Construction Site Accidents

Thorough representation for Washington workers injured or killed at a construction site

When the owners and managers of these sites fail to protect their visitors and workers, they deserve to be held accountable. At Philbrook Law, our Vancouver, WA construction site attorneys have been fighting for injury victims for 20 years. During that time we’ve obtained strong settlements and verdicts in more than 2,000 cases. If you were hurt on a construction site in Washington or Oregon, contact us to find out more.

What kinds of claims can you file if you’re hurt on a construction site?

How you were injured, and your relationship to the construction site, can determine what type of claim you file:

• Wrongful death claims. Families of non-employees have the right to file a wrongful death claim against the construction site, product manufacturers, and other responsible parties for the loss of their loved one. Though damages can never compensate for the tragic loss of a life, Washington does award wrongful death damages for:
  • The cost of the funeral and burial
  • The financial losses the family suffers due to the loved one’s premature death
  • The loss of the society, guidance, and comfort the loved one would have provided
  • Any medical bills for the decedent
• Personal injury claims. Site visitors, contract workers, and employees whose personal injuries are so severe that workers’ compensation cannot cover them have the right to file a claim for:
  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income due to an inability to work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of function
  • Loss of consortium
• Workers’ compensation claims. Employees can file workers’ compensation claims. Damages include payment of all medical bills, about 67% of the worker’s lost wages, and damages for a permanent disability. Death benefits are awarded which provide for payment of the funeral expenses and a financial payment. We work with experienced workers’ compensation attorneys.
• Product liability claims. If a maker of a forklift, ladder, scaffold, or any tool or piece of equipment makes a defective product, the injured victim can file a product liability claim against the manufacturers and sellers. Both employees and non-employees can file a product liability claim.

“

You have to remember that insurance companies are for-profit corporations whose sole existence is to make money for the shareholders. That's why you need someone who knows their playbook and how to beat it.

Matthew PhilbrookAttorney

What are the common causes of Vancouver, WA construction accidents?

Many construction accidents are due to one of the following causes:

• Slips and falls. Workers are at constant risk of falling due to holes, changing surfaces, uneven surfaces, extension cords, and other loose objects.
• Falls from heights. Workers on scaffolds, high beams, roofs, and ladders who fall are likely to die or suffer catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage.
• Crane collapses. Workers should be trained on how to use these devices and safeguards should be in place to keep the crane from tipping. If it collapses, the destruction it causes can be severe.
• Forklift accidents. Forklift injuries are a common cause of crushing injuries, broken bones, and other permanent or serious harm.
• Fires and gas leaks. Victims can suffer severe second and third-degree burns, asphyxiation, and other injuries.
• Explosions. These can cause materials all around the victim to shatter – cause loss of vision, loss of hearing, amputations, and other catastrophic harm.
• Electrical construction accidents. Many workers use equipment and tools that use overhead wires, extension wires, generators, and other electrical sources which can take a life in an instant.
• Repetitive stress injuries. Workers who use jackhammers and other tools on a constant day-in day-out basis may suffer carpal tunnel damage and injuries to their head, neck, shoulders, and back.
• Exposure to chemicals. Victims can suffer in two ways: breathing in the dangerous vapors and suffering when the chemicals come into contact with the skin. If a toxic chemical is allowed to spread, people outside the immediate radius of the incident could also be harmed.
• Vehicle accidents. Construction work involves a lot of vehicles – trucks, bulldozers, and other sturdy vehicles. Drivers and workers can easily be hurt if the loads fall or the vehicle strikes a worker. You can suffer injuries if you are hurt in a work zone, or if construction crews enter main highways and roads.

Construction site injuries regularly require ER care, hospitalization, visits with specialists such as orthopedists and pain management doctors, and long-term physical and occupational therapy.

Who’s responsible for a construction accident in Vancouver, WA?

Our experienced construction accident lawyers work aggressively to hold every person or company that caused you harm accountable for your damages. In many cases, multiple defendants may be liable. In workers’ compensation cases, the employer is liable through its insurance carrier.

In personal injury cases, including wrongful death cases, the following defendants may be liable:

• The construction site owner. The owner’s liability is based on premises liability law and general negligence laws. Owners must follow federal, state, and local building and safety regulations.
• Any prime or secondary contractors. Most construction sites are built with a variety of contractors including masonry, electrical, and plumbing contractors.
• Architects and engineers. Construction companies often hire architects and engineers to design and supervise the construction. These professionals should be held liable for faulty designs and negligent supervision.
• Product manufacturers, distributors, and sellers. Makers and sellers of defective machines, equipment, and tools are strictly liable if a defective product causes harm.

The city of Vancouver, WA and other governmental agencies may also be liable for accidents caused in roadway construction accidents and other types of construction that the government designs or monitors.

Which laws and documents govern construction in Washington State?

Part and parcel of every construction accident case are the rules and legal obligations of construction site owners. Our Vancouver, WA construction accident lawyers review:

• All written contracts. Contracts between owners, contractors, vendors, and others help determine who was responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone at the site.
• OSHA rules and regulations. Construction site owners and others who participate in the construction are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• State and local building codes. Building codes regulate how the work should be done, what materials and supplies should be used, and general construction standards.

In addition, there are industry standards for each type of construction project.

Contact a respected Vancouver, WA construction accident attorney today

It’s critical that you speak with an experienced Vancouver, WA construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. We need to examine the construction site as quickly as possible to verify how the accident occurred and to analyze what safety steps should have been taken. At Philbrook Law, we work to settle your claim for the insurance policy limits. We’re ready to try your case before a jury if the insurance carriers won’t make a reasonable settlement offer. To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Vancouver or Portland, OR, please call 360-695-3309 or complete our contact form. We also serve the greater Portland area and Oregon State.

Related Articles:

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

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Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

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