Construction workers have a higher risk of sustaining serious injuries compared to workers in many other industries. These injuries can leave victims incapacitated and unable to perform the same work activities they did previously. During this difficult time, talking to a licensed lawyer can be an important step as you consider legal options.
The Richmond construction accident lawyers at Geoff McDonald and Associates have been helping injury victims in Virginia pursue fair compensation for over 25 years. We have obtained more than $400 million in compensation and our founder Geoff McDonald’s cases have resulted in over 200 written opinions, including 46 Court of Appeals or Workers’ Compensation Commission opinions.
Our attorneys are prepared to discuss your claim in a free consultation. If you have a valid claim and hire us, there will be no fees unless we obtain fair compensation for your claim.
Free Consultation. Ph: 804-203-0678.
How Do I Know if I Have a Case?
There are several factors to consider when determining your eligibility to pursue compensation for a construction accident. This is something a knowledgeable construction accident lawyer from our firm can discuss with you in your free consultation.
Some of the factors our lawyers may want to consider include:
- Location of the accident
- Working conditions at the site
- Equipment or machinery used on the site
- Employer or contractor you worked for
- All parties responsible for managing the site
To find out if you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits or other forms of compensation, contact our Richmond construction accident attorneys today.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Construction Accident Injuries?
When pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death case, you must prove the accident was caused by the negligence of another party. Liable parties could include:
- Construction site owners could potentially be held liable for any injuries that were caused by dangerous conditions they should have been aware of.
- Construction site managers are responsible for properly hiring and training qualified individuals and making sure they are complying with safety requirements enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- General contractors are often responsible for the conditions on a construction site. They have a responsibility for the work they perform and the area they are working in.
- Subcontractors may be brought in for a minor part of the construction project, however, they too have an obligation to perform their duties in a safe manner to help prevent harm to others.
- Architects and engineers are responsible for designing plans that are safe without any major flaws that may put workers in harm’s way.
- Manufacturers and suppliers could be held liable for defects in machinery, tools and equipment.
Call us to discuss your claim at 804-203-0678 anytime 24/7.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover?
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to pursue multiple forms of compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits provide compensation for any medical bills along with a portion of lost wages for missed time at work. Workers’ compensation may also provide financial support to dependents if a loved one was killed in a construction accident.
Sometimes a construction accident victim will have the opportunity to seek additional compensation from a third party. For example, if your accident was caused by a defective machine, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of the machine.
In a third-party claim, you can pursue compensation for past, present and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, which may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
In a case involving a wrongful death, the surviving dependents may be compensated for funeral and burial costs, lost wages from the deceased person missing work, loss of future income the deceased person could have earned and any medical expenses incurred by the family before the time of death.
Accurately calculating the value of your claim is something an experienced Richmond construction accident lawyer can help you with, if you have a viable claim.
Call 804-203-0678 to speak to a licensed construction accident attorney about your claim.
When Do I Have to Report My Injury?
You could be denied workers’ compensation benefits if you do not report your injury to your employer within 30 days after the accident date, or 30 days from the date your doctor diagnoses you with a work-related injury.
Your employer has only 10 days to file a required First Report of Injury (FROI) with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
If your claim is accepted, you should receive an Award Agreement from the insurer with an explanation of your benefits. If the award is not granted, you may be able to file an appeal or a personal injury claim against a third party responsible for your injuries. Personal injury claims generally have a two-year deadline, however, there may be exceptions.
After reporting your injury, consider contacting the Richmond construction accident attorneys at Geoff McDonald and Associates for a free consultation. We may be able to help you recover compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Different Types of Construction Accident Claims
After a construction accident, there are a few different types of claims injured workers may be able to file:
Workers’ Compensation Claim
Most workers in the state of Virginia are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help pay for medical expenses and disability for missed time from work. Unlike a personal injury claim, you do not have to prove negligence was involved.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If your employer does carry workers’ compensation, you will most likely not be able to file a personal injury claim against them. However, if your construction accident was the result of negligence by a third party, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the third party, in addition to receiving workers’ compensation.
Wrongful Death Claim
In the unfortunate event of a death from a construction accident, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. Funeral and burial costs, medical expenses and lost wages are all possible forms of compensation that may be obtained from this type of claim.
Non-Employee Claim
Construction accidents may sometimes involve non-employees such as pedestrians or drivers who may be traveling near the construction site. For example, these claims may arise when:
- A passerby suffers from a slip and fall accident
- A pedestrian is struck by a construction vehicle
- A pedestrian or vehicle is struck by falling debris or material
Schedule your free case review today with a Richmond construction accident attorney at Geoff McDonald & Associates. Call us at 804-203-0678 anytime.
Ways a Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
There could be many ways our Richmond construction accident lawyers may be able to assist you, including filing documents, investigating the accident, negotiating for fair compensation, communicating with insurance companies, preparing for trial, and investigating parties involved in the construction site for past instances of negligence.
If you have questions about whether you may have a case and how we may be able to assist you, feel free to contact us for a free consultation. This confidential meeting comes with no obligation to take legal action.
We are here to answer your questions.
Common Construction Accidents
There are various ways a construction worker can suffer a serious injury on the job:
- Vehicle accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falling from heights
- Electrocutions
- Caught in-between objects
- Overexertion
- Fires and explosions
- Falling material, equipment or debris
- Trench collapses
- Scaffolding accidents
- Chemical exposure
Costly Injuries from Construction Accidents
When construction accidents happen, the resulting injuries can be severe, life-changing, and costly. Our firm represents clients with many types of serious injuries, including but not limited to:
- Fractures: The force and impact of falls, heavy machinery, or falling objects can easily result in fractures. Broken bones require immediate medical attention and often necessitate surgery to properly set and heal. The costs associated with treating and rehabilitating broken bones can quickly add up, including medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and loss of income during recovery.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): This common yet serious injury occurs when a sudden blow or jolt to the head causes damage to the brain. TBIs can often result in long-term cognitive impairments. Treating TBIs requires ongoing medical care, including rehabilitation and therapy. The expenses associated with TBI treatment can be substantial, as they often involve long-term care and multiple specialists.
- Spinal cord injuries: These happen when the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The cost of treating spinal cord injuries can be astronomical, not to mention the devastating impact on the injured individual’s quality of life. Rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications are just a few of the ongoing expenses associated with spinal cord injury recovery.
- Burns: Whether from electrical accidents, explosions, or other sources, burns can be serious and painful injuries that require traumatic and lengthy treatment in burn centers. Even with numerous procedures, many burn victims have permanent scarring and disfigurement that can have lasting mental and emotional effects.
In addition to the immediate costs of treating these injuries, our attorneys always consider the long-term effects. Some injuries can result in permanent disabilities, preventing construction workers from returning to their jobs or engaging in activities they once enjoyed. This can lead to a loss of income, emotional distress, and a significant decline in overall quality of life.
Our Richmond construction accident attorneys seek compensation for your current losses and estimated future effects on your life. We understand the impact of severe injuries and fight for your future losses, as well.
Contact a Richmond Construction Accident Lawyer Today
The attorneys at Geoff McDonald and Associates have many years of combined experience and a history of results – more than $400 million recovered on behalf of our clients. We are prepared to help you pursue full compensation for your injuries.
The consultation with our attorneys is free and there are no upfront fees for hiring us to represent you. We do not get paid unless you do.
We have the experience and legal knowledge to thoroughly investigate and build a robust case on your behalf. We understand how important compensation can be as you look to move forward and obtain adequate treatment for your injuries.
Our Richmond office is located at 8720 Stony Point Parkway Suite #250, which is just down the road from the VCU Medical Center.
Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-203-0678.
Virginia Construction Accident FAQs
After a construction accident in Richmond, you likely have many questions about your legal rights and options. Below are some common questions we hear at Geoff McDonald and Associates. To discuss your specific concerns, please reach out to schedule a free consultation.
What Should I Do After a Construction Accident?
After a construction accident, the first and most important step is to prioritize your physical health. Seek medical attention immediately, which can stabilize your injuries and create timely medical records to present as part of your claim.
Do I Really Need a Construction Accident Attorney?
Many people wonder if they can save money by forgoing a construction accident law firm and trying to handle their own claims. In reality, those with the right legal representation regularly walk away with greater financial recovery than those without.
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Lawsuit?
Virginia has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims of two years, which applies to construction accident injuries. This means you have two years from the date of your injury or when you discover you were injured, if later. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss any lawsuit you file, no matter how strong your case might be.
How Much Does a Construction Accident Attorney Cost?
It’s understandable that you are concerned about cost in the face of medical bills and other injury-related losses, but you do not have to be. Our firm takes injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we obtain compensation for you.