Wisconsin Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction is a vital industry in Wisconsin, employing thousands of workers across a variety of residential and commercial building projects. However, this sector is inherently dangerous, accounting for thousands of workplace injuries and deaths each year. Wisconsin law has specific provisions for injured workers to seek justice for their economic and mental distress.
The most common causes of construction accident injuries include falls, being struck by objects, and accidents involving machinery or electrical hazards. Such Wisconsin construction site accidents mean not only physical and emotional losses but also financial burdens due to medical bills and loss of income.
If you got injured on-site or lost a family member during a fatal accident, talk to an experienced construction accident attorney. We are committed to helping victims take strict legal action against negligent parties and seek financial compensation.
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Contact our Wisconsin construction accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Wisconsin construction accident lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Statistics and Facts on Wisconsin Construction Accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for overseeing construction worksite safety. OSHA enforces safety regulations outlined in 29 CFR 1910, which establish industry standards for construction projects.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were approximately 2,034 construction zone accidents in Wisconsin in 2022, resulting in 666 injury incidents. Of those incidents, 49 were fatal, and nearly 8 construction fatalities occurred that year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 5,190 fatal work injuries across the United States in 2021. Wisconsin accounted for 105 of those work-related deaths.
The private construction sector in Wisconsin saw the highest number of work-related deaths in 2021, totaling 17 fatalities, according to the BLS.
OSHA identifies the “fatal four” causes of construction deaths as falls, electrocutions, being struck by falling objects, and being caught in or between objects, accounting for 60% of all construction fatalities.
The National Safety Council (NSC) found that construction workers aged 25-34 are at the highest risk for on-the-job accidents and injuries.
In 2021, the construction and extraction industry had a fatality rate of 12.3 per 100,000 full-time workers.
According to 360training, 55% of construction workers believe they require more safety training.
What Do You Mean By the “Fatal Four” in Construction Site Accidents?
In Wisconsin, construction sites can be dangerous places to work. There are four common types of injuries according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and getting caught in or between objects.
- Falls: Construction workers in Wisconsin face a significant risk of injury from falls, often from heights such as roofs or scaffolding. Falls can result in various injuries including broken bones and head trauma. Falls are the leading cause of construction worker fatalities, resulting in 378 deaths in 2021.
- Struck By: Workers are vulnerable to being struck by moving objects, such as collapsing scaffolding or falling equipment. These incidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities. If you are involved in such an accident, you might consider consulting a Wisconsin construction accident lawyer.
- Electrocution: Construction workers risk electrocution from faulty electrical equipment and wiring, posing a high risk of injury or even death. A construction accident lawsuit may be necessary to seek compensation.
- Caught In Between: This type of construction accident injury occurs when workers are caught in or between machinery or equipment. These injuries can lead to severe trauma and death. A construction accident claim may be needed to address these types of incidents.
If you have been involved in an accident on-site, seeking legal assistance from construction accident attorneys may be beneficial for seeking compensation.
Who Is Liable for Wisconsin Construction Site Injuries?
Injured Wisconsin construction workers often qualify for workers’ compensation benefits from their employer. Receiving these benefits means waiving the right to sue the employer for negligence. However, many construction projects involve multiple parties, such as subcontractors and property owners. This allows workers to potentially seek additional compensation outside of their workers’ compensation claim.
Third parties, like subcontractors, engineers, or architects, may be liable for their negligence. Our experienced Wisconsin construction accident attorneys can help injured workers determine if a negligence lawsuit is an option.
Independent contractors and other visitors on the construction site cannot receive workers’ compensation, but they may sue for negligence. Property owners and contractors must prevent unauthorized access to dangerous areas, especially for children. Contact our personal injury lawyer for guidance on your construction accident claim.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Wisconsin Construction Accident
In Wisconsin construction accidents, starting a workers’ compensation claim requires notifying your employer of the accident and your injuries. Although you have two years to file a claim, it’s best to inform your supervisor or management within 30 days. After notification, your employer should inform the workers’ compensation insurance provider. If your claim is delayed or denied, contact a Wisconsin construction accident lawyer immediately. Workers’ compensation provides benefits such as medical care and lost wages regardless of who was at fault.
However, if workers’ compensation benefits are insufficient or denied, medical bills can add up quickly, especially when you’re unable to work. If your employer doesn’t have the required workers’ compensation insurance or denies you benefits unfairly, contact construction accident attorneys to explore your options. They can help you navigate your construction accident case and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Suing Third-Parties for a Construction Accident Claim
While receiving workers’ compensation means you can’t sue your employer, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against third parties responsible for your injuries. Third parties may include independent contractors, workers from other companies on the same site, vendors, or pedestrians. Such parties can be held liable for causing your construction accident and injuries.
If a third party’s negligence led to your accident, you may seek compensation for medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, and more. In construction accidents, third parties can be vendors delivering supplies or other companies’ workers on-site.
If you suspect another individual’s negligence caused your injuries, seek legal advice. An experienced Wisconsin construction accident lawyer can help investigate your case and pursue a lawsuit against liable third parties. By holding negligent parties accountable, you can receive the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Wisconsin Construction Accident Case?
In a construction accident claim, injured workers can recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit against third parties responsible for their injuries. Compensation in a Wisconsin construction accident can include economic, non-economic, and punitive categories.
- Economic Damages: These cover quantifiable losses incurred by the fatal construction accident such as medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible harm, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish reckless or intentional misconduct by a third party.
Construction accident attorneys can help you navigate your case, ensuring you pursue the full range of damages you deserve. While you focus on your recovery, the injury lawyers will bring fair settlement for both immediate and long-term losses.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney
Injured construction workers in Wisconsin have several legal options to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Wisconsin laws allow injured construction workers to file a workers’ compensation claim or third-party personal injury lawsuit against responsible parties. Whether other construction employers, contractors, or equipment manufacturers, we will help you hold the liable parties accountable for negligence.
Construction accident lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, provide legal representation services throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin, helping injured workers secure a fair settlement or verdict in their cases. Our goal is to ensure that injured construction workers receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 to book a free consultation with experienced construction accident lawyers. All confidential or sensitive information you share with us remains private through an attorney-client relationship.