Construction work can be a tough occupation in South Carolina. It can involve long hours, working in various weather conditions, and sometimes dangerous settings. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News lists construction as one of the top 25 most dangerous jobs in the United States.
Accidents in the construction industry can result in debilitating and disfiguring injuries. These injuries can sideline a worker for months, and sometimes for the rest of their career. How can a victim be sure that they’ll be taken care of and compensated properly for their injuries?
For almost 50 years, the experienced South Carolina injury attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have been helping construction accident victims seek the full and fair compensation they deserve. Whether through filing a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party lawsuit, our lawyers understand how to use the legal system to achieve results for accident victims.
For more information about how we may be able to help, contact us today. We offer a free case review to answer your questions and review your situation.
Common Types of Construction Site Accidents in South Carolina
Construction sites can be hazardous. From heavy machinery accidents to tripping hazards and falls, there is no shortage of factors that could contribute to a workplace accident.
Some of the most common types of construction site accidents include:
- Falls from scaffolding
- Falls from ladders
- Power tool accidents
- Poorly maintained machinery and equipment
- Mechanical defects in machinery and equipment
- Forklift, crane, bulldozer, and truck accidents
- Falling objects, such as lumber
- Exposure to chemicals and toxic fumes
- Fire and explosions
- Electrocutions
- Lack of safety equipment
Damages Available for Injuries Resulting from a Construction Accident
The type of claim you file can have a significant effect on the kinds of compensation you may be able to claim following a construction accident. A workers’ compensation claim may cover:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Partial replacement of lost wages
- Disability benefits
- Death benefits
A third-party personal injury lawsuit may also provide financial compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, in addition to other kinds of compensation, such as lost earning capacity and pain and suffering. In general, a victim may be able to recover the following types of compensation in a personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If you want to learn what you may be able to recover following a construction accident, get in touch with an experienced South Carolina construction accident attorney at Jebaily Law Firm. We can review your situation, explain which legal options may be right for you, and determine the full extent of your losses.
Workers’ Compensation After a South Carolina Construction Injury
Workers’ compensation is a program that provides employees injured on the job with certain benefits. These benefits may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
Generally, a victim must have suffered a work-related injury or illness to be eligible for these benefits. A report must be filed with the employer. Then the employer has the right, in most cases, to choose the physician the victim must visit.
Some victims choose to file for workers’ compensation on their own. However, securing an attorney from the start is usually the best way to protect your rights. An attorney can help you gather information and evidence, file the paperwork, and negotiate for full benefits. An attorney can also file an appeal if the victim’s employer or their insurance provider denies the claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Construction Site Accident?
In South Carolina, the workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system, which means an employee does not need to prove fault to be eligible for benefits. By the same token, when an employer offers workers’ compensation insurance, their liability for injuries is limited, protecting them from employee lawsuits.
While an injured employee generally cannot sue their employer for negligence, they can sue other non-employer third parties who may have been responsible for their injury. In fact, sometimes multiple parties may be held accountable for certain types of accidents.
In general, parties outside of the employer who are often responsible for construction site injuries include:
- The construction site owner
- Contractors or subcontractors
- Prime contractors
- The manufacturers of defective parts or equipment
- Engineers
- Negligent motorists
South Carolina Construction Accident Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the private construction industry had the highest number of work-related fatalities in the state. The bureau reported that 27 construction workers lost their lives in just one recent year.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also keeps track of work-related fatalities. In one recent year, the agency recorded several fatalities, including a worker who died after falling from scaffolding and a worker fatally crushed by a forklift. Other work-related fatalities included an electrocution death and a fall from a roof.
Laws Protecting Construction Workers in South Carolina
South Carolina has its own federally approved program in place regarding workplace safety and health regulations. These laws apply to all employers in both the public and private sectors.
South Carolina law outlines employee protections, regulations about exposure to harmful materials, and necessary safety requirements and inspections. These regulations are meant to protect employees and potentially punish employers who violate state safety policies.
South Carolina also has an Occupational Safety and Health Administration branch, which covers various safety practices and regulations.
Contact Jebaily Law Firm About Your Construction Accident
A construction accident can shatter a victim’s world and throw their health and financial well-being into turmoil. We think hard-working construction workers deserve better.
The experienced legal team at Jebaily Law Firm takes pride in helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of injured construction workers in South Carolina.
At Jebaily Law Firm, we work hard to recover full and fair compensation and will aggressively negotiate on your behalf. We want to take the time to listen to your case and answer all your questions before outlining your legal options for recovering compensation.
Contact us today to set up a time to discuss your situation in a free claim review. We’ll work hard to give you the best chance possible at recovering the compensation you deserve.
