Construction Accident Attorney

In 2016 alone, construction accidents accounted for over 20 percent of all deaths in the workplace. While workers' compensation exists to help employees who are injured at work, it is often not enough to rebuild your life following a serious or fatal accident. At The Tawwater Law Firm, we serve clients throughout Oklahoma and work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals to determine who is liable and calculate the full effects of your injuries. A construction accident attorney can review the facts of your case during your complimentary consultation. To schedule a case review, call us at (405) 607-1400 or contact our team online to get started.

Causes of Construction Accidents 

The United States Department of Labor has concluded that the majority of construction-related deaths can be attributed to four causes, known as the Fatal Four. The Fatal Four accounted for nearly 65 percent of deaths on construction sites in 2016. These causes include: 

• Falls
• Being struck by objects 
• Electrocutions 
• Becoming caught in between equipment or other objects 

Other common causes of injuries on construction sites include slip and falls, car accidents, and injuries related to lifting heavy objects. Often, these causes can be prevented with proper protection for employees, thorough communication, and strict adherence to regulations. 

Falls from Ladders and Scaffolding

Construction jobs often require workers to use ladders or scaffolds. When proper safety measures are not in place, laborers are at risk of falling and suffering serious or even fatal injuries. In fact, scaffolding accidents are the leading cause of accidental injury and death on construction sites. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious fall, the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC can provide assistance. Our attorneys have successfully represented fall victims in a number of circumstances, including when companies failed to provide adequate safety restraints, or comply with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Scaffolding and ladder fall cases require an in-depth understanding of the construction and sub-contractor industry, as well as the safety regulations that are in place to protect workers. We have a proven track record in representing victims of scaffolding and ladder accidents. In one case, we secured compensation for a client who was injured in a fall from scaffolding that was not properly secured because a grating was not welded correctly at the top of a tower. Whether you have been hurt as a result of another worker’s negligence, a defective ladder, incorrectly erected scaffolding, or a faulty product, we have the legal experience to build a strong case and win the settlement you deserve.

Causes of Scaffolding & Ladder Accidents

Although OSHA has very specific and stringent guidelines for the installation and use of scaffolding, accidents and injuries occur with alarming frequency. A fall may be the direct outcome of on-site negligence or a manufacturer defect. Our lawyers can hold liable parties accountable for a number of accident causes, such as:

• Defective scaffolding, ladders, or other related equipment
• Inaccurately constructed tools or equipment
• Equipment that would be considered unsafe by a professional with knowledge of safety conditions
• Lack of guardrails and other safety features
• Loose rungs and broken equipment
• Inappropriate positioning of a scaffold or ladder
• Improperly tied off scaffold or ladder

Types of Injuries Which Can Occur 

Construction accidents can lead to life-changing catastrophic injuries including: 

• Spinal cord injury 
• Burns, including chemical burns 
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury 
• Loss of limb 
• Fatal injuries 

Severe injuries often require lifelong care and result in pain and suffering which is difficult to quantify. For these reasons, it is important to seek the help of a seasoned lawyer who can guide you through the process and secure the full compensation you deserve. 

Injuries Sustained from Falls

Falls from tall heights can result in trauma that requires extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care. In some instances, fall victims can sustain catastrophic injury to their head, neck, or spine that result in long-lasting physical and mental effects. Other sufferers may sustain broken bones or severe lacerations that take months to heal. Victims often need to take time off from work to recover. A loss in wages can further complicate the financial burden of caring for yourself following a fall. Costs can add up for ongoing medical appointments, rehabilitation, medication, and more.

When to Contact a Lawyer 

If you have been injured at work, the first thing you should do is notify your employer. They are responsible for providing the appropriate forms to begin the workers' compensation process. Our firm can help in the event that the workers' compensation you receive does not meet the amount you are entitled to or your claim is denied. We can also weigh in throughout the process to ensure you are maximizing your chances of success.

Our firm has been helping injured construction workers for over 40 years. We can guide you through the process and strive to secure the full compensation you deserve. 

How We Can Help

Our firm is knowledgeable about the administrative practices and government laws which are designed to keep construction sites safe. With over 40 years in practice representing personal injury victims, we know the best ways to build and handle your case from start to finish. 

Recreating the Accident 

To determine exactly what went wrong on the day of your accident, we work with accident reconstruction experts to rebuild scenes. These in-depth analyses help us investigate whether Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations or state laws were broken. 

Establishing Liability 

In construction accidents, determining who is at fault for the accident can be difficult due to the number of parties involved. The fault, or liability, can fall partially or fully on: 

• The manufacturer of a defective product 
• Your employer
• The property owner 
• The general contractor
• The supervising contractor 
• Subcontractors 

The attorneys at The Tawwater Law Firm have experience dealing with small businesses and large cooperations alike and can help establish liability no matter who is at fault. 

Determining the Extent of Your Losses

While it is much simpler to collect compensation for medical bills immediately associated with your injury, it can be more difficult to secure payment for future or emotional damages. With the help of medical professionals and forensic accountants, our lawyers can calculate the full extent of your losses. Compensation can include future medical bills, loss of future wages, rehabilitation, therapy, and at-home care. We can also recover compensation for intangible damages including pain and suffering caused by your accident or the wrongful death of a loved one.