Bellevue Construction Accident Lawyer

Lehmbecker Law: Your Construction Accident Attorney in Bellevue

When you need construction accident legal representation in Bellevue, Lehmbecker Law is your trusted partner. With a proven track record of delivering justice and obtaining compensation for injured construction workers, our personal injury law firm is dedicated to advocating for the rights of those harmed due to others' negligence.

Our team of attorneys possesses in-depth knowledge of the law as it relates to the construction industry, enabling us to provide reliable guidance and support to our clients.

Washington State’s Safety Laws for Construction Sites

Washington State has stringent safety laws for construction sites to safeguard the welfare of workers and the general public alike.

Governed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), these regulations stipulate comprehensive safety protocols, including the need for adequate training, provision of personal protective equipment, and adherence to safe operational procedures.

The state also enforces meticulous standards in regard to hazardous conditions, equipment usage, and site inspections to create a robust framework for accident prevention.

Violations of these laws can result in hefty fines and potential legal consequences, underscoring the state's commitment to maintaining secure construction environments.

Understanding Construction Accidents in Washington

According to recent reports, the construction industry has retained its reputation as one of the most dangerous sectors in Washington state in 2022. Shockingly, it accounted for over a third of all workplace fatalities during the year.

As per recent OSHA data, there were 4,764 work-related fatalities in 2020. Among these tragic incidents, 976 occurred within the private sector construction industry, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the total worker fatalities that year.

Common Types of Construction Accidents in Bellevue, WA

Bellevue, with its thriving construction industry, experiences many different types of construction accidents, underscoring the critical need for strict adherence to established safety protocols. The common types of construction accidents in this region include:

• Falls From Height: Instances of workers falling from scaffolding, ladders, and other elevated platforms, often due to inadequate fall protection or unstable working surfaces.
• Electrocution: Encounters with exposed wires, incomplete electrical systems, or faulty power tools can cause burns, shocks, or more severe outcomes.
• Scaffold Accidents: Collapses or falls associated with improperly erected or maintained scaffolding threaten severe injuries to workers.
• Trench Collapses: Sudden cave-ins of excavation sites in which workers can become trapped and their lives put at risk.
• Equipment Accidents: Incidents involving malfunctioning or improperly used machinery and vehicles, such as forklifts, cranes, and bulldozers.
• Falling Objects: Cases where tools, materials, or debris fall from heights, posing a risk of head injuries or fatalities to workers below.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Interaction with harmful materials like asbestos, leading to potential chronic health issues or immediate injury if improperly handled.
• Fires and Explosions: Incidents stemming from gas leaks, mishandled flammable materials, or equipment malfunctions, triggering blazes or blasts.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Accidents on same-level surfaces due to wet, cluttered, or uneven working areas can lead to a spectrum of slip and fall injuries, ranging from minor to substantial
• Struck by Object: Injuries stemming from falling tools, swinging equipment, or flying debris, potentially leading to concussions and other impact injuries.
• Caught-In/Between: Incidents where workers are compressed or caught between two objects, machinery, or collapsing structures, often causing crushing injuries

These are just a few of the many types of accidents construction workers face that can result in serious injury. Regardless of the nature of your injury, it’s critical that you connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you’re able to begin building your case.

Common Construction Site Injuries

Workers may suffer any number of injuries following a construction site accident. The severity of these injuries can vary widely, depending on the nature of the accident and the safety measures in place. Common injuries after construction site accidents include:

Fractures and Broken Bones

Falls, equipment accidents, and collisions with objects can cause fractured or broken bones. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery or extended recovery periods.

Head Injuries

Head injuries can occur from falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures are all possible consequences.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls from heights or accidents involving heavy machinery can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or total paralysis.

Amputations

Machine-related mishaps and getting caught in or between objects can lead to traumatic amputations of fingers, hands, arms, toes, legs, or other body parts.

Burns

Construction sites often involve hot work, welding, and other activities that present the risk of burns. Chemical burns can also occur when workers are exposed to hazardous materials.

Electric Shock Injuries

Electrocution can produce multiple injuries, from minor shocks to severe burns, cardiac arrest, or even death.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Sprains, strains, and similar soft tissue injuries can result from accidents or overexertion on the job site.

Respiratory Injuries

Exposure to dust, chemicals, or asbestos can open the door to respiratory problems, including lung diseases and conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Eye Injuries

Dust, debris, or chemical splashes can cause eye injuries, including corneal abrasions or more severe damage.

Psychological Trauma

Experiencing or witnessing a serious accident on a construction site can lead to psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Workers’ Compensation Claims Differ from Third-Party Claims

In Washington State, workers' compensation claims and third-party claims offer distinct routes for seeking compensation after workplace injuries.

Workers injured on the job can generally rely on workers' compensation benefits, which cover medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. Notably, they usually cannot sue their employers. However, there's an alternative avenue: the third-party claim.

Third-party claims target parties other than the employer or coworkers, such as negligent subcontractors, general contractors, or property owners, who may have contributed to the injury.

By pursuing a third-party claim, injured workers in Washington can potentially recover damages not included in workers' comp benefits, including the complete extent of lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering. This option offers a broader scope for seeking full and just compensation for workplace injuries.

Compensable Losses in Your Bellevue Construction Accident Claim

It's crucial to understand the damages you may be entitled to in your construction accident claim. These damages may encompass various compensable losses and expenses resulting from the accident, including:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs associated with your medical treatment, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, and medications.
• Lost Wages: If you're unable to work due to your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for the income you've lost during your recovery period.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be available for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: If your personal belongings or vehicle were damaged in the accident, you may be able to seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses related to physical therapy or rehabilitation services needed for your recovery may also be covered.
• Future Expenses: Anticipated future medical bills, ongoing therapy, or loss of future earning potential may also be considered in your claim.

If you have any questions about the types of compensable losses that apply in your case, it's wise to consult an experienced construction accident attorney.

The Statute of Limitations for a Construction Site Lawsuit

The statute of limitations for initiating an L&I claim is one year from the date of the accident and for a 3rd party construction site claim in Washington State, the statute is three years. Therefore, you must take swift legal action following a construction accident to safeguard your right to seek compensation.

Why Choose Our Bellevue Construction Accident Lawyer?

When you work with a skilled construction accident attorney at Lehmbecker Law, you get the benefit of our extensive experience and unwavering commitment. Our team's unparalleled knowledge of the law ensures that your case is in capable hands, while our dedication means you'll receive personalized support tailored to your specific situation.

Choosing Lehmbecker Law means entrusting your construction accident claim to a group of seasoned professionals who will advocate for your rights and prioritize your well-being.