A construction site can turn dangerous in seconds: a falling beam, a collapsing scaffold, or an unmarked hazard can change your life forever. These accidents don’t just happen to workers; bystanders and visitors are at risk too. At Souder Law, we know the devastation construction accidents cause, and we don’t back down from those responsible. We fight aggressively to secure the justice and full compensation you deserve.
What Are Construction Site Accidents?
Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in Florida. In 2023, the state recorded 92 construction worker fatalities, making it the leading sector for workplace deaths. Nearly half of these fatalities were caused by falls, slips, and trips. Nationally, one in five workplace deaths occurs in construction, showing just how widespread and deadly these accidents can be. A construction site accident refers to any serious injury or fatality that occurs on or near a worksite, whether to a worker, subcontractor, or even a passerby. These accidents often involve unsafe conditions, like collapsing scaffolding, falling debris, or unguarded holes, and can trigger both workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits. In Florida, when a victim pursues a premises liability or negligence claim, they must generally prove:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The defendant owned, controlled, or managed the property
- The defendant knew or should have known of the hazard but failed to fix or warn
- The dangerous condition directly caused the injury
Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents:
- Falling objects from scaffolding, cranes, or upper levels
- Collapsing scaffolds or improperly secured platforms
- Open holes or unmarked trenches on the jobsite
- Forklift collisions and other heavy equipment accidents
- Lack of guardrails or protective barriers
- Crane malfunctions or operator errors
- Unsecured or defective ladders
- Roof and wall collapses during active construction
- Electrocution from exposed or faulty wiring
- Broken or missing steps on temporary or permanent structures
- Inadequate warning signs or failure to restrict access to hazardous areas
How We Handle Your Construction Site Accident Claim
When you come to us after a construction site accident, we immediately get to work by investigating every detail of how and why it happened. We review OSHA reports, inspect the site, gather witness statements, and consult with experts in engineering and safety standards. We dig into whether unsafe practices, defective equipment, or a property owner’s negligence contributed to your injuries, ensuring no liable party is overlooked.
From there, we build a case that accounts for both your immediate and long-term needs. Our team calculates the full scope of your damages: medical costs, lost wages, diminished earning potential, and pain and suffering. We aggressively challenge insurance companies that try to undervalue your claim and, if necessary, are fully prepared to bring your case to trial. We are entirely focused on securing the maximum recovery the law allows for your situation.
Damages Available in Construction Site Accidents
In construction site accidents, one of the most critical steps is identifying all liable parties. In Florida, workers’ compensation may cover certain benefits, but that alone is often not enough to address the full impact of an injury. If negligence by a property owner, contractor, subcontractor, or manufacturer contributed to the accident, additional claims may be pursued. Holding every responsible party accountable ensures that you are not left bearing the financial and personal burden of someone else’s negligence.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to seek compensation such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or earnings
- Loss of future earning potential
- Permanent impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Can I Sue My Employer After a Construction Site Accident?
In most cases, Florida law requires employers in the construction industry to carry workers’ compensation, which is considered the “exclusive remedy” for injured workers. This means you generally cannot sue your direct employer. However, you may still have the right to pursue a claim against third parties, such as negligent property owners, contractors, subcontractors, or equipment manufacturers whose actions contributed to your accident.
Steps to Take Immediately After Construction Site Accidents:
- Report the accident to your employer or site supervisor right away
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and videos of hazards and conditions
- Collect contact information from witnesses and coworkers
- Preserve any equipment, tools, or safety gear involved in the accident
- Avoid signing insurance or employer documents without legal review
- File a workers’ compensation claim within Florida’s required deadlines
- Contact an experienced construction accident attorney to protect your rights
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is relentless in fighting for victims of construction site accidents across Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and throughout South Florida. We know how devastating these injuries can be, and we are dedicated to making sure you receive nothing less than the justice you deserve. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning it costs you nothing to pursue your claim. Contact us today for a free case review and find out what your case may be worth.
