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Kentucky Construction Accident Lawyers
Aggressive representation for construction accident victims in Kentucky
Even the best-managed construction site can be full of devastating accidents waiting to happen. The hazards of working around construction sites – or even being too close to them – are well-known to watchers of the evening news. Cranes collapse and fall, sometimes on workers and, other times, on nearby onlookers or pedestrians. Scaffolds collapse. Trenches cave in. People on construction sites are injured by unbalanced loads, struck by falling concrete blocks, buried by errant bulldozers and backhoes, and caught between moving equipment and walls or girders. They suffer injuries from defective machinery, explosions, fires, and electric shock. They fall from ladders and rooftops. Forklifts overturn and crush their drivers. In any of these cases, those who suffer injuries need the help and support of advocates looking out for their best interests.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a construction site accident or wrongful death, you need swift and effective legal representation. The experienced Kentucky construction accident lawyers at Crandall & Pera Law advocate on behalf of affected individuals and families. Our decades of combined experience handling such cases are backed up by our extensive track record of successful settlements.
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Table of Contents
- How often do construction accidents happen?
- What types of construction accidents do your Kentucky lawyers handle?
- What are the Fatal Four in construction accidents?
- What are common injuries from Kentucky construction accidents?
- Who is responsible for my Kentucky construction accident?
- What is the value of my Kentucky construction accident claim?
How often do construction accidents happen?
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports “5,486 fatal work injuries in 2022 (3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers).” They also note that “A worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury in 2022 compared to 101 minutes in 2021,” suggesting an increase in such incidents.
What types of construction accidents do your Kentucky lawyers handle?
Our Kentucky lawyers handle a wide range of construction accidents, working to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some common types of construction accidents:
- Falls: Accidents involving falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated structures often result in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Falling objects: Injuries may result from tools, materials, or debris falling from heights, which can strike workers or bystanders below.
- Electrocutions: These dangerous accidents involve contact with live electrical wires, faulty wiring, or improper use of electrical equipment.
- Machinery accidents: Injuries may involve heavy machinery or equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, or excavators, that may cause crush injuries or amputations.
- Trench and excavation collapses: These are accidents where workers become trapped or buried due to the collapse of trenches or excavation sites.
- Caught-in/between accidents: There are incidents where workers become caught in or between equipment, machinery, or collapsing structures.
- Slip and fall: Injuries resulting from slipping or tripping on hazardous surfaces, such as wet floors, uneven ground, or debris, are common on construction sites.
- Scaffolding accidents: These devastating accidents involve the collapse of scaffolding or workers falling from scaffolding due to improper assembly or lack of safety measures.
- Chemical exposure: Construction workers may experience injuries or illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals, asbestos, or other toxic substances.
- Vehicle accidents: Accidents involving construction vehicles, such as trucks or loaders, on or around the construction site can injure workers and others on the road.
- Explosions and fires: Injuries resulting from explosions, fires, or other hazardous conditions on construction sites can be debilitating or even fatal.
Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to investigating these accidents thoroughly, identifying liable parties, and fighting for the maximum compensation for our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
What are the Fatal Four in construction accidents?
The construction industry is inherently dangerous, with workers facing numerous risks every day. To highlight the most critical safety concerns, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identified the "Fatal Four" – the leading causes of fatalities in construction. These four hazards account for a significant portion of construction-related deaths and injuries.
The Fatal Four are:
- Falls: Workers falling from heights is the leading cause of construction fatalities.
- Struck by object: Being hit by falling objects or equipment is a significant risk.
- Caught-in/between: This involves workers becoming trapped in or between machinery or equipment.
- Electrocution: Contact with live electrical parts can be fatal.
What are common injuries from Kentucky construction accidents?
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in Kentucky construction accidents:
- Head injuries: Falls, struck-by accidents, and equipment malfunctions can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.
- Spinal cord injuries: Falls, heavy lifting, and equipment accidents can lead to paralysis.
- Back and neck injuries: Overexertion, falls, and vibrations from heavy machinery can cause chronic pain and impact a person’s ability to work.
- Fractures: Falls, struck-by accidents, and equipment malfunctions can result in broken bones.
- Burns: Electrical hazards, fires, and chemical exposure can cause severe burns.
- Amputations: Machinery accidents can lead to the loss of limbs.
- Eye injuries: Flying debris, chemicals, and power tools can cause severe eye damage.
- Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise from machinery can cause permanent hearing damage.
It is important to note that these are just some of the potential injuries, and the severity can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Kentucky construction accident, contact the attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Who is responsible for my Kentucky construction accident?
The responsibility of keeping sites operating smoothly and preventing accidents from occurring is in the hands of construction company owners, general superintendents, and supervisors. These individuals and entities have a duty of care to scrupulously enforce safety rules, comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) regulations, and inspect the site and equipment regularly to ensure its compliance with both federal and state laws. The owners or lessors of heavy equipment may also be responsible for injuries caused by defects in their equipment if they knew or should have known about them. In some cases, the manufacturers of equipment that has failed and caused injury because of inherent design defects may be responsible. An injured person, such as an independent contractor, outside inspector, salesperson, or other legitimate visitor to the site, is not barred by workers’ compensation laws from suing a construction company by which he or she is not employed.
What is the value of my Kentucky construction accident claim?
The value of a Kentucky construction accident claim depends on several factors related to the specifics of the accident and its impact on the victim. When it comes to construction workers who sustain injuries while at work, workers’ compensation might be the main way for them to recover compensation. However, even in those cases, the injured person may have claims against equipment manufacturers or negligent third parties. If the person who sustained injuries can file a personal injury case, the courts may potentially award these types of damages and compensation:
- Economic damages:
- Medical expenses include costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages are compensation for the income lost during recovery and any future lost earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability or reduced ability to work.
- Property damage covers costs for repairing or replacing any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Rehabilitation costs include expenses for physical and occupational therapy, as well as any necessary assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, prosthetics).
- Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering is the compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress a person may suffer due to the accident and injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life covers compensation for the victim’s diminished ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, and other aspects of life.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on relationships with a spouse or family members, including loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive damages:
- These may be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the employer, contractor, or another party. Punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. These are less common but can significantly increase your claim’s value.
- Insurance coverage:
- The amount of available insurance coverage from the at-fault party or parties can impact the total compensation. In some cases, multiple parties (e.g., contractors, subcontractors, property owners) may have insurance policies that apply.
- Liability and comparative fault:
- Kentucky follows a comparative fault rule, meaning that if the injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation could be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Severity and impact of injuries:
- The more severe and long-lasting the injuries, the higher the potential compensation. This includes considering any permanent disability, disfigurement, or long-term health effects.
- Future medical costs:
- These consider the ongoing medical needs and future treatment expenses related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Given these complexities, consulting with a personal injury attorney with experience in construction accidents is essential. At Crandall & Pera Law, we can provide a more accurate assessment of your claim’s value based on the specifics of your case and help you navigate the legal process to secure fair compensation.
Put your trust in a Kentucky construction accident lawyer with a proven track record
Your construction accident case is important to us. The attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law are experienced in obtaining justice and compensation for people who have been injured because of negligence or unsafe conditions on construction sites. Trust us to represent you with attention, compassion, and skill. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Kentucky construction accident attorney. We have offices conveniently located in Lexington and Louisville.