Moreno Valley is part of the fastest-growing region in the United States, so it’s no surprise that everywhere you go in town new buildings and construction sites are a common sight to accommodate its 209,000 residents and population growing annually by 5.04 percent. Construction is a necessity to provide housing, offices, retail stores, and infrastructure for the city, but unfortunately, it doesn’t come without inherent risks to both construction workers and members of the public.
Nearly 20 percent of California’s workplace fatalities are in the construction industry, and nearly 1 million workers in California reported construction-related injuries – 246 workers out of every 10,000 reported injury or illness in 2017. Unfortunately, injuries to construction workers, visitors, and the general public are usually related to someone’s negligence. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident on or around a construction site, contact a skilled Moreno Valley construction accident attorney to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
Why is Construction So Dangerous?
Construction is a broad are encompassing many different jobs, skills, and techniques that are required to successfully complete or renovate a structure. Due to the many activities occurring on a job site – oftentimes simultaneously – it’s not a surprise many risk factors for injury exist that need to be managed by workers, managers, and construction companies alike. Constructing, renovating, retrofitting, and demolishing structures all have inherent dangers. Far too often, the risks are realized and innocent victims like construction workers, site visitors, inspectors, or even innocent bystanders are injured or killed by:
- Equipment malfunctions;
- Defective equipment;
- Falling objects;
- Falls;
- Burns and fires;
- Electric shock; and
- Structural collapse.
How do I win my Case?
Moreno Valley construction accident victims commonly pursue recovery in court by filing a lawsuit alleging someone negligently caused their injuries. To establish negligence, you must prove:
- The accused owed you a legal duty of care to act as a reasonably prudent person would in their situation,
- They breached the duty by an act or a failure to act, and
- The breach caused your harm.
Another way to argue negligence without proving these elements is through California’s doctrine of negligence. A presumption of negligence is created if you can prove that a law, rule, or regulation designed to protect people was violated and resulted in your injuries. For example, if you can prove a construction worker or construction company was violating safety ordinances at the time you were injured, a presumption of negligence arises against them.
What is my Case Worth?
Construction accidents can result in serious injuries that rack up astronomical medical expenses and can change your financial future, so it’s normal to wonder what you can recover. After establishing that someone’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to an award of damages. Though nothing will erase the harm you’ve endured, a compensatory damage award is intended to try and make you whole.
Courts may award damages for a variety of physical, mental, and financial harms, including:
- Medical bills,
- Funeral expenses,
- Property damage,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
Sometimes, the other party’s actions are so reprehensible you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish their conduct and deter its repetition. Though these discretionary awards can be large, it’s difficult to satisfy the high burden of proof they require, so it’s advisable to work with a skilled Moreno Valley construction accident attorney to avoid costly legal missteps in your case.
What Should I do After a Construction Accident?
It may seem overwhelming after a traumatic event like a construction accident but taking a few simple steps after you’ve been injured can make all the difference in the quality of your physical and legal recovery.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you think you weren’t hurt.
- Follow treatment plans, take medical as prescribed even if feeling better, and attend follow-ups.
- Report the accident to your employer if you were hurt at work.
- Report the accident to the manager of the site if you weren’t at work when hurt.
- Collect eyewitness contact information.
- Photograph the scene and your injuries if possible.
- Keep records of accident reports, hospital records, and expenses incurred from the accident.
- Speak to a Moreno Valley construction accident attorney.
- Don’t delay. California has a 2-year timeframe from your injury date for most construction accident injuries to file a lawsuit for damages. Failing to meet this deadline means you lose the right to recover in court permanently.
Contact a Moreno Valley Construction Accident Attorney Today
Construction accidents are cause for concern, and injured victims know how serious the consequences can be to their health and their finances. If you or a loved one were injured, contact the skilled Moreno Valley Construction Accident Attorneys at Walton Law, APC today. We understand the headache of dealing with insurers and large companies, and we’ll save you the headache and handle the communication while looking out for your best interests. Our attorneys have spent years providing award-winning representation and delivering results; we’ve recovered millions in compensation on behalf of clients like you. Contact us 24/7 days at (866)-338-7079 or by completing our online Contact Page to schedule a no risk, no obligation case evaluation today. The initial consultation is free and completely confidential, and you don’t pay until we win your case. Let our team of attorneys use their extensive knowledge and resources to answer your questions, give you peace of mind, and fight for maximum possible recovery on your behalf.