Corpus Christi Construction Accident Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Injured Construction Workers in Texas

The construction industry has accomplished amazing things in Corpus Christi. The incredible structures built by construction workers define our cityscape and skyline. Building such sturdy constructions necessarily requires huge machines, tons of materials, and heavy equipment. Because construction sites are filled with potentially dangerous tools, machinery, and objects—and because they can involve other risky conditions—employers and contractors have a serious responsibility to ensure the safety of their workers.

Tragically, many construction workers are injured on the job every year. These injuries can often be quite severe, involving long recovery times, large amounts of suffering, and high medical bills. Workers injured on site and facing these problems often feel like they have nowhere to turn. However, the experienced construction accident attorney at Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney is prepared to help get you the compensation you deserve. If you are legally due monetary recompense, we have the skills and the know-how to fight for you. Visit our homepage to learn more.

Call Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys today at (361) 310-5299 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our construction accident attorney in Corpus Christi!

Understanding OSHA's Role in Construction Worker Safety and the “Fatal Four” Hazards

The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has a division called the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly known as OSHA. OSHA’s 2,100 inspectors are responsible for the health and safety of this nation’s 130 million workers, and their reports on the number of accidents and causes of workplace injuries and deaths help define and restructure our nation’s labor laws.

According to OSHA’s statistics for 2015, 4,836 workers were killed on the job. This amounts to 13 worker deaths every day. 937 of those fatalities, or a complete 21.4%, were in the construction industry, highlighting just how dangerous this industry can be for workers employed by contractors and construction companies across the nation.

OSHA has a list it calls the “Fatal Four” of the leading causes of death for construction workers. These causes are falls (38% of the 937 construction fatalities), being struck by an object (9.6%), electrocution (6.6%), and “caught in-between” (7.2%). Fatal Four accidents accounted for more than half of the total number of fatal construction accidents in 2015, at 64.2%, and if they were eliminated, a total of 602 lives would be saved each year in America.

Unfortunately, the construction industry remains hazardous for workers who have to contend with frequent danger on the job each day. From lacking safety gear or protective equipment to faulty machinery, dangerous scaffolding or temporary structures, falling objects, electrical and wiring components, respiratory protection, and other hazards, Corpus Christi construction workers are in danger of serious accidents or death every day on-site.

What to Do After a Construction Accident

The aftermath of a construction accident can be chaotic, but the steps you take immediately after the incident can significantly affect your recovery and legal options:

• Get Medical Attention Immediately: Your health and safety must come first. Seek emergency medical care, even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms may not appear right away, and early documentation is critical.
• Report the Accident to Your Employer: Notify your supervisor or site manager immediately after the incident. Filing an official report documents what happened, which may be essential for both workers' compensation and legal claims.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of where the accident happened, including all equipment, tools, and hazards. This evidence is crucial for proving negligence or unsafe conditions.
• Collect Witness Information: Get names and contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident. Witness statements help establish what went wrong and who was responsible.
• Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Advice: Insurance companies or employers may push you to sign statements or accept early settlements. Consult a construction accident attorney first to protect your rights.
• Contact a Corpus Christi Construction Accidents Attorney: Early legal guidance can impact the outcome of your case. An attorney can investigate the accident, determine liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Construction Accident Injuries

People can suffer severe injuries on construction sites. Since construction workers often deal with wiring, electrocution is a real threat. Burns are also common. The sheer weight and bulk of the machinery put workers at risk of broken bones, back injuries, head and neck injuries, and torn muscles. The list of potential injuries is practically endless, thanks to all the dangerous equipment and conditions construction workers handle daily.

A wide variety of construction site problems can result in serious injuries. Among other causes, workers can be hurt by:

• Collapses/structure failures
• Electrocution
• Machinery accidents
• Slip-and-fall accidents

Your employer, contractor, or business leader is legally obligated to make your workplace as safe as possible. Unfortunately, many construction sites are more dangerous than they should be. Employers fail to supply proper training, routine maintenance checks, and other safety measures. When you are hurt in a construction accident, you can struggle with high hospital bills and time lost from work, not to mention the large amounts of physical pain and suffering. The experienced legal team at Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorney is prepared to handle your construction accident claim in the event of an injury.

Your Options for Seeking Compensation After a Construction Accident

Injured workers often want to know what kinds of compensation they can seek after a construction accident. Compensation may include payment for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and damages for pain and suffering. If the accident happened because of a third party’s actions—such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer—that party may also be legally responsible. Identifying every potentially responsible party can broaden your options for financial recovery and accountability.

Many construction workers have questions about whether workers’ compensation covers all their losses after an accident. Workers' compensation can pay for certain costs, but it may not address every impact of a severe or long-lasting injury. When someone else's negligence caused your harm, a personal injury claim may allow you to pursue costs not available through a workers’ compensation settlement. Legal guidance helps explain the difference between these types of claims so you can choose an approach that fits your needs.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Construction Accident Claims in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for construction accident claims is typically two years from the date of the initial accident. This means you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking a settlement for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

However, there are some exceptions that could affect this deadline. For example, if the accident led to a fatality, the deceased’s family has two years from the initial date of death to file a wrongful death claim. If the injury involves a minor or someone who was incapacitated, the time limit may be extended in certain circumstances.

Because failing to meet the statute of limitations can prevent you from recovering any compensation, it’s crucial to speak with a skilled construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can review your situation, identify any applicable exceptions, and ensure your claim is filed on time.