Construction Accident Lawyer in Gainesville

104 N. Main Street, Suite 500
Gainesville, FL 32601
  • The Fee Is Free Unless You Win®.
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  • Protecting Families Since 1988
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The attorneys featured above are licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.

Construction Accident Lawyers

Gainesville, Florida, is a fast-growing town that has seen record population growth of over 13.5% in the past decade. Of course, the reasons are many, such as being inclusive of diversity, highly rated public schools, low crime, and an affordable cost of living. A growing population goes hand in hand with the need for new construction. Unfortunately, construction remains one of the most dangerous professions to work in for many reasons. 

Work-related injuries are not uncommon; however, the construction industry accounts for a disproportionate amount of accidents. While some view construction work as inherently dangerous and thus, accidents are just part of the trade, many accidents are preventable. Employers who cut corners on safety regulations should be held accountable for their failure to protect workers. The Gainesville, FL construction accident lawyers at Morgan and Morgan are here to help construction workers who get injured on the job due to negligence, whether it be from an employer, coworker, or contractor. 

What Are the Leading Causes of Construction Accidents?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites four leading causes of construction worker deaths. Falls, electrocutions, being caught in or between objects, and being struck by objects are the reason for more than half of construction worker fatalities. While construction accident claims are difficult to navigate, our attorneys are prepared to fight for your rights as a construction accident victim.

Falls - Construction often requires workers to engage in labor that takes place at dangerous heights, such as on ladders and scaffolding. Employers should make sure workers are properly trained on how to safely use portable ladders and make sure the equipment isn't defective. Scaffolding should be regularly inspected to ensure it's stable, and workers should be sufficiently trained to maneuver safely. Another reason why falls happen at construction sites is a lack of guardrails, safety nets, and fall arrest systems around unprotected openings and edges. Employers should be vigilant in their efforts to make sure workers are safe while working at dangerous heights.

Getting caught between objects - If a worker is caught between objects, they can easily be crushed, pinched, squeezed, or even buried in a collapsed excavation site. When machinery is used in an unsafe manner, the machinery can tip over and crush the operator or a nearby coworker. Furthermore, if machinery isn't locked down during repair, it can accidentally turn on and pull in an unsuspecting worker's clothing or body parts, causing severe injuries. Machinery that isn't adequately maintained can also cause terrible accidents if it malfunctions and causes a worker to become ensnared. When a worker is caught between objects, the results can be catastrophic and require costly, long-term medical care, cause permanent disability, or even wrongful death.

Getting struck by objects - Struck-by-object accidents can occur for many reasons since construction work often requires workers to work at heights. Fellow workers below them can be in danger of getting hit by falling tools, debris, or construction materials. When performing remodeling or repair jobs, workers can encounter situations where they are hit by a collapsing roof, unsecured lighting fixtures, or beams. A worker could get struck by heavy equipment such as a crane or a truck while on a construction site. Construction work often involves a lot of hard labor that requires prying, pulling, and pushing. If the material comes loose abruptly, the worker could be in danger of getting struck by the airborne debris. Constructing masonry or concrete walls can be particularly dangerous because of the immense weight that needs to be supported. If a jack or lifting equipment fails, workers are vulnerable to getting struck by heavy materials.  

Electrocution - Electrical workers who get electrocuted on the job usually do so through direct or indirect contact with live electrical equipment and wiring. Failing to de-energize, use lockout/tagout procedures, or protect power lines can have deadly consequences. Maintaining clearance distances from power lines is crucial, especially for other workers without electrical safety training. The leading cause of electrocution among non-electrical workers in contact with power tools, portable lighting, defective power and extension cords, machinery, and appliances. Regular inspection of tools and power cords, along with proper training, should be a top priority among employers. Following electrical safety protocols should be standard on the construction site to prevent needless electrical injuries and deaths. 

Highway construction accidents - Construction on and near highways leaves workers at risk of being hit by vehicles. Having no protection other than a hard hat can result in devastating injuries. While drivers should be responsible for maintaining safe speeds and distances, highway construction workers also rely on their employers to make sure construction site signs and traffic control are adequately in place.  

Inadequate communication of hazards - More than 200,000 non-fatal injuries and 900 fatalities are reported in the construction industry every year in the U.S. We've already established that the four leading causes of construction injuries are falls, electrocutions, and being caught in or between objects, and being struck by objects. However, poor communication of hazards is also dangerous for workers. The common causes of poor safety communication boil down to a few issues. Failure to get safety training, fear of employer backlash if a worker discovers unsafe conditions, and not recognizing correct practices. It's essential for employers to make sure their employees understand and practice safety on the worksite and are free to point out unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

Lack of respiratory protection - The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that exposure to crystalline silica dust during construction can cause a severe or fatal respiratory disease called silicosis. People who develop silicosis are also vulnerable to developing tuberculosis. Concrete and masonry products, which are major materials in construction, are the primary sources of exposure. The dust can be released during activities such as demolition, pressurized air blowing, chipping, hammering, drilling, and grinding. Employers should make sure workers have the proper respiratory protection and warn workers of the dangers of silica dust as well as use dust control systems. 

Powered industrial trucks -  Commonly known as forklifts, powered industrial trucks are used to move materials on a construction site. Pedestrian workers can be run over, crushed, or caught between a falling load. It's a violation of Federal law to operate a forklift without proper training and requires certification. If an unqualified operator injures a worker, the employer should be responsible for allowing this breach of standards. 

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Morgan & Morgan

  • What Should You Do if You've Been Injured in the Construction Industry?

    When you're injured on the job in the construction industry, there are important steps to take to ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve. 

    1. Report the injury to your supervisor
    2. Tell your doctor that the injuries are work-related
    3. Give your employer written notice of the injury
    4. Keep a record of missed work and all expenses related to the injury
    5. Call Morgan and Morgan construction accident lawyers
       
  • What Can Gainesville, FL Construction Accident Lawyers Do for Me?

    Morgan and Morgan construction accident lawyers will aggressively protect your legal rights and work to get you the compensation you need for medical care and other expenses resulting from your injury. Our law firm was established because of an on-the-job injury. Our founder's brother was critically injured while on the job and was subsequently mistreated and woefully under-compensated by his employer, which was an enormous company. Because of this, John Morgan decided to go into law so that he could help others. Our construction accident lawyers will fight hard to make sure you get the means to recover and ensure you and your family are set up for long-term success. 

    Here is how we bring value to the table for your construction accident claim:

    Establish credibility - It's all too common for victims of construction accidents to have their workers' compensation claim denied. The insurance company may argue that you weren't hurt on the job and, therefore, they are not responsible. This is a common tactic to make you "go away." Or they may draw out the process, hoping you'll give up and move on. When Morgan and Morgan construction accident attorneys represent you, you'll have the confidence to fight back against these tactics. By having your own legal counsel, the insurance company will come to realize you mean business and aren't going to settle for less than what you deserve. We believe nobody should suffer uncompensated for someone else's negligence.

    Quicker results - We work with you to make sure critical deadlines aren't missed, making the process smoother and quicker. Since we know how the system works, you don't have to worry about making the wrong move that will impact how quickly you can start receiving benefits. 

    We take over communications - When you're injured on the job, the last thing you want to do is be on the phone all the time with the insurance company. You might say the wrong thing, which can impact your ability to get compensation. Remember, the insurance company's goal is to make sure you get as little as possible. That's why it's crucial to have a professional on your side. You should be able to recover in peace while we handle the grueling back and forth of negotiations. 

    Determining calculations - Of course, we know you would like to receive as much compensation as possible, and that's what we mean to get you. However, it has to be a reasonable amount with evidence to back it up. That's where our skills can help. We determine based upon the evidence how much to ask for, including things like:

    • Medical expenses
    • Future medical expenses
    • Lost wages
    • Pain and suffering (if the injury was caused by a third party, such as faulty equipment)
    • How your quality of life has been affected

    Build a strong case - Building a case requires strong evidence. When we build a case, we'll review medical records, reports, witness statements, and any other evidence we find, such as security footage, to prove your injury happened on the job. We also look for any history of your employer endangering workers through unsafe practices. If there is a pattern, this only helps to bolster your claim. 

  • Contact Gainesville, FL construction accident lawyers 

    At Morgan and Morgan, we understand labor and workers' compensation laws. In fact, we handle more labor claims than most law firms do. As previously stated, we were founded on the passionate belief that workers injured on the job should be treated fairly, and employers are held accountable for negligent actions or inaction. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation. 

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“I was in a difficult situation when I was injured by a faulty product. I was hesitant to seek legal help but with the help of Morgan & Morgan, they made the process easy. They took immediate action and got me the compensation I deserved. I couldn't have done it without them. I highly recommend their services.” Estate of Patricia Allen v. RJ Reynolds, et al. | 2014


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