Construction Site Accidents in California: Common Causes and Liability

The construction industry is relatively dangerous, particularly when compared to other industries throughout the area. It is important to examine some of the common causes of construction site accidents in California as well as various possible liable parties. Individuals who sustain workplace injuries at construction sites deserve compensation, and determining liability is a crucial aspect of ensuring individuals are able to move forward with their claims.

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents in California

Construction site accidents and injuries occur in a wide variety of ways. If we examine information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), we can see that some of the most common causes of construction site accidents include:

• Falls – These types of falls can include slips and trips on the same level or slip and fall injuries from one level to another. This can include falling off of scaffolding, ladders, or into trenches.
• Struck by objects – There are various types of objects that individuals could be struck by at a construction site. This can include getting struck by tools, vehicles, or various other moving parts around a construction area.
• Caught in between objects – Getting caught in between objects can include a person getting caught in between two moving objects or getting caught in between a moving object and a fixed object. 
• Electrocution – There are various reasons why electrocution injuries occur at a construction site, including improper training, utility companies not identifying underground cables, and improper use of safety gear.
• Tool injuries – Tools are in constant use at a construction site. Still, severe injuries can occur if the tool is defective or if the construction company fails to properly inspect or maintain its equipment.

Who is Liable for These Incidents?

There may be various parties liable for a construction accident injury, but keep in mind that liability may not be as important a factor depending on how you are recovering compensation. Individuals who recover compensation through workers’ comp will receive coverage of their medical bills and a portion of their lost wages regardless of who caused the injuries. This is considered a no-fault insurance system.

However, for those who pursue compensation through a third-party personal injury lawsuit against another negligent party, liability does matter. Some of the possible liable parties after a construction accident injury include the following:

• The owner of the construction site or company if their gross negligence, intentional actions, or inaction led directly to the injury.
• General or subcontractors at the location, as these individuals often are not employees of the company where the injury victim works.
• Engineers or architects that were responsible for ensuring the project or building they created was practical and safe.
• Manufacturers of construction equipment and machinery if this machinery was defective or had a dangerous design and caused a workplace injury.

Contact a Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you or somebody you care about has sustained a workplace injury and needs compensation, you must speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer in Riverside as soon as possible. Unfortunately, these claims can be incredibly challenging, but an attorney can use their resources to conduct a complete investigation into the incident and handle all communication with other parties as they work to recover the compensation you need.