Georgetown Construction Injury Lawyer

Georgetown Construction Injury Attorney

Getting injured at a construction site can be a very serious thing. Construction sites can be very dangerous, even with the greatest safety precautions in place. However, if an employer neglects to fulfill all safety duties, it greatly increases the chance of a worker or innocent bystander suffering injuries. If you or someone you know was injured in a construction accident, a Georgetown construction injury lawyer can help you seek personal injury compensation for your damages.

Understanding Construction Injuries

Construction injuries can be caused in a number of ways. Injuries can happen due to worker error, third-party error, or employer negligence. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide a safe workspace for their employees. This means they must remove hazards that put workers’ safety at risk. Employers who violate OSHA standards can be subject to penalties, including fines and liability.

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act requires certain employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for workers injured on the job. Some common construction injuries include:

• Falling from heights
• Being struck by objects
• Injuries involving heavy machinery
• Electrocutions
• Burns
• Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

In 2023, OSHA identified 5,283 fatal work injuries. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics construction had the most worker fatalities in all industries. Construction accounted for 1,075 deaths in 2023, 37.5% of all injuries.

Fault in Construction Injury Accidents

Construction accidents can be complex because multiple parties can potentially be at fault. In some cases, multiple parties share fault. In many cases, either the employer or a third party has some form of fault in a construction accident. An employer can have fault if they: 

• Lack proper safety training. This includes failing to inform employees of OSHA standards or failing to uphold them altogether.
• Have unsafe working conditions. This can include exposed wiring, unstable heights, and exposed equipment (especially equipment that is sharp or dangerous) without properly storing them away.
• Have improper maintenance of their equipment. This includes not cleaning, inspecting, or repairing instruments.

Additionally, a third party can be at fault, especially if their faulty equipment contributed to the accident. Third parties include:

• Manufacturers. A manufacturer could be at fault for dangerous, faulty equipment that caused the accident.
• Other contractors. In some cases, other subcontractors contribute to an unsafe work environment, especially if they don’t follow proper procedures.
• Property managers or owners. If a property owner knew their environment was unsafe but did nothing about it, they could be held liable.
• Delivery companies. If a delivery driver did not properly unload equipment and it led to injury, a delivery company may be declared responsible.

Workers’ Compensation for Construction Workers

If you are hurt on the job as a construction worker, your exclusive remedy in most cases will be workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation will typically provide you with immediate payment for medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. This is the case even if you did not file a claim and even if you are partially or totally at fault for the accident.

On the other hand, it will not provide you with any money for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, and it will generally prevent you from filing a claim against your employer for negligence. If another party caused the construction accident, or in the event of intentional misconduct, gross negligence on the part of the employer, a wrongful denial of a claim, or if the employer was underinsured, a construction injury claim may be an option.

About Axelrod & Associates, P.A.

Axelrod & Associates, P.A., aggressively represents injured workers and accident victims throughout Little River and South Carolina. Our construction injury attorneys in Georgetown have more than 100 years of combined legal experience. We are known for our skilled, personal service in construction injury and other personal injury matters.

Our office location near the Horry County Magistrate Court – Little River enables us to handle cases locally while keeping your expenses to a minimum. At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we believe that clients hire lawyers, not law firms. We are committed to personally communicating with our clients and working tirelessly to achieve the greatest outcome in each case we handle.

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FAQs About Georgetown, SC Construction Injury Laws

What Is the Number One Injury in Construction?

Falls are the most common cause of injury in construction. Construction workers may fall from elevated surfaces, including ladders and scaffolding. They can cause serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries. OSHA identifies falls as the highest construction site risk every year. That is why preventing falls is a top safety focus.

Is a Homeowner Liable for a Construction Injury?

In some situations, a homeowner can be liable for a construction injury. A homeowner can be held responsible for injuries to a worker if he or she creates or fails to fix a dangerous condition that results in an injury. A homeowner could face liability depending on the nature of worker employment through a contractor and the homeowner’s control level over the project, as well as the relevant state law.

What Is the Most Common Injury in Construction That Results in Time off Work?

Musculoskeletal injuries, which include strains and sprains, are among the most common construction injuries resulting in lost work days. Musculoskeletal injuries frequently occur when workers lift heavy objects or perform repetitive tasks and maintain unusual body positions. These injuries typically do not pose a direct threat to life but require weeks to months for recovery and substantially affect both worker productivity and project schedules.

What Is Considered a Severe Injury in OSHA?

OSHA classifies a severe injury as one that causes hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. Employers must report this type of injury to OSHA within 24 hours. Such events demonstrate significant safety failures at work and can initiate inspections while imposing fines and corrective action mandates for employers in an effort to prevent them from happening again.

Hire a Construction Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been injured at a construction site, hire a construction injury lawyer at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., today. We understand construction in jury laws and can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to begin holding the responsible party accountable.