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 claim 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 be financially burdensome for many patients. Lawsuit loans are a great way for plaintiffs to afford the time needed 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 competitor’s funding contract terms. Our direct funding predominantly involves simple, non-compound interest.

Simple rates mean you never pay interest on interest, only on the principal.

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 quickly as possible. If you do not win your 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 claims are worth a few thousand dollars, others 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% of the 4,379 total) were in construction. Excluding highway collisions, the leading causes of private-sector worker deaths in the construction industry are falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between incidents (where construction workers are killed when caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, or struck, caught, or crushed in a collapsing structure, equipment, or material). These causes are known as the “Fatal Four” and were responsible for more than half (64.2%) of the construction worker deaths in 2015.

Fortunately, OSHA is making a positive difference in reducing construction accidents. American worker deaths have 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 most 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, or struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structures, equipment, or materials.

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 through 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 an injury at a construction site, discuss the potential defendants with your attorney. These may include other subcontractors whose employees were negligent, the property owner, or the manufacturers 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. As a general rule, you must tell your employer within 30 days of the injury. However, be cautious about what you disclose, as it can cause your claim to be rejected or reduced. 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 takes an experienced law firm that is adept 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) may 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 can result 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, wanton, or 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 suffered a severe injury. What are my rights against the owner and general contractor in a lawsuit?

The owner and general contractor may serve as third-party defendants following 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 subcontractors and overseeing safe practices. Following an injury, an experienced attorney can help conduct a thorough investigation and review 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 an 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 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 typically explains how the defendants violated the standard duty of care by failing to follow standard safety procedures and regulations.

These experts can be costly but are 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 strengthen your case. A lawyer will also help determine if you have a valid claim. This will increase your chances of recovering maximum damages. Just be sure to consult a law firm as soon as possible before the statute of limitations expires.

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

This depends on the details of the accident and where it occurs, as different states have their own laws. For example, the statute of limitations can be as short as two years or 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 do not file a claim before the applicable statute of limitations expires, you will no longer be able to recover your damages. Consult an attorney to learn which specific statute of limitations applies to your case.

What is my construction accident worth?

This varies and depends on the extent and duration of the injury, how long you are out of work, and whether you are able to return to work. While some accidents are worth a few thousand dollars, others 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, but unfortunately, there is no simple answer. The timeline 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 only immediate medical expenses and does not account for future medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

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

Legal funding can be an important tool to help you reject an initial settlement offer and prepare to withstand a lengthy case. Uplift Legal Funding offers settlement loans to plaintiffs nationwide so you can seek the compensation you deserve. Apply today.