Fort Worth Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction accidents in Fort Worth can have devastating consequences, leaving workers with serious injuries, medical expenses, and uncertain futures. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries on a construction site, you may have legal options to recover compensation. At The Law Offices of Aaron Allison, our team helps injured workers seek justice and pursue the financial resources they need to recover. Contact us to learn how we may assist with your construction accident case.

Common Construction Accidents and Liability in Fort Worth

Types of Construction Accidents

What Are Common Types of Construction Accidents in Fort Worth?

Fort Worth construction sites often expose workers to significant risks, which can lead to severe accidents. The most common types of accidents include:

• Falls from Heights: Falls remains one of the leading causes of construction injuries. Workers may fall from ladders, scaffolding, rooftops, or unprotected edges. According to guidelines published by WorkSafe Victoria, these falls can often be prevented through adequately secured scaffolding and personal fall arrest systems. Local construction projects in Fort Worth, such as high-rise commercial developments, frequently involve working at extreme heights, which increases the likelihood of falls. Employers must ensure all elevated areas have guardrails and proper signage to reduce these risks.
• Struck by Falling Objects: Tools, debris, or materials that fall from heights can cause severe head or bodily injuries. As industry safety standards outline, proper safety netting and mandatory hard hat use may help reduce these risks. For example, workers in Fort Worth construction zones often work near cranes and scaffolding, where unsecured tools or materials are dangerous. Implementing organized tool storage and routine inspections can significantly lower the chances of such incidents.
• Electrocutions: Accidents involving live wires, poorly insulated electrical systems, or unsafe use of power tools can result in serious injuries or fatalities. WorkSafe Victoria emphasizes strict compliance with electrical safety protocols to minimize the risk of electrocution. Fort Worth’s frequent construction in urban areas increases the likelihood of workers encountering overhead power lines or underground electrical systems, making adherence to these protocols even more critical.
• Heavy Equipment Accidents: Mishaps involving cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers may occur when equipment is improperly maintained or operated. Employers must ensure routine inspections and proper training as mandated by OSHA. For instance, in Fort Worth’s many road construction projects, improperly operating heavy equipment like asphalt pavers or graders can lead to severe injuries, especially for workers on foot. Clear site protocols and proper safety training are essential to reduce such hazards.
• Caught-in or Between Accidents: Workers may become trapped between equipment, vehicles, or collapsing structures, causing crush injuries or amputations. OSHA’s trenching and excavation safety standards require employers to use protective systems to reduce such risks. Fort Worth construction sites, especially those involved in foundation or trench work, may pose unique challenges due to Texas’ clay soil, which can make trench walls unstable. Employers should prioritize trench reinforcement and protective shielding to prevent cave-ins.

What Are the Major Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents Known as the “Fatal Four” in Fort Worth?

The “fatal four” are the leading causes of construction worker fatalities as identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

1. Falls: Falls from unprotected edges, scaffolding failures, or improper safety harnesses account for approximately one-third of construction fatalities. OSHA mandates using personal fall arrest systems and guardrails to prevent these incidents. In Fort Worth, the construction of multi-story office buildings and parking structures is particularly prone to fall-related injuries when workers are improperly harnessed or lack access to secured platforms.
2. Struck-by Injuries: Workers may be hit by falling tools, heavy materials, or moving vehicles. Employers must enforce proper securing of tools and materials to mitigate this risk. Road construction sites in Fort Worth, especially on high-traffic highways such as I-35W or I-820, can also see struck-by accidents caused by passing vehicles. Proper use of barriers and traffic controls is vital for worker safety.
3. Electrocutions: Contact with live wires, unsafe electrical systems, or improperly grounded equipment poses significant risks. OSHA requires adequate training and the use of ground-fault circuit interrupters on construction sites. Fort Worth construction projects often deal with older electrical infrastructure, making unmarked or poorly maintained power lines a significant hazard. Workers must be trained to identify and avoid these risks during excavation or demolition.
4. Caught in or Between Accidents: Workers can be trapped in trenches, under machinery, or between walls and heavy equipment. To prevent these accidents, OSHA mandates protective trenching systems and adequate equipment safety inspections. Foundation work in Fort Worth’s commercial and residential developments requires extra precautions, as soil instability and close working quarters can lead to dangerous situations.

Based on the OSHA data, eliminating the “fatal four” could save hundreds of lives annually. Fort Worth employers can reduce risks by implementing targeted safety training and investing in better protective equipment tailored to their specific work environments. Frequent safety audits and adherence to OSHA standards are essential to ensuring worker safety.

Determining Liability

Who Is Typically Liable for Construction Accidents in Fort Worth?

Liability for construction accidents in Fort Worth often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the parties involved. Those who may bear responsibility include:

• Employers and Contractors: When employers fail to follow OSHA safety standards or neglect to provide proper training and equipment, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries.
• Subcontractors: Those who create unsafe conditions on-site may share liability for any accidents.
• Property Owners: They could also be held accountable if they fail to address dangerous site conditions.
• Equipment Manufacturers: Defective tools or poorly designed machinery can lead to product liability claims.

Construction accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, which is why a thorough investigation is pivotal to identifying all responsible individuals or entities.

What Are the Challenges in Determining Liability in Construction Accident Cases in Fort Worth?

Determining liability in construction accident cases can be complicated due to factors such as:

• Multiple contractors, subcontractors, and vendors are involved on the site, each with overlapping safety duties.
• Disputes over whether the injured worker was an employee, independent contractor, or visitor.
• Varying responsibilities for OSHA compliance, mainly when different parties are responsible for specific tasks or areas of the site.

An experienced Fort Worth construction accident lawyer may review the evidence, such as OSHA violation reports, contracts, and witness testimony, to build a strong case.

Legal Rights and Compensation in Fort Worth

Understanding Your Legal Rights

 

What Legal Options Are Available After a Construction Accident in Fort Worth?

Victims of construction accidents in Fort Worth may have several legal avenues to pursue compensation, including:

• Workers’ Compensation Claims: Under Texas workers’ compensation laws, injured employees may be eligible to receive benefits for medical expenses and lost wages.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits: When third parties, such as contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers, are at fault, workers may pursue personal injury claims for damages beyond what workers’ compensation offers.
• Wrongful Death Claims: Families of workers killed in construction accidents may file wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of income, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering.

Knowing your legal rights and which option best applies to your situation may help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to.

How Does Workers’ Compensation Affect My Rights in Fort Worth?

Workers’ compensation may limit your ability to sue your employer but does not bar claims against third parties. Texas workers’ compensation law provides benefits to cover medical costs, partially lost wages, and rehabilitation but does not address non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Third-party claims may fill this gap, allowing injured workers to recover additional compensation when a contractor, subcontractor, or manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

Seeking Compensation

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Construction Accident in Fort Worth?

After a construction accident in Fort Worth, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation:

• Medical Costs: This includes emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and long-term treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during your recovery, as well as diminished earning capacity in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, courts may award punitive damages to penalize the responsible party.

The exact amount you may recover depends on the unique circumstances of your case.

How Can a Construction Accident Lawyer Help Me Maximize My Compensation?

A construction accident lawyer may play a critical role in recovering maximum compensation by:

• Investigating the accident to determine liability and secure evidence.
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
• Representing you in court if a trial becomes necessary.

At The Law Offices of Aaron Allison, we may help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take Following a Construction Accident in Fort Worth

Immediate Actions Post-Accident

What Immediate Steps Should I Take if I’m Injured in a Construction Accident in Fort Worth?

Taking specific actions immediately after a construction accident can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your well-being by seeking immediate medical care, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Report the Incident: Notify your employer or site supervisor as soon as possible.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident site, unsafe conditions, and any visible injuries.
4. Gather Witness Information: Collect the names and contact details of coworkers or bystanders who witnessed the accident.

These steps may strengthen your case and provide critical evidence for your claim.

How Important Is It to Seek Medical Attention and Gather Evidence at the Scene of the Accident?

Seeking medical care immediately may ensure proper treatment and create a documented record of your injuries. Gathering evidence at the accident site, including photos and witness statements, is crucial to demonstrating how the accident occurred and who may be liable.

Filing Claims and Lawsuits

How Do I File an Insurance Claim or a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Fort Worth?

Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit typically involves several key steps:

1. Notify your employer and submit a workers’ compensation claim, if applicable.
2. Consult a lawyer to determine if you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against a third party.
3. Gather and submit all required documentation, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.

A lawyer may assist you in managing these steps and ensuring all deadlines are met.

What Are the Deadlines for Filing Claims and What Documentation Is Required?

In Texas, personal injury claims generally have a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the accident. Workers’ compensation claims, however, may have shorter deadlines. Documentation required for filing may include:

• Medical records detailing the extent of your injuries.
• Employer reports of the incident.
• Photos, videos, or witness statements from the scene of the accident.

Failure to meet deadlines or provide the necessary documentation may harm your case, so it’s essential to consult an attorney early in the process.

Contact a Fort Worth Construction Accident Lawyer Today

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in a construction accident. At The Law Offices of Aaron Allison, we focus on helping Fort Worth construction workers navigate the legal system and pursue justice. Call us at 512-886-8434 or visit aaronallisonlawfirm.com to schedule a free consultation today.