Austin’s has changed quickly over the past decade with new residential communities, road construction and commercial developments. While this creates jobs in Austin and Travis County, it also increases the risk of serious construction-related injuries.
Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in the country. Heavy machinery, elevated work areas, electrical systems and multiple contractors working simultaneously can create dangerous conditions when proper safety measures are not followed.
Construction accidents can affect more than just workers, including pedestrians and motorists. don’t only affect workers, either. If you were injured on or near a construction site in Austin, an experienced Austin personal injury lawyer can review your case and determine if you have grounds to pursue compensation.
Unlike many personal injury claims, construction accidents often involve multiple companies working on the same project. A single construction site may include:
Determining who is responsible for an injury often requires a detailed investigation into the roles and responsibilities of each party involved. In some cases, more than one company may share liability for unsafe conditions that contributed to an accident.
The Austin metro area has had frequent construction, from new residential developments in Downtown Austin to around the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Improvements to MoPac Expressway and infrastructure projects along Interstate 35 have created many active construction zones across the city.
While construction remains important to the city’s rapid growth, it also increases opportunities for preventable accidents when safety standards are not followed.
Construction sites are constantly changing environments where multiple crews, heavy equipment and hazardous materials operate in close proximity. Many construction injuries stem from preventable safety failures, inadequate training or dangerous job site conditions. Common causes of construction injuries include:
Many construction accidents involve more than one contributing factor. A fall, for example, can result from defective equipment, poor communication or inadequate fall protection. Identifying what caused an accident can help in determining who may be legally responsible.
Construction accidents can occur in many different ways, and each type of incident presents unique legal and safety issues. Our attorneys handle cases involving a wide range of construction-related injuries, including:
Falls from roofs, ladders and elevated work platforms are one of the leading causes of serious construction injuries.
Improperly assembled or poorly maintained scaffolding can collapse, causing severe injuries.
Defective ladders, improper placement and inadequate training frequently contribute to ladder-related injuries.
Crane collapses, swinging loads and operator errors can place both workers and nearby pedestrians at risk.
Forklifts may collide, tip over or be operated improperly, all of which may result in severe crush injuries.
Exposed wiring, energized equipment and accidental contact with power lines can lead to electrocution or serious burns.
Without proper protective systems, trench cave-ins can bury workers within seconds.
Bulldozers, excavators, loaders and other machinery can cause devastating injuries when improperly operated or maintained.
Workers and visitors below active work areas may be struck by unsecured tools, equipment or construction materials.
Collisions involving dump trucks, cement mixers or other construction vehicles can result in serious injuries. Depending on the circumstances, a commercial vehicle accident lawyer may also be able to investigate whether additional parties share responsibility.
Construction injuries can happen on projects of every size throughout Austin and Travis County. Depending on the type of work being performed, accidents could happen at:
Whether an accident occurs on a commercial development in The Domain or a residential project in South Austin, determining liability often depends on who controlled the work site and whether proper safety measures were followed.
Construction accidents frequently result in injuries that need extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and time away from work. While some workers recover within a few weeks, others can face permanent disabilities that affect their ability to return to their previous occupation. Common construction injuries include:
The severity of a construction injury usually depends on the type of accident and the equipment involved. Even injuries that seem minor at first appear minor can lead to long-term complications, so prompt medical evaluation and treatment can be important.
Many injured construction workers assume workers’ compensation is their only option after an accident. While workers’ compensation can provide benefits in certain situations, it does not necessarily prevent an injured worker from pursuing a separate third-party claim. Depending on the circumstances, additional claims may exist against:
Determining whether additional legal claims are available requires a careful review of how the accident occurred and who may have contributed to the unsafe conditions.
Construction sites can create hazards that extend beyond the work zone itself. These hazards can lead to serious injuries, including slip and fall accidents, which may occur when property owners or contractors fail to maintain reasonably safe premises. These accidents may involve:
Work zones on I-35, Loop 360, U.S. Highway 183, State Highway 71 and State Highway 130 can create many hazards, including lane shifts, uneven pavement, loose debris and construction vehicles. These hazards can cause dangerous situations that may result in accidents or injuries. For example, a motorcyclist could lose control because of loose gravel or uneven pavement near a construction zone. Speaking with an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer could help to understand possible legal options.
If you’ve been injured on or near a construction site, taking the right steps can help protect both your health and any future legal claim. After a construction accident, consider:
If emergency responders are called to the scene, request a copy of any incident report when it becomes available. Construction injuries in Austin or Travis County may involve documentation from multiple agencies, so preserve as much evidence as possible.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation has a checklist for construction workplace safety that may help prevent accidents and understand hazards. Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a construction injury claim could include:
If a construction accident results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Texas law.
A construction injury can leave you facing significant medical expenses and lost income. Whether your accident occurred while working on a job site or because of unsafe construction activity nearby, understanding your legal rights is an important first step.
The Carlson Law Firm represents injured clients throughout Travis County. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a construction accident in Austin or the surrounding area, contact our team to schedule a free consultation.
With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, Baytown, San Angelo and Corpus Christi.
