Phoenix Construction Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Construction Accident Victims in Arizona

Both state and federal officials have implemented a number of rules and regulations in an attempt to ensure that workers remain safe while on the job and have protection when things go wrong, but there isn’t much that can be done when someone acts negligently or recklessly around others. The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nearly 5,000 people (PDF) were killed in construction accidents in 2015 alone, and countless more suffered serious injuries.

At MayesTelles PLLC, our Phoenix personal injury lawyers have dedicated their careers to providing injured victims with the knowledgeable legal representation they require in their time of need. With almost 200 years of collective experience, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands when you choose to hire us to handle your case. Contact us today to tell us more about your case and begin planning your next steps.

Fill out our online contact form to request a free case evaluation today with our construction accident attorney in Phoenix.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction sites across the Phoenix metro area involve fast-paced work, multiple trades, and constantly changing conditions, which means there are many ways a serious accident can occur. Falls from scaffolding or ladders, collapsing trenches, and incidents involving heavy machinery are all common on busy projects along major corridors like I-10, Loop 101, and in downtown high-rise developments. Electrical shocks, struck-by accidents involving cranes or forklifts, and injuries caused by falling tools or materials can leave a worker facing surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and time away from work. Understanding how your injury happened is a critical first step in determining what type of claim you may have and who may be responsible for the unsafe condition.

Many construction workers in Phoenix are employed by subcontractors or staffing companies while working on sites controlled by a general contractor or property owner. Each of these parties may have different safety responsibilities and insurance policies, and they may point fingers at one another when a worker is hurt. By examining how training was handled, whether protective equipment was provided, and whether known hazards were ignored, an attorney can help you understand whether you may have a third-party claim in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits.

Will Workers’ Compensation Cover Your Costs?

In some cases, workers’ compensation insurance can cover the costs associated with injuries workers sustain while on the job. If your employer carries this type of insurance, it can cover anything from death benefits to income benefits to medical benefits, but far too often it cannot cover the entirety of the cost of recovery. When the medical bills and damages incurred by your injury exceed the benefits under your employer’s workers’ compensation, you will likely need to hire an attorney to help you with your case and prove liability in order to secure the compensation you require.

Not only is there a risk that the workers’ compensation insurance may not provide you with enough money to cover the costs of your injury, but a growing number of employers are also choosing to forego this type of insurance entirely, putting their employees at a greater risk if they ever suffer an injury. In these cases, it’s especially important to hire an experienced attorney to help you fight for and secure the compensation you need to cover any rehabilitation costs, lifestyle changes, medical bills, lost wages, or financial security lost because of your injury.

Who May Be Liable After a Construction Accident?

One of the most challenging parts of a construction injury case is determining who can be held financially responsible for what happened. On a typical Phoenix construction site, there may be a general contractor overseeing the project, several subcontractors performing specialized work, and separate companies delivering materials or operating large equipment. Each entity may have its own safety rules and supervisors, and a failure by any one of them can contribute to an unsafe environment. Looking closely at contracts, site logs, and communication between the companies involved is essential to understanding which parties may share responsibility for your injuries.

Depending on how your accident occurred, potential at-fault parties may include the company that controlled the overall worksite, the subcontractor responsible for the specific area where you were hurt, or even the manufacturer of a defective tool or machine. A construction accident lawyer Phoenix workers consult will often investigate whether guardrails were removed, whether trenches were properly shored, and whether equipment was inspected before use on jobs throughout Maricopa County. By tracing back who had authority to fix the hazard or stop unsafe work and failed to do so, your legal team can help you pursue compensation from all responsible parties, not just your direct employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Immediately After a Construction Accident?

After a construction accident, your health and safety come first, so seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as you can and make sure an incident report is created that accurately describes what happened. If possible, take photos of the area, your injuries, and any equipment involved, and write down the names and contact information of coworkers or others who saw the accident. Keeping copies of your medical records and any paperwork you receive from your employer or their insurance carrier will help you later if you decide to pursue a legal claim.

Can I Bring a Claim If I Am an Undocumented Construction Worker?

In many situations, your immigration status does not prevent you from seeking compensation for injuries suffered on a construction site. You may still be entitled to certain benefits or to bring a claim against a negligent third party, such as a contractor or equipment company, if their actions caused your harm. The process can feel intimidating, especially if you are worried about how speaking up could affect your life, so it is important to get advice tailored to your situation. Discussing your options confidentially with a legal professional can help you understand what protections may be available under Arizona law.

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in Arizona?

Arizona law imposes time limits on both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits arising from construction accidents. These deadlines generally begin running on the date of the accident or the date you knew your condition was related to your work, and missing them can limit or completely bar your ability to recover compensation. Because determining which time limit applies can be complicated when multiple companies or insurance policies are involved, waiting too long to get guidance can be risky. Acting promptly helps ensure that evidence from the jobsite is preserved and that your rights are protected while you focus on healing.

Contact Our Construction Accident Lawyer in Phoenix Today

Suffering a serious injury while at work can be a traumatic experience, both in the short term and when planning for your future. Here at MayesTelles PLLC, our Phoenix personal injury attorneys have provided countless injured victims with the knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation they require to secure the compensation they need to move on to the next phase of their lives. If you were seriously injured in a construction accident, give us a call at (602) 428-7104 to tell us more about your case today, or fill out our online form to start out with a free case evaluation.

Contact us today to get started with our Phoenix construction accident lawyer.