Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyer
Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyer
Construction accidents in Baltimore are all too common, often leading to serious injuries and sometimes permanent disabilities. The construction industry poses risks to its workers every single day, and many of these accidents are preventable and occur due to someone’s negligence.
In Maryland, numerous construction accidents are resolved as workers’ compensation claims. However, often, Baltimore construction accident lawyers at Bob Katz Law have also been able to identify third parties who have responsibility for such incidents. This legal accountability can significantly impact the compensation the claimant receives.
If you or a family member has suffered injuries on a construction site, contact us immediately. We will answer your questions and explore the legal options to fight for your workers’ compensation benefits.
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Why Choose a Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyer at Bob Katz Law
When it comes to navigating the complexities of construction accident claims, choosing the right legal representation can greatly affect your final outcome. Here are the reasons you need to consider our legal representation services:
Experience in Construction Accident Cases
Construction accident cases aren’t like other personal injury claims. Usually, these cases require specific knowledge and experience of such industry.
We have a team of lawyers who understand this niche area, and they quite understand construction regulations, safety standards, and the intricacies of workers’ compensation laws. Thus, they will be able to leverage their experience to your benefit.
Proven Track Record of Success
Leveraging our extensive resources, we consistently achieve significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. We’ve successfully brought liable parties to account and protected the interests of the injured workers in Baltimore. We have, over the years, successfully secured over 500 million in settlements on behalf of our clients.
Personalized Client Care
At Bob Katz Law, you’re not just another case number. We offer personalized attention to each client so that you feel supported and heard throughout the entire process. From the moment you contact us, we try to understand your case, address your questions, and tailor our strategy to your specific needs. Our goal is to provide not only legal representation but also emotional support during a challenging time.
Vigorous Employer and Insurance Negotiations
Facing off against employers and insurance companies can be daunting. This is because they have access to vast resources for fighting off liabilities and protecting their bottom lines. Luckily, our construction accident lawyers do not shy away from negotiating with these entities to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Due to consistent positive outcomes over the years, we have garnered over 185 positive Google reviews as well as glowing testimonials. Therefore, you can be sure that our proven negotiation tactics can protect your interests and secure the financial support you need to reclaim your life.
How Much Is My Construction Accident Claim Worth?
Construction accident claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, there is no hard and fast rule to determine the worth of your claim. However, our Baltimore construction accident attorneys can assess the damages in your case to provide you with a fair estimate.
Usually, the worth of your claim will depend on the following factors:
The Seriousness of the Injury
The severity of your harm is key in determining the worth of your construction accident claim. Severe injuries mean higher compensation due to their long-term implications on your health, quality of life, and financial stability.
Firstly, severe injuries require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and ongoing rehabilitation. The cost of these treatments may quickly pile up, and your claim should cover both current and future medical expenses.
Also, serious injuries usually lead to significant physical pain and emotional distress. This aims to address the impact of your injuries on your overall well-being. The more severe and long-lasting the pain and distress, the higher the potential compensation.
For instance, if your injury results in permanent disability, compensation increases substantially. This covers the immediate effects and lifelong implications, such as the need for assistive devices or modifications to your living environment.
The Impact on Your Ability To Work in the Future
Another critical factor influencing the value of your claim is how the injury affects your ability to work in the future. This involves your current job and your long-term career prospects.
For example, if your injury forces you to take time off work, you’ll need compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. This includes not just the immediate time off but also any extended leave required.
However, serious injuries may permanently limit your ability to perform certain tasks or work in your previous capacity. For example, a construction worker who suffers a debilitating brain injury might no longer be able to handle the physical demands of the job. Compensation for loss of earning capacity considers your reduced ability to earn a living and aims to make up for this financial loss over time.
Also, if your injury might necessitate a complete career change, this transition can involve new training, education, or certifications, all of which come with associated costs. Your claim should account for these additional expenses and the potential drop in income during this period.
The Evidence Available
The strength and availability of evidence are crucial in determining the worth of your claim. Solid evidence will adequately substantiate the extent of your injuries, prove negligence, and support the injury claims.
Also, you need to have detailed medical records documenting your injuries, treatments, and prognosis. These records provide a clear picture of the seriousness of your injury and the necessary medical care.
Sometimes, your lawyer may involve experts in fields like construction safety, vocational rehabilitation, and medical care, who can offer professional opinions that bolster your case. Their account can help quantify the impact of your injuries and the negligence involved and bolster your claim greatly.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Construction Accident in Baltimore, MD?
Determining the average settlement for a construction accident in Baltimore, MD, involves considering numerous factors unique to each case. Settlement amounts can vary widely from case to case.
For minor injuries, you can expect a settlement range of $3,000 to $15,000. These cases typically involve short-term medical treatment and minimal time off work. Even if the injury results from a significant accident, if the resulting harm is minor, the settlement will reflect that lower degree of harm.
For moderate harm, settlement may come anywhere from $15,000 to $75,000. These injuries are more severe and may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time. Compensation for these injuries accounts for prolonged medical care, physical therapy, and lost wages during the recovery period.
For major Injuries, the range typically amounts from $75,000 to millions. These cases result in long-term or permanent disabilities, substantial medical expenses, and significant impacts on the victim’s quality of life and ability to work. Settlements in these cases aim to cover ongoing medical treatments, future lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
To obtain a fair estimate of your potential settlement, it is crucial to consult with construction accident attorneys. They will thoroughly evaluate your case, considering all relevant factors to secure the highest possible compensation.
Common Construction Site Accidents and Causes
There are different types of construction accidents that are caused by different factors. In Baltimore, you are likely to find these types of accidents at construction sites:
- Falls: Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other heights associated with construction site accidents.
- Struck-by Incidents: These occur when workers are hit by falling objects, equipment, or vehicles. Such incidents can happen due to improper securing of materials, lack of safety barriers, or malfunctioning machinery.
- Electrocutions: Workers are at risk of electrocution from exposed wires, faulty electrical installations, or contact with overhead power lines.
- Caught-in/between Accidents: These involve workers being caught in or between heavy machinery, collapsing structures, or other construction materials.
- Equipment accidents: Mishandling or malfunction of construction equipment like cranes, forklifts, or power tools can lead to severe injuries.
Mostly, 80 %-90 % of construction accidents are caused by human error. These include lack of proper training, fatigue, or negligence, which can lead to accidents.
In a few cases, construction site hazards are a result of failure to implement and enforce safety protocols, which is a significant cause. If safety standards are strictly adhered to, this can reduce construction accidents by 98%.
Also, when workers use defective equipment, it may increase the risk of accidents. In some cases, weather conditions, unstable ground, or hazardous materials on-site contribute to accidents.
Types of Injuries in Construction Accidents
Injured workers in Baltimore have reported different types of injuries. The most common ones include the following:
- Fractures and broken bones. Often results from falls, struck-by incidents, or equipment accidents. These injuries require serious medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Head and brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur from falls or being struck by heavy objects. Symptoms may include mild concussions or, in severe cases, serious cognitive impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries. These injuries may occasion partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting a worker’s quality of life and ability to work.
- Burns. Electrical accidents or exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause severe burns, necessitating prolonged medical care.
- Lacerations and abrasions. Cuts and tears in the skin caused by sharp or rough surfaces and objects can lead to infections if not properly treated.
Being able to identify the type of injury properly is key in a construction accident claim in Baltimore. This is because it affects every aspect of the case, from medical expenses and lost wages to the overall outcome of your claim.
Damages for Construction Injuries
Recoverable damages in construction injuries in Baltimore, MD, may include the following:
- Medical costs due to the injury, such as emergency care, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
- Compensation earnings lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- Loss of the ability to earn if the injury affects the ability to do a gainful activity.
- Monetary payment for physical pain and emotional burden caused by the injury.
- Costs for modifications needed for the victim’s home or vehicle to accommodate disabilities caused by the accident.
Your accident injury lawyer will keenly evaluate the injury’s impact on your life to ensure you seek fair and comprehensive compensation. They will also gather and present every necessary evidence to substantiate the claim.
Liability for Construction Site Injuries
Determining liability for construction site injuries is key to securing proper compensation. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, there are various parties who could be held responsible:
- Employers should maintain a safe working environment and offer adequate training. They can be liable for neglecting safety protocols.
- Contractors and subcontractors are liable if they fail to ensure safety measures or proper equipment use on-site.
- Manufacturers if defective equipment causes an injury to a construction worker.
- Property owners are responsible for ensuring their construction sites comply with safety standards.
Your lawyer will help determine the parties liable for your injury. This will ensure you can seek restitution from them for the harm you suffered as a result of their negligence.
Construction Accident Verdicts & Settlements
When pursuing a Baltimore construction accident claim, it is recommended to look at past verdicts and settlements, which can provide insights into what to expect in your case. Some notable settlements in the past include the following:
- $2,884,500 Verdict: Estate of a 41-year-old construction worker awarded $2,884,500 after he was struck and dragged by a dump truck at a construction area in Maryland.
- $5 Million Settlement in Philadelphia: A family received $5 million after a man was crushed in an excavated trench.
- $15.8 Million Verdict in Pennsylvania: Lane Construction Corporation ordered to pay $15.8 million for injuries from a crash in a work zone.
- $50,813 Verdict in Maryland: A 40-year-old man was awarded $50,813 after striking a poorly marked construction container, resulting in a fractured hand and a concussion.
- $64.5 Million Verdict in Florida: A man was awarded $64.5 million after being crushed by a building, later settling for a confidential amount.
As seen above, cases involving severe or permanent injuries often result in multi-million dollar settlements to cover lifelong medical expenses and lost income.
Benefits Available To Injured Workers in Baltimore
As indicated by the Maryland Workers Compensation Commission, injured workers in Baltimore can access several benefits designed to support them during their recovery. These include the following:
- Medical expenses. Factors in all necessary medical treatments related to the injury, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing care.
- Disability payments. Financial compensation for lost wages due to temporary or permanent disability. Your construction accident attorney in Maryland will ensure the disability benefits can offer you sufficient support while you are unable to work.
- Rehabilitation costs. Funding for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services needed to help workers recover and return to their jobs.
- Wrongful death. Compensation provided to the surviving family members of the injured worker who succumbed to a workplace injury. This includes funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support that the lawful dependents will miss out on due to the worker’s death.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Construction Site Injuries
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation beyond what’s available through workers’ compensation.
However, you will need legal advice to determine your options and if you’ve got a valid case. If you have a valid claim, your attorney will then draft and file the necessary legal documents to initiate the lawsuit within the stipulated time frame of three years. Remember, you need to act quickly to safeguard your legal right to seek recovery through a lawsuit.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Versus Filing a Lawsuit
Choosing between filing for workers’ comp or going for a personal injury lawsuit depends on the factors attached to your construction accident case. Regarding filing your workers’ compensation claim, you would expect the following:
- You don’t need to prove negligence to receive benefits.
- Compensation will only factor in medical expenses and a portion of lost wages.
- Quicker resolution than a lawsuit, which offers quicker financial relief.
However, if you have to pursue a lawsuit instead, you can expect a different set of processes and outcomes:
- You must demonstrate that another party’s negligence caused your injury.
- You have a higher potential to recover full pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other areas of impact as determined by your legal advocate
- A lawsuit can take longer to resolve due to the lengthy evidence-gathering and discovery phases, yet the potential compensation is typically higher.
Contact Our Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyers
A successful construction accident claim is the cornerstone of a winning legal strategy. Your lawyer will evaluate your unique circumstances and advise you on the best ways to pursue justice. Our Baltimore construction accident lawyers are ready to take up your case and help you secure a positive outcome. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in recovering from your construction accident injuries.
Bob Katz Law Baltimore Construction Accident Lawyer help victims inside Maryland and our firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in Baltimore at 1001 Fleet St Suite 525, Baltimore, MD 21202. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.2841097472434, -76.59946847149862.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Percentage of All Construction Injuries Are the Result of Falls?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the construction industry was responsible for 46.2% of all deadly falls, slips, and trips in 2021. This means that accidents due to falls remain one of the most common and dangerous hazards on construction sites
What Are the Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
Construction accidents can occur due to hazards often exacerbated by inadequate safety measures, lack of proper training, and failure to adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Addressing these issues through safety programs and regular site inspections can reduce the risk of accidents greatly.
Who Is Responsible for a Construction Accident?
Responsibility for a construction accident can fall on several parties, depending on the circumstances and who was negligent. This may include employers, contractors, equipment manufacturers, site owners, and supervisors. Each of these parties has a duty to ensure safety standards are met.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in a Construction Accident?
If you are injured in a construction accident, the first step is to seek immediate medical treatment to address your injuries. Once you are stabilized, report the incident to your employer within 10 days of diagnosis or accident.
Next, file a completed Employee Claim Form C-1 with the Maryland Workers Compensation Commission to start the claim process. Importantly, consult a lawyer construction accident lawyer to help safeguard your rights and interests.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Construction Accident?
Workers’ compensation laws limit the ability to sue your employer directly for a construction accident. However, other legal avenues may be available, particularly if third-party negligence contributed to the incident. For example, if faulty equipment caused the injury, you might have grounds to sue the manufacturer. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal processes and determine the best course of action.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive for a Construction Accident?
The compensation recoverable for a construction accident includes coverage for medical expenses, disability payments, and rehabilitation costs. Additionally, you might be eligible for more compensation if you file a lawsuit for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, punitive damages, and others, depending on the injuries’ impact on your life. Your attorney will advise on the most appropriate avenue to pursue compensation that is fair for your losses.
How Can Construction Accidents Be Prevented?
Observing the guidelines stipulated by OSHA can significantly reduce construction accidents. This includes providing proper training for all workers, enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting regular safety audits and inspections, and ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed. Employees should also speak up about potential hazards and take measures to mitigate risks before accidents occur.
Other Personal Injury Cases We Handle
- Wrongful Death Lawyer Baltimore
- Baltimore Workers Compensation Lawyer
- Baltimore Slip and Fall Lawyer
- Baltimore Dog Bite Lawyer
- Baltimore Brain Injury Lawyer
- Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Baltimore County
- Car Accident Lawyer Baltimore
- Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Baltimore Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Rideshare Accident Lawyer Baltimore Md
- Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyer
- Baltimore Bus Accident Lawyer
- Baltimore Work Injury Lawyer
- Maryland Premises Liability Attorney
- Baltimore Burn Injury Lawyer
- Maryland Pool Injury + Drowning Attorney
Timothy J. Capurso is chair of the firm’s Personal Injury Practice Group. He concentrates his practice on personal injury cases of all types, focusing on automobile accidents. His background includes litigating personal injury cases from inception through trial and settlement negotiations. 25+ years of experience. Contact Timothy J. Capruso
Timothy J. Capurso