Sacramento Construction Accident Lawyers
Construction Injury Attorneys in Sacramento
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, and the risk of injury is high. Construction workers face numerous hazards and dangers at the job site, from falls from ladders and scaffolding to being hit by falling objects or equipment, and even being electrocuted. If you were injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
At Pacific Workers’, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, our Sacramento construction accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the claims process and fight for the benefits you are owed. With over 130 years of combined experience, our team knows how to win for our clients.
Get started with a free initial consultation; call us at (888) 740-6434or fill out and submit an online contact formtoday.
What Are the Most Common Construction Accidents?
A construction accident refers to an unplanned and undesirable event that occurs during construction activities, leading to injury, damage, or loss. These accidents can happen at construction sites and involve various factors, including human error, equipment malfunctions, or environmental hazards.
Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. They are often filled with heavy machinery, power tools, and other equipment that can cause serious harm if not used properly. Additionally, construction workers frequently work from heights, which can increase the risk of falls. As such, many different types of accidents can occur on construction sites.
Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls: Falls from heights, such as scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops, are a prevalent type of construction accident.
- Struck-by Objects: Workers may be injured by objects falling or being thrown from higher levels, such as tools, materials, or equipment.
- Electrocutions: Construction sites often involve electrical work, and accidents can occur when workers come into contact with live wires or faulty electrical equipment.
- Caught in/Between: This category includes accidents where a worker is caught, crushed, or compressed between objects or machinery.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Uneven surfaces, wet conditions, or clutter can contribute to slips, trips, and falls on construction sites.
- Machinery Accidents: Injuries can result from operating heavy machinery, including cranes, bulldozers, and excavators.
- Collapse or Structural Failures: Buildings, scaffolding, or other structures may collapse, leading to injuries for workers on or near the construction site.
- Chemical Accidents: Exposure to hazardous materials or chemicals can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Fire and Explosions: Construction sites may involve welding, cutting, or other activities that can pose a risk of fires or explosions.
- Repetitive Motion Injuries: Prolonged and repetitive tasks can result in musculoskeletal injuries over time.
Can I Sue for a Construction Accident?
If you are a construction worker who was injured on the job, you are generally not able to sue your employer for your injuries. This is because most employers in California are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees who are hurt at work or who develop work-related medical conditions.
Under California law, almost all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is intended to provide benefits to employees who are injured at work or who develop work-related medical conditions. In exchange for these benefits, employees generally cannot sue their employers for their injuries, except in certain cases of defective equipment or toxic substances.
However, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party if their negligence caused or contributed to your construction accident. For example, if you were injured in a scaffolding accident that was caused by a defective part, you may be able to sue the manufacturer. If you were injured in an auto accident while working as a construction worker, you may be able to sue the other driver for their negligence.
Our Sacramento construction accident lawyers can help you determine if you have grounds for a third-party personal injury lawsuit in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.
What is Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?
If you were injured in a construction accident, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages while you are out of work. If your injury is severe enough to leave you disabled, you may also be entitled to additional benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits in California typically include:
- Medical care and treatment
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Supplemental job displacement benefits
- Death benefits
It is important to note that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that you are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for your accident. In other words, you can still claim workers’ compensation if you made a mistake that caused your accident and injuries.
How Our Sacramento Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Pacific Workers’, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we understand how confusing and stressful the workers’ compensation claims process can be. That is why our Sacramento construction accident lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
Our team can assist you in filing your initial claim and will make sure you meet all necessary deadlines. We can help you gather the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim and will represent you in all hearings and proceedings with your employer’s insurance company and the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
Our team is prepared to help you with all aspects of your workers’ compensation claim, including:
- Initial filing
- Appeals
- Benefit denials
- Benefit reductions
- Settlements
We are committed to providing you with the personalized legal representation you deserve. Our firm will take the time to understand the unique details of your situation and your goals, and we will work to build a strong case on your behalf.
Call us at (888) 740-6434or contact us online today to get started with a free consultation.
We have Helped OVER 8,000 CLIENTS aND WE CAN HELP YOU TOO!
-
Thank you for being so kind and completely sympathetic to my case!
“I started my fight against my company's workers comp and after talking to Almarie for the first time I already felt a lot of weight off my shoulders. It feels nice to have someone fighting for your rights but also keeping you in check for your own good.”
Jazzie D. Daly City, CA -
They took care of me!
“Bilal worked on my case and he was very professional, friendly, and kind to me. I was so nervous about my deposition and he made me feel very comfortable and less stressed about the whole situation.”
Gabi O. Sacramento, CA -
The most down to earth team I have ever met!
“They have strong communication and I was respected throughout the whole process. They had never given up on me!”
Nekealla C. Tracy, CA -
I'm forever grateful & thankful to all!
“I especially want to thank Mr. Jason Insdorf, who worked in attaining a settlement I never expected.”
L.S. Union City, CA
Workers' Comp FAQ
-
Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
In California, all employees are eligible for workers’ compensation with very few exceptions. If you are classified as an “employee” (rather than an “independent contractor”), you are eligible to receive benefits. This is true regardless of how many employees your employer has, how many hours you work, how much you make, whether you work part-time or full-time, or whether you are a seasonal worker. Additionally, undocumented workers are also eligible for workers’ compensation granted they meet all other eligibility requirements. In contrast, independent contractors and certain other workers, including some volunteers, household workers who are employed by a family member, and others, are not able to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
-
Can't I Just File for Workers' Compensation on My Own?
Filing for workers' compensation on your own increases the chances that your claim will be denied. One small misstep can prevent you from obtaining the compensation you need for your injuries. In addition, the process is usually complex and tedious, especially for someone with no workers' compensation law experience. It is extremely advantageous that you seek reliable and experienced legal guidance for your claim.
-
What Can I Expect from the Workers' Compensation Process?
As soon as you reach out to us for help, we will assign you a full-time case manager and attorney. An application will be filed with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) on your behalf. We will get started on your case immediately to help you receive the medical care you need. If we are unable to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company, we are ready and willing to take your case to trial. After a few months, you will most likely give a deposition. One of our highly experienced attorneys will prepare you and stand at your side the entire time. You don't even have to attend court hearings! One of our trained hearing officers or attorneys can attend on your behalf.
-
Can My Employer Tell Me to Use Sick Time or Vacation/Personal Time off (PTO) If I’m Injured at Work?
Following a work-related injury, you may not receive workers’ compensation benefits right away or your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. You may receive a note from your doctor that you may take time off work due to your injuries, but how will you be paid if you are not actively seeking workers’ compensation benefits? Your employer may tell you to use your state-mandated/employer-provided sick time in order to continue being paid while you are out of work. Once this sick time is exhausted, your employer may tell you that the only way you can continue to be paid is if you use your vacation or PTO time. In some cases, this may actually be the only way to continue receiving wages while you are out of work and not receiving workers’ compensation benefits. For more information, check out our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on this topic by visiting our Facebook page!
-
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation If I Was Fired?
If you were terminated while already receiving workers’ compensation benefits, this does not necessarily affect your right to receive benefits. However, if you were terminated “for cause” (for example, if you were fired because you were caught stealing from your employer), you will not be able to continue collecting benefits. If you were not fired for cause, but were laid off due to your position being terminated or various other reasons, you may still be able to continue collecting your workers’ compensation benefits. If you believe you were terminated because you filed for workers’ compensation or because you were hurt at work, you may have grounds for a retaliation claim. Learn more, including whether you can continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits if you were laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic, see our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on our Facebook page.
