Vancouver Construction Accident Lawyers

EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED PERSONS IN THE GREATER VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON AREA

Construction workers put their lives and physical well-being on the line nearly daily. Unfortunately, the companies they work for don’t always look out for their best interests and safety. Injuries occur when those responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and directing the work fail to adequately supervise or train their employees, especially regarding job site safety issues.

Due to the physical nature of the work often performed by the workers, construction accident injuries are often debilitating and have a lasting impact on the worker’s ability to earn a living to support their families. Claims of that nature often are complex and require working knowledge of the legal issues relating to construction and employment.

If you suffered an injury on a construction site in Vancouver, Washington, you need a law firm on your side that understands the complexities of these cases. At Schauermann Thayer, our Vancouver construction accident lawyers handle these cases and provide our clients with professional and caring service. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose Our Vancouver Construction Accident Attorneys?

The state of Washington has some of our nation’s best and strongest laws covering the responsibilities of contractors and landowners to maintain safe workplaces and premises and our attorneys have experience obtaining civil remedies for people injured when those laws are violated.

At Schauermann Thayer, we have advocated for numerous victims of construction accidents and their families, recovering fair compensation for our clients from negligent general contractors, subcontractors and other employers, as well as manufacturers of faulty equipment.

Our collaborative legal team’s knowledge of OSHA and WSHA regulations, together with connections to a network of experts and a wealth of experience in both state and federal courts, could make a difference in your construction accident case. As with all potential injury claims, it is essential not to wait until the last minute. Call us today.

OSHA and Construction Workers’ Rights

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) protects construction workers in the United States. This act requires employers to provide a safe workplace for their employees. OSHA also provides workers with the right to file a complaint if they believe their workplace is unsafe.

Under OSHA, employers must provide a construction site that is free of hazards. They must ensure that their workers have safe tools and equipment to use. They must also provide extensive safety training and develop a comprehensive hazard communication program. If they fail to provide these things, they can face liability for accidents on their sites.

Types of Construction Site Accidents in Vancouver

Most people who work in construction know that their occupation has many dangers and take what precautions they can to keep a dangerous workplace as safe as possible. Despite these efforts, factors beyond workers’ control can cause injury, including:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolding, and other heights — or through holes that may be inadequately posted and barricaded;
• Fires and explosions;
• Industrial equipment malfunctions due to lack of maintenance or inadequate operator training;
• Mishandling of dangerous products; and/or
• The impact of falling debris.

Accidents like these often have severe and devastating consequences. Our firm’s attorneys have handled various types of injury cases, including construction site and other workplace injuries — from debilitating head and spinal injuries to severe burns and limb loss.

Our firm has also handled wrongful death actions on behalf of surviving family members after fatal construction accidents.

Common Causes of Construction Worker Injury and Fatality

In 2018, 5,333 workers died on the job, according to recent OSHA statistics. The most common causes of construction worker fatalities are falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and getting caught in/between objects.

• Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for 401 fatalities in 2019. Falls can happen when workers are not adequately protected while working on roofs, scaffolds, or ladders.
• Being struck by an object is the second leading cause of construction worker fatalities, accounting for 170 deaths in 2019. These accidents often occur when workers are hit by falling objects or equipment.
• Electrocutions are the third leading cause of death among construction workers, accounting for 79 fatalities in 2019. These accidents often happen when workers come into contact with power lines or electrical equipment.
• Getting caught in/between objects is the fourth leading cause of construction worker fatalities, accounting for 59 deaths in 2019. These accidents can occur when workers are crushed by collapsing walls or buried by cave-ins.

Construction accidents can often be prevented by following proper safety procedures and using appropriate equipment. Employers should train their workers in safety procedures before beginning work on a construction site.

If you got hurt in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer at Schauermann Thayer can help you understand your rights and options under the law.

Can I Sue My Employer If I Was Injured on a Construction Site?

Washington workers cannot sue their employers or co-workers for unintentional injuries that happen on the job (these are covered under the worker’s compensation system). However, there are exceptions to these rules. It may be possible to pursue an action against a “third party,” someone other than your employer or coworker, who may be responsible.

For example, suppose you work for a small subcontractor working on a large construction site. While you perform your duties, the scaffolding nearby collapses, injuring you and others in the path. If the general contractor responsible for the scaffolding and maintaining the site is negligent, your attorney may file a third-party claim seeking compensation.

If you have suffered injuries due to a landowner, contractor, or product manufacturer’s decision to “cut corners” on safety — or if you have lost a family member in a serious construction accident you believe may have been avoidable — please contact us today to discuss your potential case.

Contact Our Vancouver Construction Accident Lawyers Today

If you suffered harm in a construction site accident anywhere in Vancouver, Washington, you owe it to yourself to explore your legal options. Workers, pedestrians, and residents can suffer injury when construction companies and employees act negligently. Our Vancouver construction accident attorneys are here to ensure you get the help you need after an injury.

Contact a Vancouver construction accident attorney from Schauermann Thayer today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.