Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer

Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Attorney

Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. That danger can be multiplied if safety procedures are not followed, crews are not properly trained, and equipment is not maintained. Construction accidents can result in serious injury and even death. If you have sustained an injury while working on a construction site, a Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

Construction is consistently ranked as one of the most hazardous industries in the US. Although only roughly five percent of workers in the US are employed in this sector, it accounts for 20% of worker fatalities.

Discuss Your Accident With an Experienced Construction Accident Lawyer

If you have suffered an injury while working on a construction site, you may have legal options to pursue to receive compensation. The skilled construction accident lawyers at the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez can explain your options, including filing for workers’ compensation, filing a personal injury lawsuit, or negotiating a settlement.

Founding attorney Alexander Alvarez possesses a deep knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for construction sites. He routinely takes courses to stay current on OSHA requirements and is certified in OSHA Construction Safety Training.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Falls are the most frequent cause of injury and death and account for 65% of all construction accidents. The most severe falls typically occur from an elevated area, such as a ladder or scaffold. Failure to utilize guardrails or unstable surfaces can lead to a fall.

Struck-by accidents occur when a worker is struck by an object, such as a moving vehicle, a crane, a backhoe, other large construction equipment, or falling debris. Lack of proper safety training, insufficient traffic control, and faulty or defective equipment are the typical causes of struck-by accidents.

Electrical hazards, including damaged power tools, cords, overhead power lines, and exposed wires, can lead to electrocution and electrical burns. Equipment that is not properly grounded and poor training processes increase the risk of electrical hazards on-site.

An individual may experience a crushing accident if they are caught between two pieces of equipment, structures, or materials. Another risk is getting caught in a piece of construction equipment such as a mixer, conveyor, or compactor. These accidents typically occur when there is insufficient machine guarding, and training is inadequate to identify dangers that lead to these types of accidents.

Excavations and trenches can collapse suddenly, causing workers to be buried under huge amounts of debris or soil, which can lead to injury or death due to compression asphyxiation. Failing to use trench shields, cave-in protection, or improper shoring can cause these accidents.

OSHA Violations

OSHA takes construction safety violations very seriously. If an accident occurs due to a lack of crew training, unsafe working conditions, or improperly maintained, hazardous, or faulty equipment, OSHA may assess a violation. A serious violation can carry a fine of $16,550 per violation, while willful or repeated violations carry a penalty of $165,514 per violation.

If you discover an issue at a construction site, you can inform the federal OSHA office at 1000 South Pine Island Road, Suite 100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33324.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

If you are involved in a construction accident, it is important to act quickly while the information is still fresh in your mind.

1. Immediately seek medical attention. Many accidents may have delayed symptoms, so even if you are feeling fine, it is still important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Documentation of your injuries and diagnosis will be important if you decide to file a claim.
2. Report the accident to the site supervisor or property owner.
3. Find an experienced construction accident lawyer.
4. Gather evidence related to the accident. This will typically include photographs of the accident scene, construction equipment involved, injuries to the individual, and any unsafe conditions. Medical records will also be needed. Other evidence may include eyewitness reports, training logs, and inspection reports.
5. Legally protect yourself. You should not sign anything or make any statements without the advice of your attorney.

FAQs

Law Office of Alexander Alvarez – Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer

Sustaining a work-related accident on a construction site can be devastating. If you have suffered an injury, the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez’s compassionate attorneys want to hear about your situation and guide you through the potential legal recourse you have a right to pursue. Contact the office to schedule a consultation.

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