Both federal and Indiana state laws impose strict safety standards on construction companies, yet construction is still one of the most dangerous industries that a person can work in. Employers put profit ahead of safety, which often leads to employees being seriously injured or killed while on the job.
If you were injured at an Indianapolis construction site, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve. At Hensley Legal Group, we understand the strain that a construction accident places on you and your family. Our experienced and compassionate construction accident lawyers can answer any questions you have and offer sound legal advice.
The lawyers at Hensley Legal Group are eager to make a difference in the lives of their clients. When you choose our law firm to represent you, you will have a skilled, experienced, and caring legal team on your side. Call (317) 526-1440, fill out the online consultation form, or start a live chat to schedule your free consultation. There is zero obligation in connection with your free case evaluation, and you will never pay anything out of pocket for our services.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
The construction industry in Indianapolis employs thousands of electricians, carpenters, equipment operators, laborers, and others. Workers frequently travel from one construction site to the next with constantly changing environments and safety standards.
Each year in Indiana, thousands of people are injured or killed due to construction. Our personal injury attorneys at Hensley Legal Group have helped many clients recover compensation for a wide variety of different types of construction accidents.
Construction sites and zones in Indiana commonly see the following types of accidents:
- Falls: Employees often perform their jobs in high places such as ladders, roofs, and scaffolding. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of construction site fatalities.
- Falling objects: Building materials, scaffolding, tools, and other objects falling from high places can cause serious injuries when they land on workers below.
- Heavy equipment accidents: Some workers operate heavy equipment on a daily basis. This might include jackhammers, bulldozers, dump trucks, cranes, and power tools. When this machinery malfunctions or is not used properly, serious injuries and fatalities can result.
- Trench or building collapses: Many accidents have occurred when earth or structures collapse on the workers inside. A building that is being constructed or demolished can unexpectedly collapse on the people working inside. Trenches often need to be dug on construction sites, which can be very dangerous.
- Crushed or pinned between objects: According to OSHA, being caught in or between heavy objects is another common cause of construction site fatalities. A worker may be pinned or crushed by a piece of heavy equipment or get a limb caught in moving machinery.
- Fires and explosions: Exposed wires, gas leaks, flammable chemicals, and other hazardous conditions could lead to fires and explosions on construction sites. These types of construction site accidents aren’t as common as others, but they can have devastating results when they do occur.
- Electrocutions: A worker may come into contact with exposed wires, unfinished electrical systems, or downed power lines. Electrocution injuries are often severe and can result in burns, paralysis, and death.
When Workers’ Compensation is Not Enough
Indiana law dictates that all business owners are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees when they are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation is designed to benefit both the employer and the employees.
Employers benefit by not having a lawsuit filed against them every time there is an accident on their construction sites, while the employees benefit by receiving financial compensation when they are injured at work. The types of damages and amount of workers’ compensation that an injured employee is entitled to receive may depend on the extent of the injury.
Indiana workers’ compensation may pay damages for:
- Medical care
- Lost wages
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
- Vocational retraining
In certain situations, workers’ compensation does not cover all of a worker’s medical bills and other expenses. A construction accident lawyer from our law office can calculate the value of your claim and help you pursue the full amount of damages that you are entitled to.
Hensley Legal Group has extensive experience in handling workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. Call our Indianapolis law office today to schedule a free case evaluation with our Indianapolis personal injury attorney.
What Are Third-Party Construction Injury Claims?
Many Indianapolis construction workers who have been injured on the job are unaware that they may be able to file a third-party claim in addition to a workers’ compensation one. A third-party claim or lawsuit may be filed against someone other than your employer who was fully or partially at fault for your injury.
Your construction accident attorney may be able to help you file a lawsuit against:
- Subcontractors
- Parts or equipment manufacturers
- Property owners
- Negligent drivers
After taking on your construction site accident case, your personal injury attorney will immediately begin investigating your accident. He or she can determine whether a third party contributed to your accident in any way and – if so – your attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the liable third party.
Workers’ compensation will typically only pay out about two-thirds of an employee’s wages. But with a third-party lawsuit, you have the opportunity to cover much more of your losses.
If you have sustained a serious construction site injury or lost a loved one due to the accident, you may qualify to receive damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Wrongful death
Schedule a free consultation with a Hensley Legal Group Indianapolis construction accident attorney today. We have the experience and resources to identify all parties possibly liable for your construction accident, determine whether they have enough insurance and assets to make a claim worthwhile, and work hard to hold them financially liable for your injuries.
Common Indianapolis Construction Site Injuries
The construction industry is a dangerous profession and many types of injuries can occur on site. Our personal injury attorneys at Hensley Legal Group have helped construction workers obtain financial compensation for a wide range of injuries.
The following are some common Indianapolis construction accident injuries workers face:
- Head injuries: TBIs, concussions, lacerations, and other head injuries frequently occur on construction sites from tools, materials, and other objects being dropped from above on workers below. Hard hats can help prevent serious injury, but even with the proper protective gear being used, objects falling from extreme heights can cause serious or fatal harm.
- Spinal cord injuries: These types of injuries may occur when a construction site worker suffers a fall from a ladder, scaffolding, roof, or another elevated surface. Spinal cord damage can result in full or partial paralysis and victims requiring a lifetime of care. Our Social Security Disability lawyers in Indianapolis can help you if you’ve been injured and cannot work anymore.
- Eye injuries: There are often many particles and debris in the air on construction sites from the work being done. If proper safety goggles aren’t worn, debris can enter the eye and cause vision problems or even blindness.
- Burn injuries: There are often chemicals, exposed wires, leaking pipes, chemicals, and other hazards on construction sites that can cause fires and explosions. Burns are serious injuries that may cause scarring and require extensive treatment and time to recover.
- Broken bones: Improper use of heavy machinery, building or trench collapses, and other construction site mistakes or mishaps can sadly cause broken, fractured, and crushed bones.
- Hearing loss: Construction site employees may spend a lot of time working around jackhammers and other extremely loud equipment. If earplugs or other ear protection isn’t worn properly, a worker’s hearing could be affected.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Construction site jobs often require a lot of repetitive motion. Workers spend their days lifting, bending, hammering, or moving in other ways that can cause repetitive stress injuries over time.
- Respiratory disease: Construction workers may face exposure to dust, mold, mildew, cleaning products, glues, foam insulation, and other contaminants that are harmful to the lungs. Chronic pneumonia, black lung, and other respiratory diseases may develop over time.
What to Do When You Are Involved in an Indianapolis Construction Accident
There are steps that you can take following an Indianapolis construction site accident that will help ensure you receive the medical attention you need and the financial compensation you deserve. These are as follows:
- Seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority after being injured in a construction accident. If you sustained serious injuries, call 911 immediately so that an ambulance can be sent to the accident scene. Keep in mind it may take days or weeks for some symptoms to appear – it’s therefore always recommended to be examined by a medical professional even if your injuries seem minor.
- Notify your employer. After you’ve addressed any health concerns, your next step should be to notify your superiors of the incident as soon as possible. Your supervisor or employer should have a form for you to fill out in writing, documenting the details of where, when, and how the accident took place. Reporting and documenting the accident will help you later on when you’re filing an injury claim.
- Gather evidence. If you’re physically able to do so, gather as much information as possible about your accident and injuries as you can. This may include photographing the scene and gathering statements from any witnesses.
- Speak to an Indianapolis construction accident attorney. A serious construction accident can leave a worker coping with physical injuries, pain and suffering, and financial hardships. An Indianapolis construction accident lawyer from Hensley Legal Group can help ensure that you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to and help you file lawsuits against all general contractors, manufacturers, and other responsible parties.
Contact an Indianapolis Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Construction accident cases are often complex, detailed, and involve gathering a large amount of evidence. The employers, insurance companies, and property owners involved will do all that they can to avoid liability and a large payout. When you and your family’s health and financial stability are at stake, you need a law firm on your side that you can trust.
The personal injury attorneys at Hensley Legal Group have decades of experience in handling workers’ compensation and construction accident claims. We care about each of our clients and are eager to make a difference in their lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, contact Hensley Legal Group today. Our experienced construction accident attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. Call (317) 472-3333 or fill out the online consultation form to schedule a free consultation.