklift because a driver inadvertently left the vehicle in motion.
Time Window to Sue After a Construction Accident in Lowell, MA
After suffering a construction accident, you will only have a certain amount of time to bring your case against the at fault party. According to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A, you will typically have three years after the date of your accident to file your lawsuit. If you do not meet this deadline, then your potential lawsuit may be dismissed, causing you to miss out on important monetary damages.
Despite potentially having three years to bring your case to court, you should begin working on your lawsuit as soon as possible. You will need to gather evidence to support your claims. As time passes, this evidence may become difficult to preserve or collect. For example, physical evidence can be misplaced, and eyewitnesses can forget important details. The sooner you begin building your case, the more efficiently you may gather the information needed for it to prevail.
Damages Available in a Construction Accident Lawsuit in Lowell, MA
There are several types of economic and non-economic losses that may be compensated in a construction accident case. During our assessment of your potential lawsuit, our team can explain which of the following damages may be sought:
Lost Wages
If your construction accident injury caused you to miss time at work, then you can pursue payment for the lost income you incurred while you were away. These damages are generally calculated using workers’ average weekly incomes.
Additionally, if your injury restricts your ability to work going forward, then you may pursue compensation for your lost future earning capacity. However, the process for acquiring these damages can be complicated. You will usually need an expert witness to support a claim for lost future wages.
Medical Expenses
You may also recover monetary damages for any medical expenses related to your construction accident injuries. All past, current, and future medical bills stemming from your injuries may be accounted for. For example, the cost of your ambulance ride, hospital bills, surgical operation, and prescription medication may all be compensated.
These damages can usually be proven using your medical records and bills. Therefore, it is crucial that you seek medical care quickly after your construction accident. If you let your injuries heal before seeing a doctor, then you may be unable to obtain the documentation needed to recover these damages in your case.
Physical Pain
The injuries caused by construction accidents can lead to a high amount of physical pain. For example, victims of such accidents often incur injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and torn ligaments. These types of harm can be excruciatingly painful. Thankfully, plaintiffs in construction accident lawsuits may also be awarded payment for the physical pain they experienced.
Emotional Distress
In addition to causing physical pain, construction accident injuries can also produce a great deal of emotional distress. As an example, a worker who sustains spinal cord damage may be prevented from participating in meaningful relations with family members. Furthermore, someone who incurs a concussion may be restricted from participating in certain hobbies after their construction accident. In these cases, victims may be compensated for the emotional distress caused by their injuries.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
There are several other types of expenses that victims of construction accidents may incur. For instance, you may need to pay for help with transportation to and from your doctor’s appointments. Additionally, if you are a parent, you may require costly support with child care while your injuries heal.
Thankfully, you can obtain payment for a wide range of expenses related to your construction accident injuries. These damages are usually established using receipts and other financial documents. Therefore, you should keep the receipts for any costs you incur as a result of your construction accident injuries.
Property Damage
Finally, if you incurred damage to your personal property because of your construction accident, then you may seek payment for the cost of its replacement or repair. However, the defendant in your case may argue that your property damage was actually caused by some subsequent event. Accordingly, you should take photos of your damaged property in the immediate aftermath of your accident if possible. The photos you take can be used to prove that your property was damaged by the accident at issue.
Considering Settlement Offers in Construction Accident Lawsuits in Lowell, MA
After filing a construction accident case, the defendant will probably present you with a settlement offer before trial. If you accept their offer, then they will pay you an agreed-upon amount of compensation in exchange for the voluntary dismissal of your lawsuit. There are some advantages to reaching a settlement agreement. For example, by settling early, you may obtain payment more quickly. Furthermore, you may save on some of the costs that accompany the decision to go to trial like administrative costs and witness fees.
Still, many defendants try to settle construction accident lawsuits for less than they are worth. It is important to have our construction accident and injury lawyers by your side when negotiating for a fair settlement offer. If an appropriate offer is not presented, then you will have to go to trial to recover the monetary damages you deserve.
Victims of Construction Accidents in Lowell, MA Can Call Our Attorneys for Support
Seek help from our experienced construction accident and injury attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407.
