Sumter Construction Accident Lawyer

Sumter, SC Construction Accident Attorney

It’s not a secret that construction sites can be prone to unnecessary accidents due to their fast-paced and high-risk nature, as well as the many machines, power equipment, and materials needed to complete these types of projects. All of this, coupled with human intervention, significantly increases the odds of a construction accident happening. If you are one of the individuals who have suffered an injury from a construction site, a Sumter construction lawyer can help you recover from any sustained damages.

At Charles T. Brooks, we understand how frustrating it can be to be taken out of work due to an accident. We empathize with those who are struggling to balance their own recovery period with the legal responsibilities. That is why we take the legal burdens away from our clients so they can focus on healing while we secure a favorable compensation package.

What Are the Most Common Construction Injuries in Sumter, SC?

With all of the machinery and activity on a construction site, any turn of events can lead to an unexpected personal injury. Some of the most common include:

Falling From Heights

Some construction employees are required to work high up in the air. This could require them to stand on a scaffold, be on a roof, or climb a ladder to reach a high point. Anyone who works at these elevations risks the chance of a fall, which can result in fractures, broken bones, or even head injuries in more severe cases.

Machinery Malfunctions

Because machinery can pose significant harm, it often requires extensive training before someone is permitted to operate it. However, sometimes, even the most highly skilled employees still fall victim to machinery defects and malfunctions that cause harm. In extreme cases, this could cause an employee to lose a limb, receive an amputation, or even pass away.

Electrocutions

There are many different ways in which electric mishaps can injure an employee. For example, being exposed to faulty wires can send a shock through anyone when touched without protective gear. Some possible injuries from these instances can include burns, damage to the nerves, and even cardiac arrest.

Exposure to Harmful Materials

There are many different materials and chemicals used in construction projects. If any of these are compromised, it could cause an employee to become very sick over an extended period. These cases are more complicated, as conditions such as respiratory illness might not develop until years after an employee begins working. It can also be difficult to pinpoint the root cause of the illness, as harmful materials are often invisible and odorless.

Struck-by Injuries

With so much moving equipment on construction sites, it’s not unheard of for an employee to be hit by a swinging tool or flying debris. Even small objects can cause significant injuries if they are traveling at high speeds. These types of accidents can cause broken bones, concussions, and even permanent brain damage, depending on the severity of the impact.

Overexertion

Construction jobs are extremely taxing. They often require long shifts, heavy lifting, and a ton of time spent on your feet. It can also be a repetitive job, which makes it easy to burn out fast. Over time, this can cause overexertion injuries like sprains and tears that prevent someone from continuing their work.

Hearing Damage

With so much loud machinery and other employees yelling to communicate, being a construction worker can impact your ability to hear. Hearing loss can be attributed to long-term exposure to loud noise, but a singular noise from an event like an explosion could also impact the quality of someone’s hearing.

While this list is not comprehensive, it provides a strong basis for some of the most common accidents that happen on construction sites in Sumter. If you have suffered from any of these tragedies or something similar on a construction site, secure an attorney as soon as you can to ensure all options for compensation are explored.

FAQs About Sumter, SC Construction Accident Laws

Q: What Should I Do Immediately After Suffering an Injury on a Construction Site?

A: If you have been injured on a construction site, seek medical attention first. Even if the impact seems minor, you want to be safe while also securing a medical record as evidence of your injury. You want to collect other forms of evidence in your surroundings as well, such as photos of the scene and eyewitness testimonies that can speak to how the incident occurred. Following these steps can help to maximize your final compensation award.

Q: What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

A: The specific areas in which you will be compensated depend on the damages suffered. Some of the most common areas include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes emotional distress if there is a clear mental health impact. The more severe the injuries are, the higher one can expect their compensation package to be. An attorney can supervise the entire legal process to stop anyone from trying to minimize your final award.

Q: How Long Do I Have To File a Legal Claim After a Construction Injury?

A: All South Carolina employees are given three years from the date of a workplace injury to begin the legal process of holding a specific party or entity accountable. Missing this deadline will prevent the case from proceeding, no matter how compelling the evidence may still be. Having a construction attorney on your team can help to ensure you are still within the bounds of the statute of limitations while also ensuring you don’t miss any other case deadlines.

Q: Can I Sue My Employer for a Construction Injury?

A: Because employers in South Carolina must cover workers’ compensation insurance, this benefit prevents many employees from being able to directly sue their own employer through litigation. However, it doesn’t mean claims against other third parties can’t persist. For example, if a piece of equipment malfunctioned, it could set grounds for a product liability claim against the company that made the piece of equipment.

Contact Charles T. Brooks Today

If you are an employee or contractor who has been injured on a construction site in Sumter, contact the construction lawyers at Charles T. Brooks today. Our team understands how construction accidents unfold, and we know where to look for liability. We will work hard to ensure that you can recover and not worry about any of the unexpected costs that have incurred since your injury.