Keller Swan Injury Attorneys – Construction Site Accident Victims’ Advocate

Construction sites are hazardous places where heavy machinery, high elevations and complex operations can lead to serious accidents. In Boca Raton, Florida construction site accidents can result in severe injuries and legal and financial difficulties for victims. Knowing the laws, statistics and recent case results is key to navigating the legal process. At Keller Swan Injury Attorneys, we will fight for your compensation.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction site accidents happen frequently due to the dynamic and hazardous nature of the work. The variety of machinery, the risk of falls and potential exposure to hazardous materials make these sites prone to serious injuries.

Types of Construction Site Accidents

1. Falls: Falls from heights, scaffolding, ladders or roofs are a leading cause of severe injuries on construction sites. Workers are often performing tasks at heights without proper fall protection.
2. Machinery Accidents: Injuries from malfunctioning or misused heavy machinery, cranes, excavators or bulldozers are common. Accidents happen due to poor maintenance or lack of training on how to operate the equipment safely.
3. Electrocutions: Accidents involving live wires, faulty electrical systems or improper grounding can result in fatal or life threatening electrocutions.
4. Caught-in or Between Accidents: These accidents happen when a worker is caught or crushed between heavy equipment, materials or machinery. Such incidents often result in serious injuries or death.
5. Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Construction workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals, asbestos or other dangerous substances which can lead to long term illnesses or acute injuries.

Injuries from Construction Site Accidents

Injuries from construction site accidents can be minor to severe. Some of the most severe injuries include:

• Broken Bones: Falls or machinery accidents can cause multiple fractures that require surgery and long term rehabilitation.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in construction accidents, especially when hard hats are not worn or the impact is severe.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls and crush injuries can damage the spine resulting in partial or full paralysis.
• Amputations: Machinery accidents can result in loss of limbs, severely impacting the victim’s ability to work and live independently.
• Internal Injuries: Falls or being caught between machinery can cause internal bleeding and organ damage which may not be apparent immediately but can be life threatening.

Understanding the legal and financial implications of these injuries requires expert legal knowledge.

Personal Injury Laws for Construction Site Accidents in Boca Raton, Florida

In Boca Raton, Florida there are several laws and regulations that govern personal injury claims for construction site accidents. Knowing these laws is key to a successful claim:

1. Legal Framework

• Florida Statutes Chapter 440: This statute governs workers’ compensation claims which provide benefits to employees injured on the job. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages and vocational rehabilitation. But workers’ compensation may not cover the full extent of damages especially if there are third party claims involved.
• Florida Statutes Chapter 768: This chapter covers general provisions for civil actions including personal injury claims. It outlines the standards for proving negligence and liability in construction site accidents and gives victims an avenue to pursue damages beyond workers’ compensation in certain cases.
• Florida Statutes Chapter 627: This statute covers insurance coverage and the process of filing claims including requirements for liability coverage and other insurance provisions.

2. Who is Liable

To establish liability in a construction site accident you must prove that a party’s negligence caused the accident. This can include multiple parties such as the construction company, contractors, subcontractors, property owners or equipment manufacturers.

• Negligence: In construction site accidents negligence can take many forms, such as not providing adequate safety equipment, not following safety protocols or not maintaining machinery properly.
• Third Party Claims: While workers’ compensation benefits are available regardless of fault, injured workers can also pursue personal injury claims against third parties, such as contractors, equipment manufacturers or property owners if their negligence caused the accident. These claims allow victims to recover damages not covered by workers’ compensation.

3. Types of Damages

Victims of construction site accidents can recover different types of damages depending on the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the accident:

• Economic Damages: These include medical expenses, lost wages and future financial losses due to the injury. This covers the cost of immediate and long term medical treatment, rehabilitation and any modifications to the victim’s home or vehicle.
• Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are often significant in catastrophic injury cases where the victim’s ability to live independently or work in the future is affected.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. For example if a company repeatedly ignores safety regulations they may face punitive damages.

4. Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim in Florida is four years from the date of the accident. But if you are filing a workers’ compensation claim the time limits and procedure may be different. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible to make sure your claim is filed within the applicable time limits and your rights are protected.

Construction Site Accidents in Boca Raton, Florida (2023)

Construction is one of the most hazardous industries and Boca Raton is no exception. In 2023 the city had a significant number of construction site accidents, so legal support and prevention is key.

Total Construction Site Accidents

60 construction site accidents in Boca Raton for the year with various serious injuries and fatalities. These accidents show the ongoing risks to construction workers and the need for better safety protocols.

Types of Accidents

• Falls: 35% of construction site accidents, workers falling from scaffolding, ladders and roofs. Many of these falls could have been prevented with proper safety harnesses and equipment.
• Machinery Accidents: 30% of incidents, injuries from equipment malfunction or misuse. Lack of training and poor maintenance were major contributing factors.
• Electrocutions: 15% of accidents, workers coming into contact with live wires or faulty electrical systems.
• Caught-in/Between Accidents: 10% of the reported incidents, workers being crushed or caught between machinery, materials or equipment.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: 10% of accidents, injuries or illnesses from exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos or chemical spills.

Injuries and Fatalities

• Serious Injuries: 50% of the reported accidents had serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, fractures and spinal cord injuries. Many of these injuries resulted in permanent disability and long term care and rehabilitation.
• Fatalities: 8 fatalities in Boca Raton construction site accidents in 2023. These tragic losses show how important it is to enforce safety standards and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Recent Personal Injury Case

One of the most notable construction site accident cases in Boca Raton was a worker who fell from height due to lack of safety measures. The worker suffered severe spinal cord injuries and is now partially paralyzed.

The Accident

The worker was performing roofing work on a high rise building. Despite the obvious risks, no fall protection equipment was provided. The worker fell several stories and suffered permanent spinal cord damage.

Lawsuit and Results

The victim filed a personal injury lawsuit against the construction company and the property owner for negligence for not providing proper safety equipment and adequate safety training. A lot of evidence was required including expert testimony on construction safety standards.

After a long legal process the case settled for $4.5 million. The settlement covered:

• Medical Expenses: Surgeries, long term rehabilitation and assistive devices such as wheelchairs.
• Lost Income: Compensation for the victim’s inability towork, short term and long term lost earning capacity as the injuries were permanent and debilitating.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident, loss of independence and diminished quality of life.
• Future Care Needs: The settlement included funds for the victim’s future care, in-home care and medical treatment for the foreseeable future.

This case shows how important it is to hold construction companies and property owners accountable for not following safety standards. It also shows the need for proper legal representation to get fair compensation for construction site accident victims.

Why Choose Keller Swan for Your Construction Site Accident?

Keller Swan Injury Attorneys we know the ins and outs of construction site accident cases and the devastating effect it has on the victims and their families. Here’s why we are the best for construction accident victims:

1. Experienced Representation

Our attorneys have years of experience in construction site accident cases, know Florida’s personal injury and workers’ compensation laws and how to navigate the system. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and have a proven record of getting results for our clients. Whether we’re negotiating or taking your case to court we fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

2. Client Focused

We put your needs first and work with you to understand the specifics of your case. Our attorneys will gather evidence, accident reports, medical records and witness statements to build your case. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way to make sure your rights are protected and you feel supported throughout the process.

3. Results

Keller Swan has a long history of winning for clients in construction site accident cases. Our focus on excellence and client satisfaction means we get results that meet your needs and hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether through settlement or trial we aim to get you the most compensation possible under the law.

Construction Site Accidents

Knowing the common causes of construction site accidents can help you identify the hazards and prevent future accidents. Here are the most common causes of accidents in the construction industry:

1. Falls

Falls from scaffolding, ladders and roofs are the most common construction site accidents. Inadequate safety measures such as no fall protection or ladders not secured often cause these accidents. Fall injuries are severe, broken bones, spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries.

2. Machinery Accidents

Construction sites use a lot of machinery like cranes, forklifts and bulldozers. Accidents happen due to improper operation, lack of maintenance or defective machinery. Workers can get caught in machinery, struck by moving parts or injured when equipment malfunctions.

3. Electrocutions

Electrical hazards are a big risk on construction sites. Workers can get electrocuted when they come into contact with live wires, faulty electrical systems or ungrounded equipment. Electrocution accidents can be severe or fatal.

4. Caught-in/Between Accidents

Caught-in or between accidents happen when workers get trapped between heavy equipment, materials or structures. These incidents can cause crushing injuries which can result to broken bones, internal damage or amputations.

5. Hazardous Materials

Construction sites use hazardous materials like asbestos, lead or chemical solvents. Prolonged exposure to these substances can cause chronic illnesses or acute health conditions like respiratory problems, chemical burns or poisoning.

What to Do After a Construction Site Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site accident, act fast to protect your health and legal rights. Follow these:

1. Get Medical Treatment

Your health and safety should be your number one priority after a construction site accident. Get full medical treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Some injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not show symptoms immediately but can get worse over time. Follow your doctor’s advice for further treatment and rehabilitation.

2. Document the Accident

If you can, get evidence at the accident scene. Take photos of the site, the equipment involved and your injuries. Get witness statements from coworkers or others who may have seen the accident. This documentation is key to your case and liability.

3. Report the Accident

Inform your employer or site supervisor about the accident right away. In most cases this will start the workers’ compensation process. Make sure an official accident report is filed and keep a copy for your records.

4. Talk to an Attorney

Contact a construction site accident attorney at Keller Swan to discuss your options. Our attorneys will guide you on how to file a claim, whether through workers’ compensation or personal injury lawsuit. We will also advise you on pursuing third party claims if applicable.

5. Claim

File a personal injury claim within Florida’s statute of limitations which is usually four years for personal injury claims. If pursuing workers’ compensation, make sure you follow the procedures and deadlines for filing.

6. Get Compensated

Work with your attorney to negotiate with insurance companies and get a fair settlement or judgment for your damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care needs. In cases of gross negligence you may also be entitled to punitive damages.

Construction Site Accident Victims

Construction site accident victims may be entitled to several kinds of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Here are some of the kinds of compensation:

1. Medical Expenses

Construction site accident victims are often left with huge medical bills including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays and rehabilitation. Compensation can cover immediate and future medical needs like physical therapy or specialized treatments.

2.

If you’re away from work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. In cases of permanent disability you may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity, the income you would have earned had the accident not happened.

3. Pain and Suffering

Construction site accidents cause physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the non-economic effects of your injuries, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional trauma.

4. Future Care Needs

In cases of permanent or long term injuries, compensation may include funds for ongoing medical care and modifications to your home to accommodate disabilities. This can include the cost of assistive devices, in-home care or modifications like ramps and widened doorways.

5. Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future.

Call Keller Swan

If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction site accident in Boca Raton, Florida and need help, Keller Swan is here. Our attorneys will help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation and get started on your case.