Cambridge Construction Accident Attorneys

Construction sites are inherently dangerous environments. Workers are regularly exposed to hazards from heavy machinery to towering scaffolding, which can lead to severe accidents and injuries. While the construction industry is heavily regulated to promote safety, accidents still occur far too often, leaving victims to deal with life-altering injuries and significant financial burdens. Our Cambridge construction accident attorneys are here to help you now.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of construction accident cases in Cambridge, MA. Whether you’re a construction worker injured on the job, a contractor, or a passerby hurt by a construction-related incident, our experienced Cambridge personal injury attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Construction accidents can happen in various ways, often involving multiple parties and different safety violations. Some of the most common types of construction accidents include:

• Falls from Heights: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in construction. Workers often work on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and other elevated areas. If proper safety measures, such as harnesses or guardrails, are not in place, the risk of falling increases significantly.
• Falling Objects: Tools, building materials, and debris can fall from elevated workspaces, injuring workers or pedestrians below. Hard hats offer some protection, but when heavy objects fall from significant heights, they can cause severe head and neck injuries or even death.
• Equipment Accidents: Construction sites rely on heavy machinery, such as cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts. Equipment accidents can occur due to operator error, mechanical failure, or improper maintenance. These accidents can result in crushing injuries, broken bones, or amputations.
• Electrocution: Many construction sites involve electrical work, and workers are often exposed to live wires, faulty wiring, or power lines. Electrocution can cause severe burns, nerve damage, and even death.
• Scaffolding Collapses: Scaffolding is necessary for most construction sites, allowing workers to reach elevated areas. However, if scaffolding is not constructed correctly, secured, or maintained, it can collapse, leading to severe injuries or fatalities for workers and others nearby.
• Trench Collapses: Construction work that involves digging trenches for foundation work, sewer systems, or pipelines is particularly dangerous. A trench can collapse unexpectedly, trapping workers beneath tons of earth and debris.
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Construction workers may be exposed to hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead, or chemicals used on the job. Prolonged exposure can lead to long-term health issues, including respiratory diseases, cancer, or chemical burns.
• Vehicle Accidents: Construction vehicles and equipment often share roadways with public traffic. Workers may be struck by vehicles entering the construction zone, or accidents can occur when construction vehicles are improperly operated.

Determining liability in a construction accident can be complex because many parties may be involved, including property owners, contractors, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers. Massachusetts law allows injured workers to seek compensation through various legal avenues, including workers' compensation claims and third-party liability lawsuits.

• Workers' Compensation: In Massachusetts, workers' compensation laws ensure that injured workers receive benefits regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This coverage includes medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. Workers’ compensation provides vital financial support for injured workers but does not cover damages for pain and suffering.

However, workers' compensation is limited to employers and only applies if the injured worker was hurt on the job and the injury was work-related. Additionally, while workers' compensation prohibits workers from suing their employer for additional damages, it does not prevent them from pursuing third-party liability claims.

• Third-Party Liability: In many construction accidents, a third party other than the employer may be responsible for the injury. These parties can include subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. A third-party liability lawsuit can be filed if someone other than the employer was negligent in causing the accident. Compensation from a third-party claim can include additional damages, such as pain and suffering, beyond what workers’ compensation offers.

Common examples of third-party claims include:

• • A subcontractor’s failure to follow safety protocols resulted in injury.
  • A manufacturer is producing defective machinery that causes an accident.
  • A property owner fails to provide a safe environment for workers or visitors.
• Product Liability: If faulty equipment or machinery caused the injury, the injured party may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. This type of claim can be brought under several legal theories, including negligence, strict liability, and breach of warranty.
• General Contractor or Site Manager Liability: General contractors and site managers must maintain a safe working environment for all workers. This includes ensuring that all workers are adequately trained, that safety protocols are followed, and that the site is free from known hazards. If a contractor or site manager fails to meet these obligations and an accident occurs, they may be liable for injuries.

Suppose you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Cambridge, MA. In that case, there are several essential steps you should take to protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should always be the top priority. Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries and keep detailed records of your treatment, diagnoses, and expenses.
• Report the Accident: Notify your employer or site supervisor about the accident immediately. This is critical for workers’ compensation claims, as failure to report the injury promptly can jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.
• Document the Scene: If you can, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
• Consult an Attorney: Construction accident cases can be complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and determine the best action to recover compensation.
• File a Claim: Depending on the circumstances of your accident, your attorney may help you file a workers' compensation claim, a third-party lawsuit, or both. Massachusetts has specific deadlines for filing claims, so acting quickly to protect your legal rights is essential.

Victims of construction accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Potential compensation may include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other medical treatments related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injury, including future lost wages if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability.
• Disability Benefits: Workers who are permanently disabled due to injuries may be entitled to permanent disability benefits.
• Pain and Suffering: In third-party liability claims, victims can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury affects your ability to return to work or earn the same income level, you may be entitled to compensation for the diminished earning capacity.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one was killed in a construction accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we understand construction workers' challenges when dealing with serious injuries. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers and holding negligent parties accountable. We have successfully represented clients in Cambridge and throughout Massachusetts, helping them recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

We offer free consultations to discuss your case, and you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers today to schedule your consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us for a free consultation at (617)-777-7777.