What Types of Compensation You Can Get from a Construction Accident Case?

Construction accidents are among the most common and dangerous types of workplace accidents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,061 fatal injuries in the construction industry in 2023, accounting for 20% of all worker fatalities in the United States.

Construction workers are exposed to various hazards, such as falling objects, electrocution, machinery malfunction, fire, explosion, and exposure to toxic substances.

If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the parties responsible for your accident, such as the construction company, the contractor, the subcontractor, the property owner, the equipment manufacturer, or the insurance company. However, the types and amounts of compensation that you can get depend on various factors, such as the nature and severity of your injuries, the impact of your injuries on your life and work, the degree of fault and liability of the other party, and the applicable laws and regulations in your state.

In general, there are two main types of compensation that you can get from a construction accident case: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the tangible and quantifiable losses that you have suffered as a result of your accident, such as:

• Medical expenses: This includes the costs of your past, present, and future medical treatment, such as hospital bills, doctor fees, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
• Lost wages: This includes the income that you have lost or will lose due to your inability to work or reduced earning capacity because of your injuries.
• Property damage: This includes the costs of repairing or replacing your personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident, such as your vehicle, tools, or clothing.
• Other out-of-pocket expenses: This includes any other expenses that you have incurred or will incur because of your accident, such as transportation, childcare, or household services.

Non-economic damages are the intangible and subjective losses that you have suffered as a result of your accident, such as:

• Pain and suffering: This includes the physical and emotional distress that you have experienced or will experience because of your injuries, such as pain, discomfort, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disfigurement: This includes the permanent or temporary changes in your appearance or function that result from your injuries, such as scars, burns, amputations, or paralysis.
• Disability: This includes the loss or impairment of your physical or mental abilities that affect your normal activities and quality of life, such as hearing, vision, mobility, or cognition.
• Loss of consortium: This includes the loss or diminishment of your relationship with your spouse or partner, such as companionship, affection, intimacy, or support.

In some cases, you may also be eligible for a third type of compensation: punitive damages. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for your losses, but to punish the liable party for their intentional, malicious, or reckless conduct, and to deter them and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are rare and only awarded in cases where the liable party's actions were extremely egregious or outrageous, such as fraud, assault, or gross negligence.

The amount of compensation that you can get from a construction accident case varies depending on the specific circumstances of your case. However, some factors that may affect the value of your claim are:

• The severity and extent of your injuries
• The impact of your injuries on your physical, mental, and emotional health
• The cost of your medical bills and future treatment
• The loss of your income and earning capacity
• The pain and suffering that you endured
• The degree of fault and liability of the other party
• The availability and limits of the insurance coverage
• The strength and credibility of your evidence and witnesses
• The skill and experience of your lawyer
• The laws and regulations in your state

To get the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, you will need to prove that the liable party was negligent, breached a duty of care, or violated a safety regulation, and that your injuries were caused by their actions or inactions. You will also need to document and substantiate your damages with medical records, bills, receipts, pay stubs, tax returns, expert opinions, and testimonies.

This is where a construction accident lawyer can help. A construction accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing victims of construction accidents. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle your case effectively and efficiently. They can:

• Investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your claim
• Identify the liable parties and their insurance policies
• Negotiate with the insurance adjusters and lawyers on your behalf
• File a lawsuit and take your case to trial if necessary
• Seek the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses

By hiring a construction accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery and leave the legal matters to the experts. You can also benefit from their contingency fee arrangement, which means that you do not have to pay any fees unless they win your case.

Conclusion

Construction accidents can cause serious and costly injuries that can affect your life and work. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the parties responsible for your accident. The types and amounts of compensation that you can get depend on various factors, such as the nature and severity of your injuries, the impact of your injuries on your life and work, the degree of fault and liability of the other party, and the applicable laws and regulations in your state.

To get the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, you will need to prove your case and document your damages. This can be complex and challenging, especially if you are dealing with multiple parties, insurance companies, and legal issues. That is why you should hire a construction accident lawyer to help you with your case. A construction accident lawyer can handle your case effectively and efficiently, and seek the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

If you have been injured in a construction accident, do not hesitate to contact a construction accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on your legal options and rights, and help you file your claim in a timely manner. Remember, you do not have to bear the burden of your injuries alone. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries and losses.