Detroit Construction Accident Lawyers

Despite strict safety codes and procedures aimed at making construction sites safer, construction accidents can – and do – occur, often resulting in serious injury or death.

If you have been injured at a construction site, you need an experienced construction accident lawyer to help you recover the damages you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at Sommers Schwartz know not only their way around job sites but also the courtroom. Our experienced Detroit construction accident lawyers have helped thousands of clients obtain compensation for their construction accident-related injuries.

Construction Work Is Inherently Dangerous

Construction is one of the most perilous industries today, employing more than five million people including carpenters, electricians, equipment operators, laborers, and managers. Many workers move from one construction site to another, each with constantly changing environments and safety standards.

Even with federal and state safety regulations in place, more than 800 construction-related deaths and countless injuries occur each year. Construction site injuries can arise from:

• Crane accidents
• Electrical accidents
• Trench collapses
• Exposure to toxins
• Welding accidents

In addition, many construction jobs require workers to climb roofs, scaffolding, elevator shafts and so forth, putting them at risk for catastrophic injuries should they fall. In fact, falls were the leading cause of construction worker deaths in 2016 (38.7 percent), followed by being struck by an object (9.4 percent); electrocution (8.3 percent); and getting caught in or between equipment, structures, and other job site fixtures (7.3 percent).

Will Workers Compensation Cover My Injuries?

Worker’s compensation was established to ensure that workers who have been injured on the job have their medical expenses paid for and a portion of their lost wages reimbursed. Unfortunately, that often fails to provide sufficient coverage for economic damages as well as non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. In certain circumstances, there may be other parties responsible for the dangerous conditions that lead to an accident, such as equipment manufacturers, architects, or subcontractors, which may entitle you to compensation beyond workers’ comp benefits.

Construction Accident Claims

Persons injured as a result of construction site negligence may file a lawsuit to recover damages under several different legal theories, which is why you should always consult an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.

In Michigan, the law distinguishes between private citizens who are injured at a construction site and construction workers who are injured on the job. Private citizens may usually file a negligence suit against the construction company and may also bring a claim against the owner of the premises.

Construction workers, on the other hand, can only file a negligence suit under certain circumstances. This is because Michigan law generally provides that principal contractors are not liable for the negligent acts or intentional torts of the independent contractors they employ. Over the years, Michigan appellate courts have created various exceptions to this rule, allowing construction workers injured at the job site to recover construction accident damages from principals, general contractors, and subcontractors.

Like other types of personal injury claims, construction accident lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. If the action is not filed within this time, the suit will automatically be dismissed by the court.

Lawyers Experienced in Construction Accident Cases

Construction accident lawsuits are complex, detailed, and can involve a tremendous amount of evidence. The contractors, property owners, and insurance companies that are involved will do whatever they can to reduce or eliminate their liability to avoid paying damages.

When your well-being and your family’s financial future are at stake, you cannot afford to take any risks. The experienced construction accident lawyers at Sommers Schwartz are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your case.