Construction Accident Lawsuit FAQs

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Learn more about construction accident lawsuits from the legal funding professionals at Uplift. In this article, we will answer many common questions.

• How do construction accident lawsuit loans help plaintiffs get higher settlements?
• What is the cost of construction accident loans?
• Why choose Uplift Legal Funding for construction accident settlement loans?
• How dangerous is construction work?
• What are the types of accidents on construction sites?
• What should I do if I’m injured in a construction accident?
• I was working at a construction site and was injured. Who can I sue?
• Should I tell my supervisor I was hurt in a construction accident?
• Someone working for another company caused my construction accident. What should I do?
• What expenses can I be compensated for after my construction accident?
• An OSHA violation caused my construction accident. What do I do?
• What if my employer is at fault for causing my injuries?
• I was working as a subcontractor at a construction site and received a severe injury. What are my rights against the owner and general contractor in a lawsuit?
• I was injured while visiting or walking by a construction site. Who can I sue for my injuries?
• Can I file a lawsuit against persons or entities that caused my injury even if I am collecting workers’ compensation benefits?
• How important is it for my attorney to retain highly qualified experts in construction cases?
• Do I need to retain an attorney in a construction accident case?
• What is the statute of limitations for construction accident lawsuits?
• What is my construction accident worth?
• How long do construction accident claims take to settle?

How do construction accident lawsuit loans help plaintiffs get higher settlements?

Construction accidents often result in serious injuries that require months, or even years, of treatment. This long period of time can prove to financially burdensome for many patients. Lawsuit loans are a great way for plaintiffs to reach maximum medical improvement. They enable plaintiffs to fight back against early settlement pressure and seek full recovery.

What is the cost of construction accident loans?

This varies depending on the accident. Construction accidents often result in serious injury, which means you shouldn’t have to pay much for legal funding.

Uplift Legal Funding offers low rates on construction accident lawsuit loans. We provide a rate-match guarantee, which means that we will meet or beat any competitors funding contract terms. Our direct funding predominantly involves simple, non-compounding interest.

Simple rates means you never pay interest on interest, only principle.

Why choose Uplift Legal Funding for construction accident settlement loans?

At Uplift Legal Funding, our number one priority is to serve plaintiffs in their time of need. We understand that waiting for a case to settle is an option not everyone can afford, so we do our best to get you the cash as fast as possible. If you do not win the case, you do not need to pay us back. Learn more about our fast and easy application process today!

How much is my construction accident legal claim worth?

This varies depending on the extent of the injury. While some accidents are worth a few thousand dollars, other accidents might be worth millions of dollars. An experienced construction accident lawyer can best assess the value of your case and negotiate for the maximum settlement.

How dangerous is construction work?

In 2015, 937 worker deaths (21%) out of 4,379 were in construction. Minus highway collisions, the leading causes of private sector worker deaths in the construction industry are falls, struck by object, electrocution and caught-in/between (construction workers are killed when caught-in or compressed by equipment or objects, and struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment, or material). These causes are known as the “Fatal Four,” and were responsible for more than half (64.2%) the construction worker deaths in 2015.

Fortunately, the OSHA is making a positive difference in construction accidents. American worker deaths decreased on average – from about 38 worker deaths a day in 1970 to 13 a day in 2015.

What are the types of accidents on construction sites?

Construction sites can be very dangerous. Four of the common causes of construction site accidents (known as the “Fatal Four”) include the following:

• Falls – accounted for 364 out of 937 total deaths in construction in 2015 (38.8%)
• Struck by object – accounted for 90 out of 937 total deaths in construction in 2015 (9.6%)
• Electrocutions – accounted for 81 out of 937 total deaths in construction in 2015 (8.6%)
• Caught-in/between – accounted for 67 out of 937 total deaths in construction in 2015 (7.2%). This includes construction workers killed when caught-in or compressed by equipment or objects, and struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment, or material.

What should I do if I’m injured in a construction accident?

Safety first. After a construction accident, seek immediate medical attention. Next, notify your supervisor of your injury. Then, contact a qualified attorney who will guide you along the legal process. Once you have representation, seek financial assistance from Uplift Legal Funding.

I was working at a construction site and was injured. Who can I sue?

If you suffer injury at a construction site, discuss the potential defendants with your attorney. This potentially includes other subcontractors whose employees were negligent, the property owner or the manufacturer and distributors of defective equipment and tools. Each case varies and it is important to be thorough in your investigation.

Should I tell my supervisor I was hurt in a construction accident?

Absolutely. It is a general rule that you must tell your employer within 30 days of the injury. However, keep in mind to be cautious of what you disclose, as it can reject or lower your claim. Seek legal help from an attorney who can deal with your employer on your behalf.

Someone working for another company caused my construction accident. What should I do?

Contact a reputable and experienced attorney right away. It will take an experienced law firm who is apt at handling construction accidents caused by someone working for a company other than your employer. In these accidents (known as third-party construction accidents), it is difficult to hold the guilty-party accountable.

What expenses can I be compensated for after my construction accident?

You and your family (in the case of a wrongful death claim) receive compensation for the following expenses:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Lost income
• Future medical expenses
• Future lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Physical therapy
• Modifications to your home (due to a permanent disability)
• Long-term nursing care (for a permanent disability)

An OSHA violation caused my construction accident. What do I do?

If a documented OSHA violation caused your construction accident, you will likely have a very strong case against the negligent party. This shows clear liability, which results in a larger construction accident settlement.

What if my employer is at fault for my injuries?

In Minnesota and most other states, you cannot sue your employer for negligence. Instead, your compensation is in the form of workers’ compensation benefits. However, if your employer’s behavior is intentional or wanton and reckless, there is an exception. In addition, if a third-party (such as the employee of another supplier or contractor) contributed to the accident that caused your injuries, you can file a third-party claim.

I was working as a subcontractor at a construction site and received a severe injury. What are my rights against the owner and general contractor in a lawsuit?

The owner and general contractor can serve as potential third-party defendants in the event of a construction site injury. The property owner has a duty to maintain safe conditions on the premises for all construction workers. The general contractor is responsible for coordinating the subcontractors and overseeing safe practices. In the event of an injury, an experienced attorney will help with a thorough investigation and review the construction contracts and other legal documents.

I was injured while visiting or walking by a construction site. Who can I sue for my injuries?

The property owner and contractors have a duty to maintain a safe environment at all times. If you visit or walk by a construction site and suffer from injury, you may have a valid case against the negligent property owner or any of the contractors.

Can I file a lawsuit against persons or entities that caused my injury even if I am collecting workers’ compensation benefits?

Absolutely. If a third-party is at fault, you may bring a “third-party” lawsuit against them even though you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Compensation benefits generally do not include many significant damages such as pain, suffering, emotional distress or disfigurement. Because of this, a third-party claim is essential for you to collect the compensation that you deserve and that fully covers your damages.

How important is it for my attorney to retain highly qualified experts in construction cases?

Experts can be from several fields including medicine, engineering, and economics. An engineering or OSHA expert expert typically explains how the defendants violated the standard duty of care by failing to oblige standard safety procedures and regulations.

These experts can be costly, but necessary if your case is likely to go to trial.

Do I need to retain an attorney in a construction accident case?

Yes. An experienced law firm brings helpful knowledge to the table that can make your case.  A lawyer will also help determine if you actually have a valid claim. This will increase your chances of recovering the most damages. Just be sure to consult a law firm as soon as possible before the run of the statute of limitations.

What are the statutes of limitations for construction site accident lawsuits?

This depends on the details of the accident and where the accident occurs, as different states have their own laws. For example, the statute of limitations can be as short as two years and as long as six years in Minnesota, depending on alternate theories of liability. If a government entity is at fault, an even shorter statute of limitations may apply. If you have not filed a claim before the applicable statute of limitations has run, you will no longer be able to recover your damages. Consult your attorney to learn what statute of limitations specifics apply to you.

What is my construction accident worth?

This varies and depends on the extent of the injury, the length of the injury, the length you are out of work and whether you are able to return to work. While some accidents are worth a few thousand dollars, other accidents might be worth millions of dollars. An experienced construction accident lawyer can best assess the value of your case and negotiate for the maximum settlement.

How long do construction accident claims take to settle?

This is a common question. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer. This varies depending on the circumstances of your case. Typically, you will receive a low settlement offer soon after your accident. Your employer will try to settle your case quickly rather than pay you the compensation you deserve. This initial settlement generally covers initial medical expenses only, and does not account for future medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

In addition, the insurance companies try everything they can to get you to accept these initial settlement offers. They may try to convince you by telling you that your accident was minor, while acting friendly and compassionate in order to get you to believe that they are on your side. Keep in mind, the insurance adjuster does not have your best interests in mind. They and your employer are only looking out for the bottom line.

In order to reject an initial settlement offer and prepare to withstand a lengthy case, it is crucial to seek legal funding. Uplift Legal Funding offers settlement loans to plaintiffs nationwide so that you can seek the compensation you deserve. Apply today.