Construction Lawyers Newport Beach, CA

Construction lawyers from Newport Beach, CA have representing clients who have been injuries on incredibly dangerous construction sites. While many people are concerned about construction workers because they use dangerous tools or they are required to scale tall buildings, there is also a potential risk for non-workers as well. The construction lawyers serving Newport Beach, California at Terry Mudge, LLP understand the risks of working in or being near a construction site, which is why we have many years of experience helping workers and non-workers alike receive compensation for their damages from a construction site.

If you have recently been injured from a construction site, do not hesitate to call Terry Mudge, LLP today to get one of our committed Newport Beach, CA construction lawyers working on your personal injury case. When facing injuries at a construction site, there are typically two types of injured people we work with:

• Construction workers
• Non-construction workers

If You Are a Construction Worker

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a division of the Department of Labor. The OHSA promotes construction worker safety standards that every worker is obligated to follow. Because there is an infinite number of things that can go wrong on a construction site, OSHA encourages workers to follow these safety standards for the safety of their own person and other workers on the site. Construction lawyers in Newport Beach, CA recommend that you have a clear understanding of your options:

So, what are an injured worker’s options?

• Workers’ Compensation. Possibly one of the most widely-used ways to get compensation for an injury sustained on a job (despite which field you work in), workers’ comp can be found in some form in all 50 states. Under workers’ comp, an employee who is injured on the job is entitled to certain compensation benefits for their injuries. You could get workers’ comp for a slip-and-fall accident if a hammer fell on your head at a construction site or other reasons.
• Personal Injury Lawsuit. Although the law varies state by state, workers’ compensation rules only apply between the employee and the employer. Thus, if the injured worker decides to sue the manufacturer, with the help of construction lawyers for Newport Beach, CA, in the case of faulty equipment or mechanics, workers’ compensation does not apply. When this is the case, a lawsuit can recover potentially significantly higher damages by filing a lawsuit outside of filing with workers’ comp.

What about non-worker injuries?

While we might typically think about workers first, there are many cases when a non-worker can be damaged at construction sites, leaving them to turn to a construction lawyer from Newport Beach, CA. Falling debris from a building can easily hit pedestrians. Perhaps a road being worked on does not have the proper signage and a car can drive into it unknowingly. It is the sub-contractors at the construction site who have a duty to make sure all hazards are appropriately marked. Thus, if the sub-contractor did not create the appropriate warning signs, they could be held liable for pedestrian-related injuries by the victim and their Newport Beach, CA construction lawyers.

Construction Workers: What If I was Hurt on the Job Site?

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs out there. But, this doesn’t mean that when a tragic event happens, the worker has to accept it and not take action. While there are risks associated with the role, an employer must still uphold a reasonably safe environment for employees. An employer is responsible for fixing areas that are flawed, broken, or hazardous. Some companies are more quick to respond to reports of danger in the workplace, while others delay the repair in an attempt the save money. Due to this negligence, a terrible accident may ensue. After the accident, a construction worker may want to meet with one of our Newport Beach, CA construction lawyers for advice on how to handle the situation. Things may quickly become uncomfortable or even hostile between the worker and employer when a preventable disaster unfolds in the workplace.

Q: If there was an accident and I got injured, do I report it right away?

A: Notify your employer immediately if an accident happens, so the incident can be documented appropriately. If a report is not filed and injuries worsen, it can potentially impact the employee’s workers compensation claim for medical benefits. It is recommended that you speak with one of the construction lawyers in Newport Beach, CA without hesitation if you feel as though your employer has intentionally mishandled your claim, discouraged you from applying for workers comp benefits, or retaliated against you for reporting what happened.

Q: What if my employer has been careless about worker safety?

A: Construction sites can be particularly dangerous, as structures can fall, machinery can malfunction, and other hazards can cause life-threatening injuries. An employer may put a temporary patch on something that needs more attention, as a way to cut costs. For example, old tools that are slowly malfunctioning may be jimmy rigged instead of new ones being purchased. An employee that is hurt because of this negligence, may hold the employer or company responsible with a Newport Beach, CA construction lawyer.

Q: What are common scenarios for how a construction worker may get injured?

A: Construction workers must always wear protective gear, and do what they can to safeguard against risks in the environment. This means an employer must also offer quality, undamaged gear and helmets so employees are safer. Establishing strict safety protocols are not always set by employers, as they hope to save the company money whenever possible. Common injury scenarios our construction lawyers in Newport Beach, CA have represented construction workers for include:

• Tumbling from scaffolding, shaky ladders, unstable roofs, or other heights
• Ceiling or building material falling from above due to an unsecured property
• Shock or electrocution from exposure to damaged wires
• Severe burns due to being around flammables or high temperatures
• Injury due to using defective tools or machinery

Q: What are my rights in seeking restitution for what happened?

A: Depending on your state laws and the factors of the construction accident, you may or may not be able to take action against your employer through a lawsuit. Perhaps the best next step you can take is to consult with one of our Newport Beach, CA construction lawyers to find out what your options are in seeking repayment for losses.

What can our firm do for you?

A: From the above examples, there are many ways to get injured from a construction site. With workers’ compensation, there are specific rules our attorneys know to follow to help you file your claim. However, when filing a lawsuit, our attorneys can also help you recover damages for:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Lost wages and more

If any of these scenarios apply to you, speak to one of our Newport Beach, CA construction lawyers today at Terry Mudge, LLP to help get you on your way to your normal life.  No one should have to be the victim of a construction site injury, but we can help you on your road to recovery.

Taking Next Steps After a Construction Site Accident

An accident that has occured on a construction site can produce an aftermath that leaves accident victims to pick up the pieces. The physical damage that a construction worker or other person may experience can be disastrous. In some cases, an accident may leave a person facing injuries that could be permanent. Construction lawyers that Newport Beach, CA victims can turn may be able to provide you with the legal direction and support that is required after an accident on a construction site. Knowing where to turn, or the proper steps to take can be difficult, especially for someone who is not well versed in the process of pursuing an injury claim. Newport Beach, CA construction lawyers at the office of Terry Mudge LLP suggest taking the following steps in the wake of an accident that has occured on a construction site:

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

When you have been injured on a construction site, the first thing you should do is obtain immediate medical attention. There are a number of reasons this is important. Not only will it ensure that you are promptly treated for injuries, it can help diagnose any underlying injuries that may have not been noticeable at the onset of the accident. Delaying treatment may not only make matters worse, it has the ability to result in life threatening injuries. Medical treatment can produce documentation that may serve as evidence to help a Newport Beach, CA construction lawyer to correlate your injuries to the accident.

Step 2: Complete an Accident Report

If you are well enough, it may be a good idea to complete an accident report with the construction manager at the time of the accident. This can help to outline the details surrounding the accident, and create a valuable piece of evidence for your case.

Step 3: Gather as Much Evidence as Possible

Gathering evidence in real time can be a much easier process than waiting too long to gather all that is necessary to build a strong construction site accident case. However, a Newport Beach, CA construction lawyer has the ability to put forth resources to assist in the crucial component to your case. Evidence to support your claim may include:

• Photographs or videos of the accident
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Photographs of your injuries
• Medical documentation outlining your injuries and treatments
• The accident report
• Eyewitnesses from the scene
• Medical bills

Step 4: Follow All Treatment Recommendations

After an injury, your medical provider will likely have treatment recommendations to help assist in your recovery. Your Newport Beach, CA construction lawyer suggests that you follow all recommendations from your doctor exactly as prescribed. This can help to ensure that you are making every effort in your recovery from the injuries you experienced in the accident.

Whether you are a construction site worker or a non-worker who has been injured at a construction site, it’s best to contact a Newport Beach, CA construction lawyer with experience in handling such matters. Cases involving construction site accidents can be multi layered, especially when contending with both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. It’s important to make sure that you have a construction lawyer from Newport Beach, CA on your side to ensure you take the proper steps in building a strong case.

Call the office of Terry Mudge, LLP for more information and to meet with construction lawyers Newport Beach, CA trusts on your case today!