Each year, thousands of people are injured in construction accidents in Broward County, Florida and nationwide. Serious injuries can lead to serious claims. No matter how many safety videos and training sessions workers are subjected to, accidents happen. In the construction industry, dangers are simply unavoidable. Heavy machinery, ladders, electrical wiring, poorly regulated construction sites, dangerous work environments and other factors can lead to unavoidable dangers. What should you do if you become the victim of someone else's negligence on a site in Florida? Call a Hollywood construction accident lawyer immediately after you've been injured.
Whether someone else's negligence is to blame or a job site is simply not regulated properly, significant compensation may be available to those who have been injured on a construction site. In Florida, strict laws determine how cases of this type are handled, and what compensation may be given to injured workers. An experienced construction injury attorney will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your unique case. David S. Tupler P.A. has more than 25 years of experience handling construction law cases in Florida. If you have been injured on the job, retaining legal counsel early on can have an incalculable impact on the final outcome of your construction-related injury claims case. Our legal team is dedicated to upholding the legal rights of our clients. We strive to give each case the time and attention it demands, and we'll work diligently to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
FLORIDA STATE REGULATIONS
Knowing your rights can help you better understand how your case will be handled in court. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) spends millions of dollars each year to promote safety initiatives, regulations and safety standards aimed at protecting workers on the job.
- Employee safety: Employees are generally required to follow multiple OSHA regulations. In many cases, workers must also be trained on how to avoid falls, dangerous objects, electrocution and being injured by heavy machinery. Employees are also usually required to come to work sober and well-rested. Deliberate failure to apply training or remain sober on the job could lead to your claim being denied. Some employers will attempt to use any excuse that they can to avoid compensating a worker who has been injured on a job site. That's just one of the reasons having an experienced Hollywood construction accident attorney in your corner is so critical.
- Employer requirements: Alternatively, Florida employers are required to provide the safest possible working conditions for their workers. This includes adequate lighting, clean working conditions and the removal of known dangers on a job site. Other requirements include adequate training on construction hazards, in-depth explanations on the use of personal protective equipment, and the implication of other safety measures to reduce potential work-related dangers. If an employer fails to provide a safe working environment, the consequences could be severe. Ignoring OSHA regulations or deliberately and knowingly putting laborers in harm's way could result in criminal – as well as civil – charges.
- Common construction injuries: In the US, OSHA strives to ensure that employers provide the best possible safety training and working conditions for those in the construction industry. That being said, in many cases, those responsible for the safety of workers fail to provide safe working conditions or adequate training. This can lead to an extremely dangerous working environment for everyone on-site. Some of the most common work-related construction injuries that occur in Hollywood are broken bones, concussions, amputations, paralysis and brain damage. A less common result of work-related accidents is death. In the event that a worker dies on the job, the victim's family may be entitled to restitution in a wrongful death lawsuit.
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KNOW HOW TO PROCEED
Regardless of what caused your work-related construction injury, always seek medical attention first. Under the laws and guidelines for worker's compensation in Florida, employees are required legally to seek medical attention if they have been injured on the job. Your medical provider will automatically document and verify any injuries that you suffered. After medical treatment and evaluation, you will need to provide a written report to your employer from the hospital or medical professional you visited. Keep a copy of this report for yourself. If you feel that your employer was not following proper safety regulations, procedures, and guidelines, you may file a report with OSHA to request that your job site be inspected immediately. If the OSHA inspection proves that your working environment is unsafe, you may have concrete proof that you can then provide to your construction injury lawyer. This can help to ensure that you will be fully compensated for your medical bills and paid restitution. If you have already sustained an injury and haven't yet followed any of these steps, we recommend taking action as soon as possible.
LIABILITY IN BROWARD COUNTY
Determining liability in Florida can be a tricky process. When an accident occurs, victims are often not sure what party is ultimately responsible for their injuries. This is understandable, as construction injuries can occur under confusing circumstances. Multiple parties may be responsible to some extent. Keep in mind that in Florida, there are some limitations that may be applied when certain third parties are involved. For instance, if you have been employed by a Hollywood subcontractor and were working alongside other subcontractors, immunity will be given to all other subcontractors and their employees. However, if an accident was deemed to be caused by the extreme negligence of one of the employees working for another subcontractor, this immunity may be revoked.
Construction and job-site injury cases could become complicated very quickly. From seeking medical attention to explaining the circumstances surrounding your injury, the entire process can seem confusing and overwhelming. The legal team at David S. Tupler P.A. understands this better than anyone. We understand that you are likely going through a difficult time and need clear direction on how to proceed.
SEEKING LEGAL SERVICES EARLY ON IS CRITICAL
David S. Tupler P.A. has a knowledgeable and skilled legal team that can help you determine your best next steps. We can assist you in filing a claim help you build your case from its earliest stages. Keep in mind that the sooner you retain a qualified construction accident attorney in Hollywood, the better the outcome of your case will usually be. Your rights matter and if you have been injured while working in Florida, it's important to protect them.