Santa Rosa Construction Accident Lawyer
Injured While Working at a Construction Site in Santa Rosa?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction accident in Santa Rosa, California, you need the expertise of an experienced construction accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we are dedicated to representing injured workers throughout California, including Santa Rosa, and have a proven track record of success in handling construction accident cases.
Call (888) 740-6434 or submit an online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Construction Accidents
A construction accident refers to an unexpected event or incident that occurs on a construction site, resulting in injury, property damage, or even fatalities. Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments due to the presence of heavy machinery, equipment, tools, and the nature of the work being performed. Accidents in construction can have severe consequences, including injuries to workers, damage to equipment or structures, delays in project timelines, and financial losses.
Common types of construction accidents include:
- Falls: Falls are one of the most frequent types of accidents in construction. They can occur from elevated work surfaces, such as scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or unguarded edges.
- Struck by Objects: Workers can be struck by various objects on a construction site, including tools, equipment, or materials that fall or are propelled by machinery.
- Caught in/Between: These accidents involve workers getting caught or trapped between heavy equipment, machinery, or objects. Examples include getting caught in moving machinery or between two vehicles.
- Electrical Accidents: Construction sites often involve electrical wiring and equipment. Accidents can occur due to electrical shocks, electrocution, or fires caused by faulty wiring or unsafe practices.
- Machinery Accidents: Heavy machinery like cranes, bulldozers, and excavators are commonly used in construction. Accidents involving these machines can lead to serious injuries if proper safety precautions are not followed.
- Trench and Excavation Accidents: Workers involved in digging trenches or excavations are at risk of cave-ins, which can bury and trap them underground.
- Slips and Trips: Slippery or cluttered surfaces, inadequate lighting, or the presence of debris can lead to slips, trips, and falls on construction sites.
- Chemical and Hazardous Material Exposure: Construction projects often involve the use of chemicals and hazardous materials, which can lead to accidents if not handled correctly, resulting in chemical burns, respiratory problems, or other health issues.
- Structural Failures: These accidents can happen when buildings, bridges, or other structures collapse or fail unexpectedly, potentially causing injuries to workers or bystanders.
- Fires and Explosions: Welding, cutting, and other hot work activities can lead to fires and explosions if not properly managed. These incidents can cause severe burns and property damage.
- Vehicle Accidents: Construction sites typically have a lot of vehicular traffic, including trucks, cranes, and other heavy equipment. Collisions between vehicles or accidents involving pedestrians can occur.
- Material Handling Accidents: Improper lifting techniques or the use of inadequate equipment can lead to musculoskeletal injuries when handling heavy materials.
How We Can Help
We believe that every worker deserves fair treatment and justice when they've suffered an injury on the job site. At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers", our mission is standing up for those who need it most.
Here are some reasons why having an experienced attorney by your side is essential:
- Maximizing Compensation: Our lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available under California's workers' compensation laws. This includes coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, and more.
- Identifying Liability: Determining liability in a construction accident can be complex. We will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all responsible parties, which may include contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners.
- Protecting Your Rights: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. Our legal team is well-versed in handling insurance companies and will fight to protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.
- Handling Appeals: If your workers' compensation claim is denied, our lawyers have the experience to handle appeals and fight for your benefits in court if necessary.
With our team of experienced attorneys on your side, you'll have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction accident in Santa Rosa, our dedicated team is ready and eager to assist with any inquiries or concerns related to workplace injuries. Contact us today at (888) 740-6434 for a free case review.
We have Helped OVER 8,000 CLIENTS aND WE CAN HELP YOU TOO!
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
