It’s no secret that construction sites can be some of the most dangerous workplaces in America. Every day, workers navigate dynamic environments filled with heavy machinery, open trenches, scaffolding, high-voltage lines, and countless other hazards. Add in tight deadlines and multiple contractors working side by side, and it’s no surprise that construction accidents are among the most catastrophic and life-changing on-the-job injuries.

Unfortunately, the legal road to fair compensation isn’t always straightforward. Worker’s compensation laws and statutory employer provisions can severely limit an injured worker’s or their family’s right to pursue a lawsuit in civil court. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights and work with a legal team that knows how to cut through the red tape.

At Silverman Thompson, our attorneys have spent decades fighting for injured construction workers and their families. We know the ins and outs of the complex laws, safety regulations, and contractual webs that surround these cases.

We know how to hold the right parties accountable. Learn more about how we can help in a construction accident here.

 

What Kinds of Construction Accidents Do We Handle?

 

Our firm has handled a wide range of serious and fatal construction accident cases, including:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops
• Forklift crashes and heavy equipment collisions
• Trench collapses due to inadequate shoring
• Highway worker fatalities in active traffic zones
• Electrical explosions and high-voltage shocks
• Crane tip-overs and dropped loads

One key factor in many cases is identifying responsible parties beyond your direct employer, such as general contractors, site owners, equipment suppliers, or other negligent third parties. In states where worker’s compensation may bar lawsuits against your employer, this step is crucial.

 

 

Why OSHA Violations Matter

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces safety standards that should protect workers on construction sites. When an accident occurs, our attorneys look closely at whether OSHA standards were ignored or violated.

Common OSHA violations that lead to injuries include:

• Poor fall protection and unsafe scaffolding
• Improper ladder use
• Unsafe trenching or excavation
• Electrical hazards
• Lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE)

While an OSHA investigation is separate from any personal injury lawsuit, its findings can be invaluable evidence of negligence, especially when third parties are involved.

 

 

Who’s Responsible? Understanding Contractor and Subcontractor Duties

 

Construction sites often involve multiple layers of responsibility. General contractors usually have an overarching duty to keep the jobsite safe, but subcontractors must also follow safety rules to protect their workers and others.

When something goes wrong, liability may fall on several parties, depending on:

• Who controlled the area where the accident occurred
• Who supplied the faulty equipment
• Whether safety problems were ignored
• Contractual agreements and insurance coverage

Our attorneys know how to untangle these overlapping duties and pursue every possible avenue for recovery.

 

 

How Silverman Thompson Can Help

 

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured on a construction site, don’t assume worker’s compensation is your only option. Our attorneys have a proven record of success handling complex construction accident claims, including significant recoveries such as:

• $3 million for a worker’s fatal fall from height
• $1.6 million for a seriously injured construction worker
• $750,000 for a pedestrian struck by a forklift on-site
• $400,000 for a bystander injured in a trench fall

We have the resources and trial experience to go toe-to-toe with large contractors, insurers, and site owners. Our team works with top safety experts and investigators to build strong cases and overcome the obstacles that often stand in the way.

 

 

Reach out to a Construction Accident Attorney

 

Your rights shouldn’t be buried under layers of legal red tape. If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, reach out for a free consultation with our team at Silverman Thompson. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us toll-free at 800.385.2243 or contact us online to get started.