Category Archives: Construciton Site Accidents

How to Make a Claim as a Recent Construction Accident Victim in Indiana

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Here in Indiana, construction accidents are not only one of the most common workplace injury accidents that occur on the clock, they are often times the most severe. That is because construction work typically involves heavy materials, powerful machinery, large motorized equipment, and working at heights. Construction injuries are not to be taken lightly, especially since many can result in an onset of injury, rather than an instantaneous one. For all of these reasons and more, construction accident victims tend to suffer exponentially in terms of their damages and losses.

If you are a recent construction accident victim, or your spouse, it is vital to hire a specialized Indiana workers’ compensation lawyer for your construction accident injury claim. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about construction accident claims and lawsuits, including how to get started on yours.

Construction Site Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indiana Construction Site Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Construction Accident Claims

Although construction contractors and proprietors have a legal duty of care to maintain safe and hazard-free construction sites, accidents still happen every day in this line of work. As mentioned, construction complexes are more dangerous than standard workplace environments because they house various tools, products, heavy machinery, and equipment. As a result, there are infinite types of risk involved with construction work, and even more ways a worker can get hurt.

Here in Indiana, the most common types of construction site injuries and accidents include:

➾ OSHA Violations
➾ Scaffolding Accidents
➾ Explosion Injuries
➾ Crane Injury Accidents
➾ Falls
➾ Ladder Accidents
➾ Roofing Accidents
➾ Chemical Leaks
➾ Welding Injuries
➾ Severe Burns
➾ Blunt Force Traumas
➾ Machine Malfunctions
➾ Faulty Equipment
➾ Electrical Injuries
➾ Forklift Injury Accidents
➾ Trenching Accidents
➾ Nail Gun Injuries
➾ Wrongful Death
➾ And More

Construction Site Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case

It is important to protect your rights if you were injured on a construction site, whether as a worker, pedestrian, driver, or visitor. Hiring a team of skilled personal injury attorneys who well-versed and familiar with the intricacies regarding workplace accident law, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, Indiana construction laws, safety laws, contractor liabilities, owner liabilities, agent liabilities, and similar areas of expertise, is your best chance at recovering the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Who to Trust With Your Indianapolis Construction Accident Claim

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with our team of highly-accredited and experienced personal injury attorneys about your recent construction accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are fully-prepared to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured at a construction site. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Get in touch with a friendly legal assistant about scheduling a free consultation with a construction accident lawyer, today.  We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Schedule a Free Consultation!

Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries and Accident Claims

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Traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, can have devastating and permanent effects on a victim, and their immediate families. If you were recently injured in an accident that involved injury to your head, neck, spine, or brain, it is vital that you seek medical attention right away, followed by experienced legal guidance. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and much more.

Continue reading to learn some basic facts regarding traumatic brain injuries, as well as, the recommended legal recourse for anyone who has been wrongly, negligently, or willfully injured by another party.

Indiana Brain Injury Attorneys
Indiana Brain Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Trauma to the Brain

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged as a result of sudden, impact to the head or sudden changes in velocity to a person’s head where the brain can hit the inside of the skull. When the brain is injured in this way, it can lead to irreversible physical damage, as well as mental and emotional damages. The onset of TBI symptoms can appear immediately, or develop slowly overtime. Common signs and symptoms of traumatic brain damage includes severe headaches, migraines, seizures, vomiting, blurry vision, memory loss, sensitivity to light, paralysis and changes in personality.

TBI Statistics

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 50 percent of traumatic brain injuries result from car accidents. One common car accident injury that has been linked to traumatic brain damage is whiplash. Whiplash is the result of a sudden distortion of the neck, usually following some sort of impact. In the case of a car accident, the impact of a vehicle colliding into another vehicle is an event that could result in whiplash, and ultimately, a TBI. Construction site accidents, slip and falls, and deliberate assaults are other potential causes of a TBI.

Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of a TBI, seek medical care immediately. Your health and safety are your number one priority. If you or someone you love was injured as a result of another’s negligence, your next priority should be to protect your rights to compensation for your subsequent damages and losses. To do so, contact a seasoned personal injury attorney to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and the best course of action for your claim. While recovering medically from a TBI, a personal injury lawyer can represent your interests to ensure you are paid the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Indiana Brain Injury Lawyers

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss your potential Indiana brain injury claim with a licensed accident attorney you can trust. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started on your path to financial recovery with a simple phone call to our Indianapolis brain injury lawyers, today.  We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Common Slip and Fall Code Violations

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Here in Indiana, all entities and persons are legally required to construct and maintain their properties at a certain level of safety. This means that any place that welcomes the general public, such as office buildings, grocery stores, movie theaters, hotels, public parks, and malls, must take the proper actions, inactions, and precautions to ensure there are not any dangerous conditions on their premises. This legal principle is known as premise liability, and it is what you will want to learn more about in the case that you or someone you love is injured as a result of a municipal code violation.

Code violations are serious, as you have probably heard stories about accidents that happen when something is not “up to code” or within legal standards. One type of accident that tends to occur more often as a result of code violations are slip, trip, and fall accidents. Continue reading to review some of the most common slip and fall code violations seen in personal injury cases, as well as, what to do if you’ve been injured as a result of inadequate building codes in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Premise Liability Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Premise Liability Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indiana Building Code Violations

⚖ Here in Indiana, you can peruse a comprehensive list of building codes by downloading the Indiana Amendments of IBC 13 document.

Common Slip and Fall Code Violations

There are several types of code violations; thousands in fact. But when it comes to slip, trip, and fall accidents, some of the most common violations behind them include:

✒ Missing or broken hand rails on stairs and slopes;
✒ Crumbled, warped, or rotted stairs;
✒ Unleveled curbs;
✒ Insufficient lighting (stairs, sidewalks, streets, etc.);
✒ No security for slick surfaces (slip-resistant mats, wet floors signs, etc.);
✒ Broken or missing downspouts that cause pooled water or ice patches;
✒ Insufficient or incorrect maintenance of elevators and escalators;
✒ Unmarked construction zones;
✒ Unmanaged ice and snow accumulations;
✒ Torn or ripped carpeting;
✒ Grease or chemical spills;

Premise Liability

A premise liability, slip and fall case will depend on several factors. But one of the most influential will be whether or not the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that caused the accident, and whether or not the hazard was something that should have been reasonably foreseen to cause injury to a person.

For example, a landlord for an apartment building is informed that the lighting in the stairwell has gone out. The landlord fails to replace the light bulbs within a reasonable amount of time, and as a result, an elderly tenant trips and falls down them on their way to their apartment unit, and suffers serious injuries. In this case, the landlord would likely be held responsible for all damages and losses resulting from the tenant’s accident and subsequent injuries. This includes hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

How to Get Legal Help For Your Slip and Fall Claim

If you or someone you loved was recently injured in a slip and fall accident, contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 before the Indiana statute of limitations runs out for your claim. Our Indianapolis slip and fall lawyers work hard to recover full and fair compensation for all injury victims. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed and experienced premise liability attorney who can help you recover financially from a slip and fall accident.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Helpful Legal Information for Knee Injury Victims in Indiana

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Knee injuries are serious medical matters as is, but when they occur as a result of another’s negligence, they can also turn into serious legal matters. If you are a victim of a recent negligent knee injury, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain suffering, and other damages and losses that resulted from your accident. Your first step is to have your case evaluated by a skilled Indiana personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action for your claim.

Continue reading to learn more about knee injury claims, including how to get started as soon as today.

Indianapolis Knee Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Knee Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700

Common Types of Knee Injuries

Knees are one of the most important parts of our body, and unfortunately, they are also quite vulnerable to injury. The severity of knees injuries rests on a vast scope, from minor strains and swelling, to ligament tears, orthopedic fractures, and much more. You will know the scope of your knee injury as a victim because of the amount of pain, money loss, medical attention, inconvenience, and decreased quality of life you experience as a result of your injuries.

Some of the most common types of serious knee injuries include the following:

❖ Arthritis
❖ Blunt Force Impacts
❖ Broken Knee
❖ Cartilage Injuries
❖ Dislocated Knees
❖ Fractured Patella
❖ Knee Fractures
❖ Meniscus Tears
❖ Muscle Tears
❖ Ripped Tendons
❖ PCL Tears (Posterior Cruciate Ligament)
❖ Severe Knee Trauma
❖ Synovitis (Inflammation)
❖ Tibial Plateau Fractures
❖ Torn Knee Ligaments

Recovering From a Knee Injury

Knee injuries are medically treated in a number of ways depending on the extent of damage. Some common treatments for knee injuries include surgery, bed rest, physical therapy, and more. The recovery time also differs among victims, however, most knee injuries typically require long-term rehabilitation. This period of time can greatly affect a victim’s life, especially when it comes to finances. Not only do knee injuries result in hospital bills and medical expenses, they also lead to time off work, which lowers the monthly expected income family’s rely on for mortgage, groceries, fuel, and more.

Starting Your Knee Injury Claim

Because of the potential physical, emotional, and financial impact a serious knee injury can have on a victim’s life, it is vital to retain professional legal representation to protect your rights to being compensated for your losses. The negligent party that caused your knee injury accident, whether a person, manufacturer, or business, may be liable for your damages and losses due to legal principles like premise liability, medical malpractice, negligence, comparative fault, and more. An experienced personal injury lawyer is the helping hand you need to get back you on your feet after a knee injury.

Indianapolis Knee Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed knee injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We understand the serious nature of knee injuries, which is why we work hard to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you truly deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your knee injury case that occurred anywhere in Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Construction Site Accidents and Injury Claims

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Usually when you think of someone getting hurt at a construction site, you automatically assume it is a worker. Although most construction site accidents do involve injuries to workers and we typically represent injured workers, there are still many cases of non-workers becoming construction site accident victims, whether they just passed by at the wrong time, or fell victim to a neglected hazard.

If you are an injured victim of a construction accident, continue reading to learn some important information that could be relevant to your case.

Construction Site Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700
Construction Site Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Situations like these tend to happen more often in cities where construction site management teams have difficulty separating their building projects from the general public. Regardless of this challenge, builders and contractors still have the responsibility to protect regular citizens/non-workers from harm and danger.

Guarding public safety always plays a major role in any company’s construction safety management plan. In fact, cities and towns require builders to adhere to rules and regulations governing the protection of the general public. Some local regulations obligate construction managers to appoint a safety manager on-site to be sure nothing is overlooked. Part of a construction site safety plan must implement certain preventative measures to create well-defined boundaries, including fencing and gates to block non-permitted individuals, as well as, DO NOT ENTER signs, warning signs, and more.

Common Construction Site Hazards and Accidents

There are many things that can go wrong on a construction site. Aside from all the dangerous machinery, tools, and materials used to complete a project, coupled with risky work locations, there is also human error and negligence to consider. Some of the most common types of construction site accidents involve falling objects, machinery defects, slip and falls, and traffic accidents.

☑ Falling Objects – Falling objects can severely injure and even kill a person. Whether from a short or long height, falling objects can be equally detrimental. To prevent falling object accidents, construction site management should have sidewalk sheds cover walkways, as well as, netting to catch any potential falling debris or objects.

☑ Falling in Holes – Holes are a common cause of accidents on construction sites. People, both workers and regular citizens/non-workers, have literally fallen victim to unmarked or unguarded holes, trenches, and other deep cavities dug into the ground.

☑ Traffic Accidents – Not only can workers and pedestrians be harmed by such equipment, drivers can too. When construction zones are not sufficiently policed or marked or clearly defined to the general public, it can lead to drivers veering onto a construction site and in harm’s way, or worse.

Construction Site Accident Claims

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

If you were hurt in a construction site accident in Indiana, whether as an ordinary citizen or a worker, contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn how to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers can obtain a full and fair settlement to cover your medical expenses, hospital bills, lost work wages, pain, suffering, and more. We offer free initial consultations, so there is no obligation to simply discuss your potential claim. Best of all, we work on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we recover a settlement for you!

Who is Liable for Independent Contractor Commercial Construction Injuries?

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When an independent contractor, or one of their employees, is injured on the job at a commercial construction site, it is common for people to think that the liability for damages and losses falls onto the contractor; however, others believe the liability should fall onto the business owner who contracted the work.

If you are having construction work done to your place of business, it is wise to understand your role in the chance that a private contractor is injured while working. If you are an independent contractor who was recently injured on a commercial job, it is vital that you contact a licensed Indianapolis accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options for making a claim.

In the meantime, continue reading to learn who the courts generally find responsible for independent contractor accidents and injuries in Indiana.

Construction Site Accident Claims 317-881-2700

Construction Site Accident Claims 317-881-2700


Legal liability can be quite unclear in the case of an independent contractor accident. The laws of liability vary from state to state, and differ greatly from case to case. It is important to discuss your questions and concerns with a licensed personal injury law firm for professional advice and personalized answers unique to your case.

Gross Negligence

There are some examples of when legal responsibility is less uncertain in the case if an injured independent contractor. A common example is when a business owner is guilty of “gross negligence.” This means that a business owner used unreasonable and/or deliberate misconduct that directly caused the contractor harm.

For instance, a business owner may exhibit gross negligence if they hire a private roofing contractor to inspect their roof, but fails to inform them that the roof is incredibly weak and unstable. As a result, the contractor falls through the roof and suffers serious injuries. In such a case, a court could find that the business owner was clearly and exceptionally negligent by failing to disclose the true nature of the roof.

If a court finds a business owner grossly negligent, the business owner could be liable for the damages and losses incurred by the victim, including hospital bills, medical expenses, unemployment reimbursement, prolonged physical therapy, and much more. Learning the difference between gross negligence and standard negligence can help you better understand this legal concept.

Punitive Damages

In special cases of egregiously offensive misconduct or flagrant negligence, a court could award an injured independent contractor “punitive damages.” Also known as “exemplary damages”, punitive damages are more intended to reprimand the wrong-doer rather than award the victim (although the victim still receives monetary compensation). Learning about the common types of damages awarded for victims of injury will help you understand these kinds of cases and more.

Independent Contractor Licenses and Insurance

In the case that a business owner hires an independent contractor who has a contractor license, the contractor themselves could be responsible for any injuries they (or their employees) sustain on the job. When hiring a private contractor, it is vital to ensure they have a current contractors license by actually viewing the license and/or requesting the license number to look up. Word of mouth is not enough to absolve a business owner’s legal responsibility in the case of an accident.

In some cases, even if a contractor has a license, a business owner could still be liable for injuries sustained by the contractor or their employees. This can happen if a contractor does not carry insurance that covers bodily injuries and workers’ compensation for lost wages. For these reasons, it is important to ensure that a private contractor retains the proper insurance coverage for property damage and bodily injury.

Independent Contractor Injury Claims

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you were recently injured on the job as an independent contractor in Indiana. You can speak with a seasoned Indianapolis construction accident lawyer about recovering compensation for your losses and damages. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your claim, and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you!

Information about Scaffolding Accidents and Lawsuits

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Workers' Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

Construction workers, especially the veterans, fully understand the risk they take on with their line of work. And for anyone that is considering joining the construction workforce, it is recommended to examine these risks before making any final decisions. This is because the construction industry can be extremely dangerous. Workers can be exposed to several environmental hazards on a daily basis.

Harmful chemicals, extreme heights, heavy equipment, over-exposure, and much more are just a few threats that constructions workers face every single day. And because of these dangers, construction employees are injured frequently. In some cases, serious accidents occur, causing severe injury or even death. One of the most common construction accidents involves poorly maintained and defective scaffolding.

Construction Scaffolding Accidents

Scaffolding is a necessary tool in the construction industry. It is used to allow access to all interior and exterior areas of a structure, for painting, sealing, and other types of construction work. Because they are used as such great heights, accidents are often serious, if not fatal. In fact, it is estimated that more than half a million construction workers are injured each year as a result of faulty scaffolding. Although there are strict industry regulations for setting up scaffolding, many construction companies cut corners when it comes to proper scaffolding installation.

Workers' Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

Missing parts, missing or loose guard rails, missing side brackets, plank failure, missing base plates, and standard slip and falls are the most common reasons why scaffolding accidents take place. These are the areas where the negligence can occur. It can also occur at the hands of the manufacturer if the product, in this case scaffolding, was delivered defective. It can also be a result of employee negligence if a few decide to not follow proper installation instructions.

There are several cases of negligence that can occur when it comes to scaffolding accident, but in all cases, victims should be fairly compensated for their injuries. Just because you know your construction job comes with risks, doesn’t mean your employer is off the hook for any personal injuries you sustain on the clock. If you were recently injured at a construction site, contact a licensed construction accident lawyer for help navigating your company’s workers compensation system. They can ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your damages.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P. C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P. C. at 317-881-2700 and speak with a licensed construction accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ask for seasoned attorney, Daniel Craven, and receive a free initial consultation to discuss your injuries and determine your eligibility for remuneration. We never collect lawyer fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call 317-881-2700 to learn more about construction accident lawsuits in Indianapolis, IN.

Construction Accidents, Injuries, and Lawsuits

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Child Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Child Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly one and five workplace fatalities that took place in 2010 were caused by construction site accidents or occurred within the construction industry. In fact, there are four principle fatalities that the OSHA has called the “fatal four” in the construction industry. They include falls, getting stuck or caught in-between equipment, being struck by an object, or electrocution.

If these four common causes of construction site injuries and wrongful deaths were somehow eradicated, it could save over 350 lives each year. It is important for employers and companies to do their best with proper safety training and preventative maintenance in order to provide a safer workplace environment for construction workers and staff.

If an injury does occur, the victim has the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for their damages. Continue reading to learn how these “fatal four” accidents can potentially be evaded, and the facts surrounding these kinds of personal injury cases.

Construction Site Fatalities

One of the most frightening accidents that can happen to a construction worker is falling from a high locale. This is a common threat due to the use of scaffolding, ladders, roof-work, crane-work, slips, trips, and more. Nearly 40% of all construction staff deaths each year are caused from falls. Scaffolding can collapse, and workers can lose their balance from high above. Poor quality equipment, slippery surfaces, unprotected edges, incomplete or unstable flooring, holes in floors, misuse of ladders are all common culprits behind falling accidents. Unfortunately, most construction site fall accidents are fatal; or they cause permanent paralysis or brain injuries.

Electrocutions are also a common cause of death at a construction site. Damaged connections, exposed wires, and more can all cause a fatal surge of electricity to anyone. In fact, a surge from as little as 20 milliamps can be fatal. Almost ten percent of construction deaths are caused by electrocutions. And if death does not occur, severe third and fourth degree burns commonly leave victims with prolonged pain, discomfort, and disfigurement.

Being hit by a heavy object accounts for nearly eight percent of construction site deaths each year. Heavy machinery, construction equipment, and falling objects are the most frequent causes of death when it comes to being struck by something. Many things are moved with the use of cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and more; so sometimes, things go wrong and negligence can cause a fatal accident. Something as insignificant as a wrench that falls from a 400 foot scaffold can cause death to anyone it strikes. Bricks, tools, lunch boxes, and even cell phones can all be deadly hazards depending on where they fall from and the force they have when coming in contact with a person.

Lastly, getting caught or stuck in between is another gut-wrenching and fatal accident that can happen at a construction lot. Rotating equipment, rigging, equipment maintenance, trash crushers, and more can all cause a person severe injury or death if caught underneath or in between. All construction companies and contractors are responsible for setting forth proper safety training and education to protect their employees and prevent such accidents from happening. If a person is crushed, ran over, or killed as a result of being stuck or caught in between, various safety regulations are violated and the company owners are held accountable. This is where a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits can help.

If a person is severely injured on the job, they have a right to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent parties and be entitled to remuneration for their damages. If a person is killed as a result of a company’s negligence, the victim’s family has a legal right to pursue compensation through a personal injury wrongful death lawsuit. It is important to hire a licensed and reputable Indianapolis Construction Site Accident attorney for effective representation.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for more information regarding construction site accident lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are highly accomplished and respected personal injuries lawyers with decades of experience in litigation and trial. We offer free initial consultations to learn about your accident and determine if you have a probable case. We never charge or collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 and schedule a complimentary consultation
with a licensed personal injury attorney, today.