Those who work in the construction industry know just how dangerous it can be. If you have worked long enough, you have likely witnessed numerous construction accidents and have possibly been injured yourself.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 150,000 construction workers are injured each year, with injuries ranging from mild cuts and bruises to severe, permanent disabilities or death.
While some of these injuries result from a simple accident, others could have been avoided if not for another party’s negligent actions. If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a construction accident, you need a lawyer you can count on to fight for justice on your behalf.
The Cleveland construction accident attorneys at Slater & Zurz have been helping injured victims for over 30 years. Every construction accident case is different. But you can rest assured knowing we have the knowledge and tenacity to handle even the most complex case. We are unwavering advocates for those injured through no fault of their own and will go above and beyond to get you the medical care and compensation you deserve.
We understand how difficult it can be to deal with the physical and emotional challenges that follow a devastating injury. But we also know a serious accident often takes a significant financial toll on you and your family. For this reason, we handle our Cleveland construction accident cases on contingency. This means you will not pay any up-front fees or owe us anything unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.
Leading Causes of Construction Accidents
The Cleveland area has seen a considerable amount of new construction in recent years, with thousands of apartments being built in the downtown area annually. Unfortunately, with all of the building taking place, construction accidents have become a common occurrence. Our firm has helped countless injured victims recover compensation in a wide variety of job site accident cases involving:
- Falls from heights – Scaffolding collapses, roofing accidents, ladder accidents, stair accidents, and other falls from heights can lead to severe injuries, even fatalities.
- Fires and explosions – Fires and explosions can come without warning. Temporary heating devices, flammable liquids, gas cylinders, electrical malfunctions, and explosives used on-site are common causes of fires and explosions.
- Crane or hoist accidents – Crane accidents are typically due to operator error or lack of proper training. Crane and hoist accident injuries are often caused by contact with a power line, dropped loads, overturned cranes, and boom collapses.
- Electrocution – Electrocution is the third leading cause of death amongst construction workers. They are frequently exposed to live wires or electricity while building or repairing homes or buildings. Contact with overhead power lines, transformers, live wires, and electrical currents while operating tools, appliances, or machinery can lead to severe electrocution injuries.
- Forklift accidents – Construction is one of the leading industries for serious injury forklift accidents. These typically occur when an operator is poorly trained or not paying attention. Common forklift accidents include forklift overturns, falls from forklifts, struck-by accidents, crushed by forklift accidents, and being struck by falling material.
- Gas leaks – Gas leaks are often the result of negligence and can lead to serious, often fatal, injuries. Loss of hearing, severe burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, asphyxia, disfigurement, and brain damage can all result from gas leaks. A leaking gas line can also cause an explosion when the gas is exposed to a spark or flame.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals – Coming in contact with toxins on the job can result in neurological damage, respiratory issues, disorders of the kidney and liver, and even fatal conditions such as cancer and lung disease.
- Trench collapses – Trench collapses are alarmingly common in the construction industry and result in twice the fatalities as in other construction areas. Trenches can cave in when there is improper sloping, unstable soil, or flooding.
- Caught-in and caught-between accidents – Being caught in or between objects or machinery is one of the most common causes of fatal injuries to those working in construction. Workers are crushed, caught, or compressed between two or more objects, resulting in serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, limb amputation, internal bleeding, and death.
Recovering Damages After a Construction Accident Injury
Serious injuries caused by a construction accident can not only leave you with a long road to recovery; it can leave you with a significant financial burden. But under Ohio law, you have the right to seek damages from the party responsible for your injuries. Compensation available to you may include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and other long-term care
- Prescriptions
- Assistive care
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Psychological care
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Wrongful death damages
We recommend speaking with our skilled job site accident lawyers to learn more about the damages you may be able to recover in your Cleveland construction accident injury case.
How Our Cleveland Construction Accident Lawyers Can Help
As a leading personal injury law firm in Cleveland, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to fight expertly on your behalf. Our team of seasoned attorneys has a reputation for being relentless advocates for our clients because we will do everything within our power to get them the compensation they need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially from their accidents.
Our focus is always on our clients. From the beginning, we will make sure you receive the medical care you need to recover as fully as possible from your injuries. While you focus on healing, we will handle every aspect of your case – from performing a detailed investigation into the accident to working with our team of experts to show the extent of your injuries and provide an accurate assessment of your past and future losses. If we cannot achieve a fair settlement through negotiations, we will not hesitate to take the matter to court and fight skillfully to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you sustained injuries while working on a construction site, you need a compassionate yet aggressive legal team on your side. We welcome you to speak to one of our Cleveland personal injury lawyers today. If you cannot come to our office for your free consultation, we will gladly arrange to meet with you at your home or hospital room. Contact Slater & Zurz today by contacting us online or calling (440)557-2861.