Everett Construction Accident Attorney

Lehmbecker Law: Your Trusted Construction Accident Attorneys in Everett

When a construction accident leaves you hurt and unsure of your rights, Lehmbecker Law is there to offer guidance and support.

Our team of Everett construction accident lawyers understands the challenges you’re facing and is dedicated to advocating for your rights. We’ll work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and secure the compensation you deserve.

Whether you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional impact of your injuries, we’re prepared to take the lead so you can focus on your recovery.

Construction Accidents Statistics in Everett, WA

The construction industry is rife with hazards that regularly lead to tragic deaths when workers fall, get struck by objects, are electrocuted, or become trapped or caught between objects — a grim quartet of accidents known as the "Fatal Four." These preventable mishaps are the primary cause of fatalities in the sector, claiming hundreds of lives each year.

According to OSHA, 5,486 work-related deaths occurred across the U.S. in 2022 alone, with construction accounting for a disproportionately high number. The high frequency of safety violations highlights the crucial role of legal professionals who focus on construction law.

These attorneys can help injured workers navigate the complexities of workers' compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits, ensuring that they receive the care and financial support they deserve. They can also provide guidance to construction companies on compliance with safety regulations and best practices to foster a safer work environment for all.

Washington’s Safety Laws for Construction Sites

Washington State has established a strong set of safety regulations for construction sites to protect the well-being of workers and the public.

These laws, which are overseen by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and enforced through the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), aim to create a secure work environment and minimize the risk of accidents.

WISHA, a comprehensive workplace safety and health program, sets standards for construction sites. This critical legislation covers a wide range of safety protocols, including the following:

Adequate Training

Construction workers are required to receive comprehensive training on safety procedures and best practices. This ensures that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and avoid hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Employers must provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to their workers, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Such equipment serves to prevent injuries from falls, flying objects, and other hazards.

Safe Operational Procedures

Workers and supervisors on construction sites are expected to adhere to strict operating procedures to minimize the risk of accidents, including rules for using equipment, handling materials, and working in confined spaces.

Management of Hazardous Conditions

Washington has specific regulations for mitigating and managing hazardous conditions on construction sites. These regulations outline procedures for handling dangerous materials, working near power lines, and managing excavations, among other things.

Regular Inspections

L&I conducts regular inspections of construction sites to ensure compliance with WISHA regulations. These inspections help identify potential hazards and confirm that the proper safety protocols are being followed.

The state's commitment to construction site safety is evident in the penalties it imposes for violations of these laws. Businesses that fail to comply with WISHA requirements can face hefty fines and potential legal consequences. These penalties serve as a deterrent, motivating employers to prioritize safety and create secure work environments for their employees.

Common Construction Accidents in Everett, WA

Everett sees many different types of construction accidents, all of which underscore the need for strict adherence to established safety protocols. Some of the most 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 unstable working surfaces or inadequate fall protection.
• 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 that 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: Situations involving malfunctioning or improperly used machinery and vehicles, such as forklifts, cranes, and bulldozers.
• Falling Objects: Instances where tools, debris, or other materials fall from height, posing a risk of head injuries or fatalities to workers below.
• Exposure to Hazardous Substances: Interaction with harmful materials like asbestos, potentially leading to immediate injury or chronic health issues.
• Fires and Explosions: Accidents stemming from gas leaks, mishandled flammable materials, or equipment malfunctions that trigger blazes or blasts.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Loss of footing on same-level surfaces due to wet, cluttered, or uneven working areas that lead to a spectrum of slip and fall injuries.
• Struck-by-Object Accidents: Injuries resulting from falling tools, swinging equipment, or flying debris, often leading to concussions and other impact injuries.
• Caught-In/Between Accidents: Scenarios where workers are compressed or caught between objects, machinery, or collapsing structures, causing crushing injuries.

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

Typical Construction Accident Injuries

Construction site accidents like the ones listed previously can result in a wide range of injuries that vary in severity depending on the circumstances. Here are a few of the injuries our attorneys see most frequently:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Falls, equipment accidents, and collisions with objects can cause fractures or broken bones, requiring surgery and extended recovery.
• Head Injuries: Falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears can occur from accidents or overexertion.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls from heights or accidents involving heavy machinery can lead to spinal cord injuries, sometimes causing partial or total paralysis.
• Amputation Injuries: Machine-related mishaps and caught in/between accidents can lead to traumatic amputations of fingers, hands, arms, toes, legs, or other body parts.
• Thermal Burns: Construction sites often involve hot work, welding, and activities that present a risk of burns.
• Chemical Burns: Exposure to hazardous materials can cause chemical burns, which may have long-term side effects or complications.
• Electric Shock: Electrocution can result in injuries ranging from minor shocks to severe burns, cardiac arrest, or even death.
• Respiratory Injuries: Exposure to dust, chemicals, or asbestos can give rise to lung diseases like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
• Eye Injuries: Dust, debris, or chemical splashes can harm workers’ eyes due to corneal abrasions or more severe damage.

The harmful effects of a construction accident aren’t always physical. Experiencing or witnessing a serious accident can also lead to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Understanding Compensation for Construction Accidents

Construction site accidents often leave victims saddled with heavy financial and emotional burdens, making it vital to pursue financial restitution. Here's a breakdown of the potential types of compensation available to injured workers.

Damages You Might Recover After a Construction Accident

If you’re involved in a construction accident in Everett, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. To maximize your chances of fair recovery, it's important to understand your rights and the types of damages you may be able to obtain.

Here's a breakdown of the forms of compensation you may be eligible for:

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: Includes lost wages during recovery and potential future lost earnings if you can’t return to work in the same capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident, including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium: Addresses the impact of the injuries on your relationship with your spouse, such as loss of companionship or intimacy.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Pays for physical and occupational therapy to help you regain strength and return to work, if possible.
• Property Damage: Offsets the cost of repairs or replacement of personal property damaged during the accident.

In cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages can also be awarded to punish the at-fault party and warn against similar behavior by them or others.

Avenues for Compensation

Victims of construction accidents are often hurt through no fault of their own and therefore deserve to be repaid for their losses. The following forms of compensation are designed to help injured workers deal with the effects of their injuries.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ comp is the primary source of compensation for most on-the-job injuries. It’s intended to cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Washington's no-fault system allows workers to receive benefits regardless of fault.

Personal Injury Claims

If a third party's negligence contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. This could be a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another party not covered under workers' compensation. Compensation can include damages for pain and suffering, medical bills, full lost wages, and future loss of earnings.

Disability Benefits

When an injury leads to temporary or permanent disability, additional benefits might be available through workers' compensation or private insurance policies. Disability compensation lessens the impact on the victim’s earning capacity.

Product Liability Claims

If a defective product was to blame for the injury, you may have a claim against the manufacturer or supplier. Filing a product liability claim could help you recover medical costs, lost wages, and other damages related to your injury.

Wrongful Death Claims

In the tragic event of a fatal accident, the family of the deceased worker may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These lawsuits compensate the decedent’s loved ones for funeral and burial expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

Who Could Be Held Responsible for a Construction Accident?

Determining liability in construction accident cases can be challenging, as multiple parties often share overlapping duties and obligations. Any of the following key players could be held accountable:

General Contractors

General contractors bear the responsibility of providing a safe work environment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and worker training. Failure to uphold these duties can make them liable for accidents involving their subcontractors.

Subcontractors

If an accident stems from a subcontractor's negligence, they can be held liable even though they aren’t directly employed by the general contractor.

Property Owners

Property owners are required to communicate site hazards and see that appropriate safety measures are implemented. They can be deemed at fault for accidents if they fail to fulfill these responsibilities.

Construction Managers

Construction managers play a central role in enforcing safety protocols. As such, they can be subject to legal consequences if they fail to provide a safe work environment.

Equipment Manufacturers

If a defective piece of equipment causes an accident, the manufacturer or supplier of that product can often be held liable.

Architects and Engineers

Similar to equipment manufacturers, architects and/or engineers may be on the hook if a design flaw leads to an accident or the construction deviates from approved plans.

Why Choose Lehmbecker Law?

Handling a personal injury or workers' compensation claim on your own can be overwhelming. You need a legal team that understands the nuances of these situations and knows how to fight for your interests.

At Lehmbecker Law, we pride ourselves on providing compassionate and effective legal representation to clients in Washington State. You stand to gain the following benefits when you work with our capable team: