Top 5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Construction Accident Lawyer

Posted on February 8, 2024 by admin

When you’ve been injured on a construction site, picking the right lawyer to represent you may feel overwhelming, yet it’s a decision that can significantly impact your case. An ideal construction accident attorney is not just well-versed with the law, but also understands the complexities of construction sites.

Here, we bring you the top five factors you should consider when hiring a personal injury attorney for your construction site accident. This guide aims to help you navigate the often complex world of construction law and empower you to make an informed decision.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Construction Accident Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana

Most Common Types of Construction Site Accidents and Injuries

Construction sites pose a significant risk to workers due to the presence of heavy machinery, hazardous materials, tired workers and working at heights. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the leading cause of construction site fatalities, followed by being struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between accidents. Other common types of injuries include fractures, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. Therefore, it’s crucial to hire a construction site accident lawyer who has experience dealing with a variety of cases and can effectively represent your best interests.

What to Look for in a Construction Accident Lawyer

1. Experience and Expertise

The number one factor you should consider when choosing a construction accident lawyer is their experience and expertise. Construction site accidents can be complicated, involving multiple parties, including the employer, contractors, and insurance companies. A personal injury attorney with years of experience in handling construction accident cases will have a better understanding of the legal process and how to navigate it effectively. Additionally, they will have the necessary expertise to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for you.

2. Specialization in Construction Accidents

While experience in personal injury law is essential, it’s equally important to hire a lawyer who has handled construction accidents. An attorney who has handled several cases involving construction and workers’ compensation claims will have extensive knowledge of safety standards, regulations, and laws specific to the construction industry. They will also have a better understanding of how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document a strong case in your favor.

3. Reputation and Track Record

Before hiring a construction accident lawyer, it’s crucial to research their reputation and track record. Look for online reviews from previous clients and ask for references. A reputable injury lawyer will have a track record of successful cases and satisfied clients. It’s also essential to consider their success rate in similar cases to yours.

4. Communication and Availability

Communication plays a vital role in any legal case, so it’s crucial to hire a construction accident lawyer who is responsive and keeps you updated on your case’s progress. Your attorney should be available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have throughout the legal process. They should also inform you of any developments in your case in a reasonably prompt manner.

5. Fees and Payment Structure

Before hiring a construction accident lawyer, it’s essential to understand their fee structure. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t charge fees upfront but take a percentage of the settlement amount if you win your case. It’s essential to discuss all fees and payment terms with your lawyer before proceeding to avoid any financial surprises down the line.

In Summary

Hiring a construction accident lawyer can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering these five factors, you can find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, knowledgeable, reputable, communicative, and transparent about their fees. Remember that your lawyer will be your advocate throughout the legal process, so it’s crucial to choose someone you trust and feel comfortable working with. With the right construction accident attorney by your side, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while they fight for the compensation you deserve. So don’t hesitate to seek legal representation if you’ve been injured in a construction site accident, as it can make all the difference in your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured at work or on a construction site, don’t hesitate to seek legal help to protect your rights. Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with a seasoned construction accident lawyer in Indianapolis, today. Meet with us over the phone, video conference, or in person at our Indy office. We can also meet you at your inpatient medical treatment center if necessary.

Understanding Your Rights: Personal Injury Claims After a Construction Accident

Posted on November 20, 2023 by admin

Navigating the aftermath of a construction accident can be both overwhelming and confusing. This blog is written to shed light on personal injury claims after such occurrences, with a special focus on understanding your rights. We delve into the legal repercussions of construction site accidents, key considerations in a construction accident lawsuit, and the vital role played by a personal injury lawyer in your quest for justice.

The pursuit of a claim can be a complex process; hence, it is crucial to arm yourself with adequate knowledge and guidance. Stay tuned as we unpack these complexities and help you chart a path towards your rightful compensation.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Construction Site Accident Attorney in Indianapolis

The Legal Implications of Construction Site Accidents

Building sites are high-risk environments, and the occurrence of construction site accidents is a common reality. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction workers account for one in every five workplace fatalities. These accidents can result in severe injuries, permanent disabilities, or even death. In such cases, victims or their families may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses incurred. However, understanding your rights and navigating the legal process can be challenging, given the complexity of construction accident lawsuits.

Key Considerations in a Construction Accident Lawsuit

To have a successful personal injury claim after a construction accident, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to establish that the accident was due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. This could be the construction company, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers. Secondly, it must be proven that the injuries sustained were a result of the accident and have led to damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Lastly, there are time limits for filing a claim, known as statutes of limitations. This varies from state to state, and it is crucial to adhere to these deadlines to avoid jeopardizing your chances of receiving compensation.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Construction accident lawsuits are complex and may involve multiple parties, insurance companies, and legal teams. As such, having a personal injury lawyer by your side can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful claim. These lawyers specialize in handling personal injury cases and are well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding construction site accidents. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and navigate the legal process on your behalf. With their guidance, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while having peace of mind that your case is in capable hands.

In Conclusion

Construction site accidents can have devastating consequences, both physically and financially. However, understanding your rights and seeking legal assistance can help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. With their expertise, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system and obtain the justice and compensation you are entitled to. Remember, knowing your rights is the first step towards protecting them. So, stay informed, stay safe, and know that there is help available if you ever find yourself in such a situation.

For more information on personal injury claims after construction accidents or to seek legal advice, contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 as soon as possible. As experienced and compassionate Indianapolis construction site accident lawyers, we do not charge any upfront lawyer fees, nor do we get paid unless we recover an award for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, as there is a time limit to how long you can file your claim in Indiana. We can hold free initial consultations over the phone, at our office, or at your place of in-patient medical treatment.

The Two Main Types of Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents

Posted on July 22, 2022 by admin

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is an organization responsible for enforcing health and safety regulations in workplace environments. Employers, employees, and manufacturers are all obligated to follow OSHA guidelines and support comprehensive safety at work. These regulations are set in place to maintain safe workplace environments and prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Workplace accidents can range in severity, from minor wounds to serious life-long injuries or even death. People can lose their lives, their loved ones, or their ability to work or perform naturally in everyday tasks.

As for active construction sites, one of the most common on-the-job accidents is slip and fall accidents, emphasis on the falls. There are two main types of construction site slip and fall accidents. Continue below to learn more about them, plus what you should do as an injured construction worker or laborer in Indiana.

Construction Site Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Important Construction Site Accident Statistics

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that, every single year, 1 out of 10 construction laborers are injured on site. Furthermore, OSHA informs us that falls from great heights are one of the top causes of such accidents. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), every year there are nearly 150,000 construction site accident injuries reported. Of these injuries, fall accidents are one of the primary causes.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 1,224 construction workers lost their lives in a construction accident in 2005. They suggest this makes the construction field the most dangerous industry to work in. In the United States, 15% of workers’ compensation costs are paid toward injured construction laborers who were hurt on the job.

Reasons For Construction Site Slip and Fall Accidents

Active construction sites are innately more vulnerable to the risk of slip and fall accidents due to negligent persons and companies, inclement weather conditions, dispersed construction equipment and machinery, production debris, great heights, and more. Although it goes without saying, the higher up a slip and fall incident happens, the more severe the injuries. At extreme heights, a slip and fall accident can mean instant death.

Some of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents on construction sites include inadequate safety training and equipment, loosened or broken handrailing, defective scaffolding, exposed electrical cords and cables, and surfaces that are uneven, wet, or slippery.

2 Primary Types of Fall Accidents on Construction Sites

Various slip and fall accidents can take place at a construction site, but the two primary types include same-level falls and falls from one level to a lower level. Same-level falls are best described as slip, trip, and fall accidents. These take place on ground level, or on a single level in which the fall does not cause the victim to drop to a lower level of the construction site. An example of the same-level fall at a construction site would be tripping over exposed electrical wiring and falling to the ground, resulting in a broken ankle and dislocated shoulder. This does not mean that a same -level fall cannot result in catastrophic injuries or death. They do, as the statistics above suggest.

Falling to a lower level typically results in more serious workplace injuries, and in some cases construction fatalities. Compared to same level falls, falling from one level to a lower level increases the chances of catastrophic injuries or deaths.

Falling in Man-Made Holes

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

Guidance for Injured Construction Workers

If you are a construction worker, or an employee in any industry for that matter, who has been injured on the job or while performing work-related duties, it is in your best interest to consult with a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer to learn your rights to pursuing legal action and obtaining the maximum compensation for your damages and losses.

Would you like to speak with a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer without any financial obligation? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your construction accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana with an experienced workplace injury attorney. We represent workers throughout Indiana and Indiana citizens injured anywhere, plus we can meet over the phone, via video conference (Zoom, Skype, etc.), or in person at our Indy-based office.

Who is Liable for Construction Defects That Cause Personal Injury Accidents?

Posted on May 10, 2022 by admin

Springtime is the prime time of year to break ground on construction projects. Builders, engineers, architects, and contractors are all working to get their plans in motion now that the weather is warmer. Such professionals are trained in their industry and required by law to maintain certain certifications and licensing, but that does not mean they do not make mistakes, sometimes very serious and deadly mistakes.

Construction defects are a common cause of serious, injurious accidents across the nation. But when someone gets hurt because of a construction defect, who would be held legally liable for their damages?

Construction Defect Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Legal Liability for Flawed Construction

Construction defects typically happen in the design phase of the construction process or in the actual building phase of the construction process. The state of the construction process plays an important role in determining who is legally liable for accidents that occur as a result of a design or construction defect. When flaws and defects occur during the design phase, the architect or engineer would be deemed responsible. Contractors and subcontractors are usually liable for defects that occur more during the building and construction phase.

Because construction defects can take place before ever breaking ground AND well after a project has been completed, accidents can injure multiple types of victims, from construction workers and laborers to future visitors or occupants of the building, pedestrians, interior designers, and more.

How Construction Project Contracts Can Affect Liability for Defects

The two major legal concepts in a construction defect liability case are contracts and indemnification. A single construction project can involve a stack of contractual agreements, all of which are legally binding to whoever signs them. For instance, the building owner might have a contract with the architect, who in turn has one with the engineer. The building owner may also have a contract with the general contractor, who might have contracts with subcontractors.

When it comes to applying the law in a construction defect case, the provisions of such contracts will have the most impact on outcome. The details of each contractual agreement should fully spell out all terms and conditions surrounding construction defect liability. In most cases, liability for a design or construction defect gets pushed down the chain of authority. The building owner hands over full liability for defects to the general contractor, who places the liability via contract onto each subcontractor, and so forth.

Liability for construction defects is commonly passed through contractual agreements as well. Indemnification provisions allow this passing of liability to be held up under law. This might happen between contractor and subcontractor. A general contractor might include an indemnity provision in their contract with a subcontractor, making the subcontractor indemnify the general contractor. Essentially, the indemnitor, in this case the subcontractor, would agree to pay back any expenses incurred as a result of a construction defect lawsuit against the general contractor that was caused by the subcontractor’s negligence.

Examples of Personal Injury Accidents Caused by Construction Defects:

▷ Unsecured railing causes a person to fall off the balcony.
▷ Occupants are crushed after the roof collapses.
▷ Faulty electrical work leads to an electrocution accident.
▷ Improper installation causes a gas line explosion.
▷ Poor design causes a roadway bridge or building to collapse.

For Construction Defect Accident Victims

If you are a recent victim of a construction defect accident in Indiana, you deserve financial justice. Get in touch with a skilled and experienced Indiana personal injury law firm that can fully document a strong and impactful case and obtain the maximum settlement for your damages.

Are you the victim of a negligent building defect or construction accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Indianapolis construction accident lawyer who knows product defect cases. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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

Posted on August 7, 2020 by admin

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.

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.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

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