Whether they are involved in building construction or repair, or working on highways or utility systems, construction workers face significant risk of injuries as they work at high elevations and with dangerous equipment. While most injured North Carolina workers can turn to the state workers’ compensation system to pay medical and certain other expenses, an experienced construction accident attorney serving North Carolina can help some construction workers pursue third-party personal injury claims to seek additional compensation.
According to preliminary data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 759 workers died in construction accidents in 2011, and nearly four percent of construction workers suffered injuries or illnesses during the same period. Many of these injuries involve the use of potentially defective heavy equipment and other tools. And, within the building trades, workers commonly suffer injuries from falls.
A primary purpose of the workers’ compensation system involves ensuring workers receive prompt medical treatment for injuries. However, even if employer or co-worker negligence causes an accident resulting in injuries, the law prohibits victims from filing lawsuits or taking other legal action against these liable parties. However, the law does not bar victims from pursuing additional legal claims against any third parties whose negligence contributed to their workplace injuries. In other words, with the support of an experienced North Carolina construction accident attorney, injured workers can take legal action against manufacturers of faulty equipment, substandard repair shops or any party whose negligence caused an injury – as long as these parties have no direct connection with the employer.
Construction injuries can compromise the abilities of workers to continue earning the incomes needed to care for their families while incurring extensive medical care and other costs. If you or a loved one sustains construction site injuries, the attorneys at Lanier Law Group, P.A. examine all legal options available for pursuing fair compensation. Call us at (855) 757-4204 to learn how we can help.