Who Is Liable If I Get Hurt on or Near a Worksite?

While we know that many construction workers are hurt on the job, we typically do not think about the dangers that the public may experience when they have to go around construction worksites. Any type of construction site can be dangerous to the people who have to commute around it, especially by foot. Therefore, when you need to walk around (or through) a construction site or work zone to get to work, school, the store, or any other place, this not only inconveniences your daily life, but it can also put you at serious risk of harm.

Of course, construction sites aren’t the only worksites that can cause harm to visitors and passers-by. Any business or public building that has some type of work being done – installing new phone lines, painting walls, installing new carpet, landscaping maintenance – can become at least a partial worksite. And if that business or public building remains open, then the risk of injury can increase.

There are a variety of different ways that folks can suffer an injury on or near a Vancouver, WA, worksite, such as:

• Someone may fall or trip on equipment, tools, or debris.
• A worker may drop something that may hit the individual walking by.
• When it is windy or raining, ladders, scaffolding, and debris may fall and strike the individual.
• The individual can become exposed to or inhale dangerous chemicals, toxins, or substances.
• The individual can be shocked by open power lines.
• They may come into contact with electricity wires that can cause electrocution or burns.
• They may be hit by a construction vehicle or machine if a driver/operator isn’t paying attention to their surroundings.
• They may be hit by a third-party (like another driver) while traveling through a work zone.

Many people cannot avoid going around construction worksites as they are sometimes placed in busy, heavily frequented areas. However, these worksites typically have multiple things going on at once, which makes them extremely dangerous for the public. Therefore, it is critical that people try to be as cautious as possible when walking near a work site and assume that not every worker sees them when doing so.

Injuries that can result from worksite negligence in Vancouver, WA

There are several different ways the general public can get hurt near worksites. Some of the more severe injuries include:

• Crush injuries
• Burn injuries
• Electrocution injuries
• Paralysis
• Broken or fractured bones
• Head or skull injuries
• Brain injuries
• Inhalation injuries
• Lacerations or cuts
• Loss of limbs or amputations
• Scarring
• Disfigurement

Why non-workers want a worksite injury lawyer to help with their case

It is a company’s responsibility to ensure that their worksite and surroundings are safe and secure, so people (and employees) can pass by without any harm. But the property owner also owes a duty of care to visitors and patrons. For example, if you’re staying at a hotel that’s having some electrical work done, and you sustain an injury near the area of that work, both the electrical company and the hotel owner/operator may share liability for your injuries. If you are injured in a car accident in a work zone, both the construction company and the driver who hit you may share liability, too.

Believe us when we say that neither insurance company wants to pay your bills, even when they both share responsibility for your injuries. They’ll each have a whole team of lawyers whose only job is to point the finger at the other business to avoid paying out of the claim. By hiring your own personal injury lawyer, you level the playing field a bit. Plus, you can trust us to figure out exactly who is liable, and for how much.

If you have been injured near or on a worksite, you can call our personal injury attorneys in Vancouver or Battle Ground, WA to get the assistance you need. We are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable when it comes to these types of claims, and we will thoroughly investigate to determine who is liable for your injuries. While these are very complicated cases, you can rest assured knowing that our team will remain by your side, guiding you through every step of the complex and lengthy legal process.

Damages for a worksite injury

The losses you may suffer from simply walking by a construction site or other work zone can be very serious. Most people only think about the physical losses, but you are likely to suffer financial and emotional losses as well. Your Vancouver, WA personal injury attorney will meet with you, determine your losses, and help you recover damages to regain a sense of normalcy again. The following are some of the damages you may seek:

• Current and future medical costs
• Current and future lost wages
• Emotional trauma
• Psychological therapy
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and disability
• Home modifications
• Hired services
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Wrongful death

Sometimes, companies will try to offer you lower amounts than you deserve, but our lawyers will do everything we can to stand up for your rights and ensure that the amount you receive sufficiently covers the damages you have sustained.

Philbrook Law Office has the resources needed for complex litigation, and our attorneys have the skills and experience you want on your side. We are committed to protecting our clients. Call our office in Vancouver or Battle Ground or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.