There are a wide variety of potential construction and work site injuries. Scaffold collapse is one of the major causes, while falls, falling objects and forklifts account for most other construction and work site injuries. Any number of parties could be held liable for your injuries depending on how the accident happened, including the manufacturer of the equipment, general contractors and subcontractors. In addition to having served as chairman of the Construction Law Section for the San Antonio Bar Association, Jon has represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors and injured workers in all kinds of construction injuries including scaffolding collapses, premises defects and falls. He knows how to work through the insurance issues to achieve the maximum recoveries possible for you.

Some of the issues you can face in these types of cases are:


Workers Compensation

is a primary issue in these types of cases. Jon coordinates with the workers compensation insurance company to see that you get the correct health care as well as the benefits you are owed. When the case is resolved, Jon will go back to the workers compensation insurance company to negotiate a lower pay-back rate, and he will ensure that your lost pay is calculated correctly.


Third parties

companies other than your employer - can sometimes be at fault for your injuries. It is important to find out whether the person who caused your injuries works for another employer. If so, there may be separate liability and claims involving multiple employers.


Work site safety

involves more than a poster promoting safe practices. It requires a number of policies and practices to ensure that you and all employees on site are protected from accidents and injuries as much as possible. A general contractor may not be managing the work site properly or there may be a premises defect. If the owner is aware of the premises defect, that creates additional liability.

Call Jon if you have experienced the following types of construction and work site accidents:

SCAFFOLD COLLAPSE INJURIES

Scaffold safety is regulated by OSHA and scaffold companies have training courses in which they certify companies and people who set up and maintain scaffolding. Scaffolds can become dangerous for a variety of reasons, including the following:

  • When cross braces are removed from the scaffolding and not put back;
  • When small gauge wire or improper clamps are used to secure the scaffolding to the building;
  • When the scaffold inspection is not conducted before each use and the inspection sticker is not filled out, and
  • When various other pieces of proper scaffolding are missing such as toe boards, ladders and doors

FORKLIFT INJURIES

Many forklift injuries result in amputations, which can be caused by:

  • Improper loading
  • No safety boots
  • Inexperienced operators
  • Areas not roped off
  • Inadequate warnings
  • Improper supervision during use

FALLS

Falls are a common cause of injuries at work sites. Causes include:

  • Falls from roofs and beams due to improper protections, such as missing harnesses
  • Falls from construction elevators that weren't properly attached

FALLING OBJECTS

The primary issues involved with injuries caused by falling objects are:

  • Whether the area was properly fenced off
  • Whether all workers and visitors wear hard hats
  • Whether adequate warnings were posted

TRENCH COLLAPSE

Trenches are used at most work sites and can be the cause of serious injuries. Some of the causes include:

  • Collapses due to improper bracing
  • Inhalation of toxic fumes due to lack of or improper soils testing