Construction Accidents

Construction sites by nature include many dangerous elements that hold the potential for injury. Heavy equipment and machinery, scaffolding, uncompleted buildings — these things and more create a potentially hazardous workplace.

Construction accidents and industrial accidents can be devastating, both to the injured construction worker and to his or her family. Injuries sustained in a construction site accident tend to be serious, often resulting in high medical bills and significant wage loss.

Help for a Wide Range of Injuries

After being injured in a construction accident, it is vitally important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. With decades of experience, the attorneys at Meshbesher Law Firm know how to build a strong workers’ compensation case.

We handle claims involving:

Falls resulting in broken bones and neck and back injuries
Lifting Injuries
Equipment accidents resulting in injury
Trench collapse causing crush injuries
Vehicle or other operated machinery accidents
Exposure to toxic chemicals or other harmful products

Minnesota Workers’ Compensation

In Minnesota, workers’ compensation protects employees who suffer qualifying job-related injuries or illnesses.

Workers’ compensation benefits can cover many important costs for workers who get hurt or sick on the job. These benefits pay for reasonable medical care related to the injury, including doctor visits, surgeries, therapy, and prescription medications. They can also replace a portion of any income the worker loses while unable to work. If an injury leaves a worker with lasting impairments, they could receive permanent partial disability benefits.

Workers’ compensation can pay for vocational rehabilitation services, including retraining, to help workers return to suitable work if they cannot return to their old jobs. For families of workers who die in job-related accidents, it can also offer dependency benefits and burial expense coverage.

Worker Classification

One common issue arising from construction accidents is whether the injured worker was an employee or an independent contractor. Whether you are an employee or an independent contractor is important. Employees are eligible for work com benefits; independent contractors are not. However, be aware that sometimes employers will attempt to classify employees as independent contractors in order to escape liability for workers compensation claims. Minnesota has detailed rules concerning who is an independent contractor and who is an employee. Frequently, the worker the employer claims is an independent contractor is, in fact, an employee and is entitled to full benefits. We are experienced in handling such disputes.

Third-Party Liability

Another issue that arises from construction site accidents involves third-party liability. If there is a third party (a person or company not affiliated with the company for which the injured party is an employee) at fault in causing the injury, then the injured worker may be able to get workers’ compensation benefits through his or her employer and sue the third party for his or her damages, including pain and suffering and other damages not covered by work comp. Because these issues are highly fact-based, prompt investigation is key. It is critically important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Potentially Liable Third Parties

Here are some examples of third parties that could be liable for a construction accident injury:

Property Owners: Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors, including construction workers. If they fail to address known hazards, such as unstable structures or unsafe walkways, and a worker gets hurt, they could be responsible.
Equipment Manufacturers: Manufacturers must design and produce machinery, tools, and protective devices that are safe for their intended use. If a product defect causes a piece of equipment to fail and injure a worker, the manufacturer could be liable.
Subcontractors: On many construction sites, multiple subcontractors handle different aspects of the work. If one subcontractor ignores safety regulations, fails to secure their work area, or operates equipment unsafely, their actions can put everyone at risk.
Architects or Engineers: Design professionals play a key role in creating safe building plans and reviewing construction progress. If an architect or engineer produces flawed designs or fails to identify hazards during inspections, they could be responsible for preventable worker injuries.
Vendors or Delivery Companies: A delivery driver who enters a construction site without following traffic control rules or leaves materials in unsafe locations can cause severe injuries. Delivery companies can be held responsible for the actions of their drivers, especially if they fail to train employees properly or provide proper safety instructions.

An experienced construction accident attorney can review your case, identify any third parties that might be responsible for your injury, and file a claim demanding fair compensation on your behalf.

Handling Construction Site Accidents Statewide

The lawyers at the Meshbesher Law Firm understand the complex issues involved in construction site injuries. We understand that you may be severely injured, out of work, and in great physical and emotional pain- and are rightfully worried about your future. Our attorneys treat each case with care and consideration, and we are determined to help our injured clients put their lives back together.

To speak to one of our experienced attorneys immediately, call us at 612-349-5215. You can also email us your questions. From our office in Minneapolis, we handle construction accident claims throughout Minnesota.

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