St. Petersburg Construction Accident Attorney

If you have ever visited or worked at a construction site, you will not be surprised to learn that construction work is consistently ranked among the most dangerous jobs in the United States. With open heights, vehicles transporting materials from place to place, heavy machinery, power tools, and a generally busy atmosphere, injury-causing accidents will inevitably occur at an active construction site.

Construction site accidents are capable of causing extremely serious injuries, many of which can leave victims with lasting medical problems and even disabilities that prevent them from returning to work. Some of the injuries commonly sustained in construction site accidents include the following:

What are Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida?

As a construction site worker, you may have heard that the only option you have after being hurt in an on-the-job accident is pursuing workers’ compensation benefits. While it is true that employees generally cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries, there are many cases in which you may be able to bring a lawsuit after a construction site injury, including the following:

• You are an independent contractor, rather than an employee
•  Your accident was the result of defective equipment
• You were injured by the negligence of an independent contractor who was also working at the construction site
• Your employer knew that his or her conduct was reasonably certain to cause an injury, the risk was not apparent, and your employer deliberately misrepresented or concealed the danger

Many injured workers wonder why they would pursue a negligence claim when they are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault for their injuries. The answer to this question is that workers’ compensation does not compensate injured workers for noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, which can often be significant. For this reason, it is advisable for injured workers to pursue a personal injury claim whenever possible.

How a St. Petersburg Attorney Will Help

There are many ways that retaining an attorney after a construction site accident can ensure that you will receive the compensation to which you are entitled. Some of the specific ways that a lawyer can be of assistance include the following:

• A lawyer will evaluate your case and determine whether you have a claim
• Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company handling your claim and make sure that any settlement offer you accept adequately compensates for your injuries
• If the insurance company refuses to make a settlement offer, you lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you at trial

Because many construction site accidents result in serious injuries that can prevent victims from working, it is critical for you to protect your rights and your future by retaining a lawyer that will fight to get you the full and fair value of your claim.

Call a St. Petersburg Construction Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you have been hurt in a construction accident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as you can. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call Berkowitz & Myer today at 727-344-0123 or send us an email through our online contact form.