Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Attorney

Being involved in a Fort Lauderdale construction accident can have life-altering consequences. Because of the heavy machinery and dangerous conditions present at these sites, injuries sustained in these cases tend to be more severe than other personal injury claims. If you or someone you love has been hurt at a construction site in Fort Lauderdale, hiring a Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer can be pivotal to the outcome of your case.

Experienced Construction Accident Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Founded in 2000, the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez has dedicated over 25 years to protecting the legal rights of Florida residents. Our founding attorney, Alexander Alvarez, has received multiple professional honors, including an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognition as one of Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and a Superb rating on Avvo.

Our goal is to help clients who have been hurt by another party secure the compensation they need to heal. The team at the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez understands the devastation that construction site accidents in Florida can cause and is prepared to stand by your side as you navigate your legal claim.

Florida Construction Accident Laws

In 2023, there were 306 reported workplace fatalities in Florida, many of which occurred at construction sites. Many Fort Lauderdale residents work for major construction companies in the area, such as The Weitz Company, Tutor Perini Corporation, and DPR Construction.

For employees injured on construction sites in Fort Lauderdale, workers’ compensation is generally the main legal route you can take to pursue compensation. If you file a workers’ compensation claim in Florida, you generally cannot pursue other civil claims. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including:

1. If your Fort Lauderdale employer does not have the required workers’ compensation coverage, you can file a civil claim against them with help from a lawyer. If you choose to open a civil case, your employer may have to pay for additional damages on top of lost wages and medical bill coverage.
2. If your employer commits an intentional, negligent act that causes injury or death, you can file a civil personal injury or wrongful death claim. To do so, you need strong evidence that your employer deliberately intended to harm you or a coworker. The injured party can alternatively provide evidence that the employer engaged in conduct they knew was certain to cause serious injury, and hid the danger.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

In 2023, there were 2.4 injuries per 100 workers in the United States. The most common citations made by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration included issues with fall protection, hazard communication, and control of hazardous energy, referred to as the lockout/tagout method.

Other common causes of Fort Lauderdale construction accidents include:

• Faulty or defective equipment
• Equipment operated by untrained employees
• Slips and falls
• Falling objects
• Falling from a height
• Being hit by a piece of moving equipment

Florida Laws Surrounding Third-Party Negligence

Because workers’ compensation insurance is meant to prevent civil claims against employers and provide employees with noncontentious routes to compensation, you can only file a civil personal injury claim in Florida if additional parties were responsible for your accident. For example, if you were hurt at work because a piece of machinery you were using was defective, you may be able to file a claim against the product’s manufacturer.

A third party in a Fort Lauderdale personal injury case can be any person or business that is not your employer or coworker. These can include:

• Property owners
• General contractors or subcontractors
• Equipment or tool manufacturers
• Vehicle drivers
• Architects or engineers
• Material suppliers
• Maintenance or repair companies

If the worker doesn’t open a case against the third party within one year of the injury, the employer can do so after giving 30 days’ notice to the worker. In these types of cases, both the worker and the employer must cooperate in pursuing claims against third parties, including sharing non-confidential documents and allowing inspections.

Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Here at the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, our team shares extensive experience handling complex construction accident claims across the state. We know how emotionally and physically damaging these types of injuries can be, which is why we stand prepared to advocate for your rights and the compensation you need to heal. Our team refuses to take shortcuts. We put our clients’ needs at the forefront of every decision we make and are prepared to fight for you.

FAQs

How Can a Florida Construction Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you get hurt in a Florida construction accident, an experienced lawyer can help explain your legal rights, handle the paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and make sure you don’t miss any legal deadlines. They can advocate for your rights and fight to maximize the payout you receive. Plus, their knowledge of personal injury and workers’ compensation laws can be an invaluable resource as you navigate your claim.

Do Contractors and Subcontractors Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Florida?

In Florida, most contractors and subcontractors working on public or private construction projects must have workers’ compensation insurance. If a Florida contractor hires a subcontractor, everyone working on that job is considered part of the same business for workers’ compensation purposes. A Florida subcontractor is generally not responsible for injuries to another contractor or subcontractor’s employees.

Who Is Responsible for Workers’ Compensation When an Employer Uses Temporary or Staffing Agency Workers in Florida?

When a Florida employer uses temporary or staffing agency workers, the employer is responsible for providing workers’ compensation to those employees, unless the staffing agency already has workers’ compensation coverage for them. These workers are considered “borrowed” employees if they are performing the employer’s business, meaning they should receive the same benefits as other employees regarding workers’ compensation.

Can I File a Construction Accident Claim Against a Coworker in Florida?

In most accident cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you cannot file a claim against a coworker and instead need to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. However, coworkers can still be held responsible if they act with extreme carelessness, physically attack someone, or are grossly negligent in a way that causes injury. This legal protection also applies to owners, partners, corporate officers, directors, supervisors, and other managers in Florida.

Choose a Trusted Fort Lauderdale Law Firm Today

The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez understands that no two cases are the same, which is why we’re devoted to providing tailored, client-focused legal aid in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and pursue justice.

Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer Reviews

Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Resources:

• How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Florida?
• Average Personal Injury Settlement Amount in Florida 2025
• How Construction Firms Can Limit Their Risk of Defect Lawsuits
• Top Risks of Construction Accidents in Fort Lauderdale