There are a lot of ways you can get hurt on a construction site. Climbing broken or unsecured ladders and scaffolding could send you falling to the ground. Unmarked holes on a plot of land or within a partially-finished structure could cause you to twist your ankle or to fall and hurt yourself. Objects could topple over and cause you physical harm. You could suffer an impact from a large piece of machinery. You could also suffer burns or electrocution from contact with frayed wiring. All of these, and many other hazards, occur frequently on construction sites. Individuals who work in construction are required to follow specific safety regulations to protect themselves from such accidents, which include taking proper precautions and wearing protective gear.
However, if you are not a construction worker and find yourself on a construction site, you are likely not outfitted with the same protective gear that is afforded to the construction workers. Even if you follow all safety instructions, accidents can still happen and result in a serious injury that could cost you a tremendous amount of money in medical bills and lost wages. In the event this occurs, you can file a claim with the help of an Austin personal injury lawyer to seek compensation for the damages you suffer in your construction accident.
Recognizing and Preventing Potential Construction Accidents
If you are not at a construction site to perform a job, you should not touch any machinery, tools, or materials. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and take note of the potential risks around you, like precariously-sitting objects and steep inclines.
If you are Injured in a Construction Accident
If you are injured on a construction site, it is critical that you receive medical attention for your injury as soon as possible. If you need emergency medical care, call 911 to have an ambulance dispatched to the scene immediately. Otherwise, visit your doctor as soon as you can after the accident.
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, you need to collect an ample body of evidence to prove the following:
- Another party had the duty to protect you from injury;
- Another party’s negligence to uphold this duty directly caused your injury;
- Your injury directly caused you to suffer specific damages; and
- The monetary amount you are seeking from the accident is comparable to the cost of the damages you incurred.
Demonstrating the amount of money you need is fairly simple: you can prove this by providing copies of your medical bills and documentation of the time you spent out of work. Proving that another party’s negligence caused you to suffer your injury can require a more substantial body of evidence, such as photographs of the scene, eyewitness testimonies, and the report filed with the construction company after the accident occurred. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.
Work with an Experienced Austin Construction Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a construction accident because of another party’s negligence, you could be entitled to recover monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. To learn more about your rights and options as a construction accident victim, contact our team of experienced Austin construction accident lawyers at Buford & Gonzalez today to schedule your initial legal consultation with us.
