Pawleys Island Construction Injury Lawyer

Pawleys Island Construction Injury Attorney

Construction work is an inherently dangerous job. It is one of the main professions susceptible to injury. When proper safety protocols are not in place or followed, it increases the chances of a serious or fatal injury occurring. If you or someone you know suffered a construction injury, especially due to the negligence of another person or party, a Pawleys Island construction injury lawyer can help you seek the personal injury compensation you deserve.

Understanding Construction Injuries

Construction accidents happen in a split second and can lead to life-altering injuries. Whether caused by a fall, machine malfunction, electrocution, scaffolding collapse, or exposure to hazardous materials, construction injuries can cause serious harm and long-term disability. Understanding construction injury regulations is crucial for ensuring your legal protection.

In South Carolina, the Workers’ Compensation Act offers financial benefits to employees who get hurt at work, covering medical bills and a portion of lost wages. While workers’ comp provides a level of financial support, it does not account for pain and suffering.

However, when an accident involves a third party, workers’ comp is not the appropriate avenue for filing a claim in Pawleys Island. For instance, third-party claims may be filed against subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners whose negligence played a role in the accident. In these claims, you may be able to claim pain and suffering.

Who May Be at Fault for a Construction Accident

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that there were 5,283 fatal work injuries in 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that construction had the highest worker fatalities of any industry in 2023 at 1,075 deaths. This was 37.5% of injuries. These injuries and deaths can occur for a number of reasons, with a number of possibilities on who is at fault. Possible liable parties include:

• Employers. When an employer fails to follow proper safety protocols or provide a safe environment, it increases the risk of injury. When an injury happens as a result, an employer can be held liable.
• Manufacturers. If an injury is caused by a defective product, the manufacturer can be held liable for the injury.
• Subcontractors. Subcontractors could hold responsibility if their practices created hazardous conditions or if they directly caused the injury.
• Property owners. A property owner can be held responsible in cases where unsafe premises contributed to the accident.

A Pawleys Island construction injury lawyer can identify all liable parties, ensuring that your construction injury claim seeks compensation from every responsible source.

Workers’ Compensation Versus Third-Party Claims

In most cases, construction workers injured on the job are covered by workers’ compensation. This benefit system can provide financial recovery for medical bills and a percentage of lost wages. However, workers’ comp has its limitations. It typically doesn’t cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, or third-party negligence.

In some cases, you may be able to recover further compensation if your injury was caused by a third party. The third parties potentially responsible for additional claims could include subcontractors and manufacturers that produce equipment or materials. A separate construction injury claim may be available in these cases.

A Pawleys Island construction injury attorney can help you understand your rights and determine if a personal injury claim is necessary to maximize your recovery.

Hire a Construction Injury Lawyer

The legal processes following a construction accident can become an overwhelming experience. That’s where you should hire a construction injury lawyer. They understand construction injury laws and can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather crucial evidence, and determine who is at fault, whether it be your employer, a subcontractor, or even the manufacturer of a faulty piece of equipment.

They can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, negotiate with them to reach a fair settlement, and, if necessary, litigate your case in court to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. A professional Pawleys Island construction injury lawyer can safeguard your legal rights while assisting you to obtain the necessary financial support for recovery through assessment of medical costs and wage loss and by filing third-party claims.

About Axelrod & Associates, P.A.

Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has over 100 years of combined experience in dealing with personal injury claims, including those that happen at construction sites. We are located near the Georgetown County Courthouse, at 401 Cleland Street. We handle construction and personal injury cases.

FAQs About Pawleys Island, SC Construction Injury Laws

What Are the Fatal Four Construction Injuries?

In the construction industry, the “Fatal Four” refers to the four leading causes of worker deaths on the job: falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, and being caught-in/between two objects. These four causes account for the majority of worker fatalities in the industry. By being aware of these hazards, receiving proper training, and following safety protocols, construction workers can help prevent these deadly accidents.

Is Construction Law Worth It?

Yes, construction law is worth it. Construction law can be important for anyone who works on a building project, is an employee, a contractor, or an owner. Construction law can offer legal protection in cases of workplace injuries, contract disputes, or in cases where safety regulations must be followed. These laws protect individuals from injury and offer remedies in accidents.

What Is the Most Common Back Injury in Construction?

The most frequent back injury in construction is a strain or sprain. These injuries generally happen when people lift heavy objects or bend repetitively and make sudden, awkward movements. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to chronic pain, and in some cases, may require medical intervention or time off work. Proper lifting methods and ergonomic practices, together with workplace safety measures, create a foundation for injury prevention.

What Damages Can I Recover From a Construction Injury Claim?

Damages you can recover in a construction injury claim may include medical costs, lost earnings, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages in instances of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. A qualified attorney can assess your case, look at the evidence, and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A., Today

Being injured on a construction site is a dangerous thing. If you suffered injury, Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.