Columbia Construction Accident Lawyer

Columbia Construction Accident Attorney

Nothing symbolizes development and growth quite like a construction site, but for workers and their families, they can also become the scene of tragedy. Construction workers put their lives on the line every day in the name of “progress,” but when accidents happen, they don’t just affect the victim; they also affect their entire family. That’s why a Columbia construction accident lawyer from the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can offer the support you really need.

We dedicate every waking moment to the protection of injured workers, as well as their rights, their dignity, and their future. Our personal injury firm prides itself on being a vital advocate for those who are navigating their way through the aftermath of a construction site accident and injury.

The Reality of Construction Site Dangers

It comes as no surprise to learn that construction is one of the most dangerous career fields. Heavy equipment, precarious heights, and potentially lethal power tools are all part of the typical daily life of hard-working construction employees, and while there are many safety regulations in place, accidents still happen.

In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are four leading causes of construction deaths, and they are collectively referred to as the “Fatal Four.”  These are falls, “struck-by” incidents, electrocutions, and “caught in or caught between” accidents. Needless to say, any one of these dangers can pose a unique threat to the safety of workers.

When you suffer an injury on the job, the financial, emotional, and physical toll can not only be stressful but also overwhelming. Medical bills can pile up, lost wages can threaten your family’s financial security, and the path to recovery can appear long and uncertain. The support of a construction accident lawyer in Columbia can make all the difference.

The only way to get the justice you deserve is to hold the negligent parties accountable for your accident, injuries, and damages, and the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you do just that.

Understanding Liability in Construction Accident Cases in Columbia

Liability in construction accidents is often more complex than proving liability in other personal injury cases. For example, in car accidents, fault is usually attributed to one or two drivers, while accidents at construction sites can involve multiple parties, including employers, machine manufacturers, and other construction site workers.

That’s why it is so important that our attorney launches an in-depth investigation of the worksite, the employment structure, and the actions of each party involved in the incident.

Some key parties who may be held liable in a construction accident case include:

1. Employers. If your employer fails to comply with OSHA regulations, or if they allow unsafe practices on-site, they may be held liable for the injuries that you suffered. Workers’ compensation laws generally prevent employees from filing direct civil claims against their employers, but there are some cases where exceptions can be made.
2. General Contractors and Subcontractors. It’s common for employers to hire outside contractors to work on certain projects, but if a subcontractor’s negligence leads to an accident, such as failing to secure scaffolding or improperly operating heavy machinery, they may be held liable.
3. Manufacturers of Defective Equipment. Manufacturing flaws and defects open new possibilities for civil action. You may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the equipment that caused your injury.
4. Property Owners. The work environment should be safe for both workers and contractors, but if hazardous conditions on the property contribute to an accident, such as unstable pavement or hidden dangers, the property owner could be held liable.
5. Other Third Parties. Construction sites are hubs of activity, and that means delivery drivers, inspectors, and other third parties can also play a role in accidents. If a third-party vendor or an independent contractor’s actions caused your injury, they may be held accountable through a personal injury claim.

Working with an experienced Columbia construction accident lawyer from the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can ensure that all involved parties are investigated and every possible source of compensation is pursued.

Compensation Available in Construction Accident Cases

If you have experienced a construction site accident, then you know just how devastating the financial consequences can be. Fortunately, you may be entitled to many different kinds of compensation. While the exact amount depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the severity of the injury, several important types of compensation are typically available for injured victims. These can include:

1. Medical Expenses. Compensation can cover emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and any necessary medical equipment like wheelchairs or braces.
2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity. This is exactly what it sounds like. You may be entitled to recover lost wages due to being unable to work and compensation if the injury interferes with your ability to return to your old job.
3. Pain and Suffering. Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life are all common side effects of serious injuries.
4. Permanent Disability and Disfigurement. Adapting to a new reality is hard, but with the help of these damages, you can receive the support that you need to get back on track.
5. Wrongful Death Benefits. Nobody wants to think about the possibility of the ultimate tragedy, but if a construction accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be entitled to receive wrongful death benefits. This kind of compensation can cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of source income, and loss of companionship or emotional support.

Seeking damages can be an overwhelming and stressful process, but understanding the available compensation can help you understand the gravity of the task ahead.

This makes working with the experienced attorney of the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III imperative. We aggressively pursue the most favorable paths to compensation, which can not only help you recover financially but also help you rebuild your life.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Construction Accident Laws

Can I File a Claim Even if I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Yes, you can file a claim even if you are partially at fault. When it comes to personal injury claims, the state of South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if your percentage of fault is less than 51%, you may still be able to recover compensation; however, the awarded settlement is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%.

What Happens if My Employer Pressures Me Not to Report a Construction Accident?

If your employer pressures you not to report an accident, call the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III immediately. Your rights are being threatened, and we can help protect them. It is illegal for your employer to prevent you from reporting an injury, and workers’ compensation laws protect employees from all forms of retaliation.

If your employer is putting this kind of pressure on you, our lawyer can help guide you through your next steps and ensure that you follow all procedures in order to get the compensation that you are entitled to.

Can I Claim Pain and Suffering if I Only File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Workers’ compensation covers some medical expenses and a percentage of your lost weekly wages, but it typically does not cover anything additional like pain and suffering. If a third party caused your injury, you can file a personal injury claim against them to seek compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we can review your case and come up with a strategy to maximize your compensation.

Can I Still Pursue Compensation if I Am Injured While Working as an Independent Contractor on a Construction Site?

Yes, independent contractors may still have some legal options when it comes to personal injury claims. Unlike regular employees, independent contractors don’t only have the option to file for workers’ compensation. If a property owner, general contractor, or equipment manufacturer’s negligence caused your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

Our experienced construction accident lawyer at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can assess your eligibility for compensation.

Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you are suffering after experiencing a construction site accident, the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help tip the scales in your favor. With 28 years of experience handling construction accident cases, our firm understands the difficulties associated with navigating the legal landscape, and we are committed to providing the kind of aggressive legal representation that you need to secure the financial stability you deserve.

You are not alone because we are ready to stand by your side. Don’t leave your future to chance. Take it by the reins and allow us to shoulder the heavy burden so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.