Tampa Construction Accident Lawyer
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The Tampa construction accident lawyers at Vanguard Attorneys can help if you or a love one was injured on a construction site in Florida. Our attorneys will advocate aggressively for your right to recovery and help you secure the settlement that you deserve.
Construction sites can be dangerous places. Falling debris, defective equipment, and disregard for safety protocols are only some of the hazards that could lead to a serious accident. If you are injured on a construction site, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
Why Choose Our Tampa Construction Attorneys
- Our Tampa personal injury attorneys have decades of experience representing injured clients throughout the Tampa area. We will guide you through each stage of the claims process.
- We are a smaller boutique law firm with the power and resources of a larger firm. Our Tampa construction accident lawyers will handle all aspects of your case on your behalf, providing you with the personalized attention you deserve.
- If you do not secure a settlement in your construction accident claim, you will not be charged legal fees. Our personal injury law firm takes all cases on a contingency fee basis.
Navigate This Page
- Legal Options for Construction Accident Victims in Tampa, Florida
- What Damages Can I Recover after a Construction Accident?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim?
- Liability in Florida Construction Site Accidents
- Common Injuries in Construction Accidents
- Causes of Construction Accidents
- Contact a Tampa Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Legal Options for Construction Accident Victims in Tampa, Florida
Construction site lawsuits can be very complex, especially if you were an employee of the company at the time of the accident. In these situations, you may be unsure of your rights, responsibilities, and the compensation that you may claim. If you are injured in a construction accident, you can sustain severe hardship. You could pursue compensation for your losses, but your optimal path to recovery will depend on the cause of and circumstances surrounding your construction accident.Workers’ Compensation
If you are an employee of a construction site and suffer injuries while working, your damages are likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. You could pursue a claim under your employer’s insurance provider.Personal Injury Lawsuits
If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, supervisors, and even construction companies could be liable for your damages. You can pursue this claim whether you are a private individual who was on or near the construction site or, in limited circumstances, a construction employee. It can be difficult to know what to do following a construction accident. If you choose to file a workers’ compensation claim, your ability to pursue a lawsuit could be impacted. In these situations, it is important to first consult with a Tampa construction accident attorney at Vanguard Attorneys. Your lawyer can evaluate your case and help you identify your next steps.What Damages Can I Recover after a Construction Accident?
After you have been injured in a construction accident you may have considerable medical bills piling up on top of the everyday expenses of life. If you were seriously injured or disabled by the construction accident and temporarily or permanently unable to work, you may feel overwhelmed and wonder how you will be able to pay off your medical bills. With the help of an experienced Tampa construction accident lawyer at Vanguard Attorneys you can recover compensation for:- Current and future medical expenses
- Disability payments
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Lifestyle changes
- Loss of consortium
- And more
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim?
The statute of limitation in Florida for filing a lawsuit in a construction accident is four years from the date of the accident. While four years may seem like a long time it is important to act sooner rather than later. The more time passes between the accident and filing, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and identify witnesses. For the best possible results, consult a Tampa construction accident attorney as soon as you can after a construction accident so that they can get started fighting for your compensation.Liability in Florida Construction Site Accidents
Determining liability in a construction site accident can be complex as there are several potential individuals and companies that could be found and held accountable for your injuries. Who you can bring a claim against also depends on your relationship with the construction site, whether you are an employee or a contractor, your options will be different.
Employees
If you are injured on a construction site while working, your first course of action should be to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation claims are beneficial because determining fault is not an issue and if your claim is approved, it should cover medical treatment and two-thirds of your average weekly salary. However, workers’ compensation benefits may not cover all of your costs and losses and typically workers cannot sue their employer, even if you were injured on the job. Under some circumstances, you may be able to file a claim. As an employee, you may file a claim against your employer if:- Your employer fires or retaliates against you after you filed your workers’ compensation claim
- Your employer did not have workers’ compensation insurance coverage at the time of your injury
- The insurance company takes an unreasonable amount of time to process your claim and pay your benefits
Non-Employees
Non-employees can be independent contractors or even someone just walking or driving by the site. When you are injured on a construction site and you are not an employee there are a variety of parties that can be found liable. Some liable parties may be:- Equipment manufacturers
- Distributors
- Retailers
- Property owners
- Chemical companies
- Property developers
Common Injuries in Construction Accidents
Victims of construction accidents often sustain very serious and painful injuries. This damage often requires extensive medical treatment, as well as long-term care and disability accommodations. Examples of injuries in construction accidents include the following.- Traumatic brain injuries
- Electrocutions
- Internal organ damage
- Eye injuries and blindness
- Injuries due to toxic exposure
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Suffocation injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis (temporary or permanent)
Causes of Construction Accidents
Construction sites are full of activity and movement. At any given moment there can be many activities occurring simultaneously. Most sites have workers using power tools, heavy machinery moving building materials or earth, or workers working at great heights on scaffolding. Given the many workplace hazards, there is a multitude of ways that a person can be injured on a construction site. Some causes of construction site accidents include:- Slip and falls
- Burns (chemical, electrical, or heat)
- Defective or unsafe equipment
- Lack of proper training
- Health hazards (like asbestos)
- Scaffolding falls
- Struck by falling or moving machinery
- Caught between materials, objects, or machines
- Repetitive motion
- Trench collapses
- Vehicle accidents
- And more