You or a loved one can pursue compensation in a construction accident case if you were injured due to negligence. A job site or construction zone can have many moving parts, people, equipment, and heavy machinery that can pose a hazard if not managed properly.
A construction accident lawyer in Columbus in your area can investigate your accident and identify any factors that entitle you to compensation. They can also assign an accurate value to your case and fight for a fair financial recovery. A personal injury law firm will usually evaluate your case at no cost or obligation and outline the steps they will take to advocate for you and your family.
Economic Compensation You Can Pursue in a Construction Accident Case
The types of economic damages you can recover after a negligence-based accident are tangible and have a fixed financial value. Recoverable economic damages may include:
- Accident-related medical bills
- Accident and recovery-related lost wages
- Property damage, loss, or diminishment
- In-home medical and domestic support
These damages typically come with receipts and other forms of documentation that prove their value. Your personal injury attorney will collect these items and include them in your case file.
Non-Economic Compensation Your Lawyer Will Pursue
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses. They are more difficult to quantify and usually include:
- Physical impairment
- Disfiguring injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Emotional anguish
- Diminished quality of life
While these damages are hard to document alone, your construction accident attorney can establish their monetary value. They will collect expert testimonials, a written prognosis, and proof of the accident’s toll.
Wrongful Death Damages for Surviving Families
Losing a loved one unexpectedly can leave your family in sudden financial distress. A lawyer can help you seek the following damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of a loved one’s income
- Loss of the decedent’s domestic contributions
- Loss of consortium and support
- Loss of companionship and care
Recovering wrongful death damages can be a physically and emotionally challenging process. When a lawyer handles it for you, you can focus on caring for your family.
The Benefits of Fighting for Financial Compensation With a Construction Accident Lawyer
You could attempt to resolve your case alone. However, doing so means dealing with the liable party, their insurance company, and the adjuster. It also means investigating and collecting evidence.
When a lawyer represents you, they will do all of the above and:
- Conduct witness interviews
- Visit the accident scene to collect evidence
- Consult relevant experts
- Conduct deposition sessions
Your personal injury lawyer will also provide ongoing updates as your case develops and throughout the negotiation process. Most will also represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all if you do not obtain compensation.
Negligence Is the Key to Assigning Financial Liability to the At-Fault Party
A construction accident can include a motor vehicle crash, flawed or faulty equipment failure, worksite hazards, or same-level falls and falls from heights. Your legal team will conduct a comprehensive investigation that identifies your accident’s cause.
They will also identify the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party’s legal responsibility
- Breach of duty: The liable party’s failure to meet their obligation
- Causation: The negligent action that directly caused the accident
- Damages: The financial consequences of the accident and your injuries
Proving these elements indicates fault and financial liability. It also allows you to pursue the at-fault party for the compensation you need and deserve.
Your Construction Site Accident Lawyer Will Build a Strong Case File
While you concentrate on getting well, your construction accident injury attorney will build a compelling evidence file. It will vary according to the type of accident that caused your injuries, but may include evidence such as:
- Police and other incident reports
- Lay and expert witness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Proof of safety regulation violations
- Photos and security cam video footage
- Medical, rehab, and therapy records and bills
Your lawyer will do more than compile evidence. They will also organize it and submit it to the negligent party and their insurance company on your behalf.
A Lawyer Can Take the Confusion Out of the Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations (deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit) is a mandatory and important part of your case. If it expires, you could lose the right to file your lawsuit, or the court will dismiss it without hearing its merits.
In general:
- The personal injury statute of limitations is two years, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10
- The wrongful death statute of limitations is two years, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02
The filing deadline can change based on the injured party’s age, certain actions the at-fault party may take, and various other factors. The lawyer handling your case can clarify the applicable deadline and help you avoid filing your lawsuit too late.
A Lawyer Can Guide You Toward a Settlement Versus a Court Case
Going to court can be a stressful and prolonged process. Most construction accident cases settle out of court. To steer your case in that direction, your attorney will:
- Assess your recoverable damages
- Submit a settlement demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Weigh each settlement offer
- Make appropriate counteroffers
The evidence your lawyer compiles will aim to prove the liable party’s negligence, which can lead to a fair settlement rather than a potentially lengthy trial. They will work hard to win fair compensation for you and your family.
Get a Free Consultation for Your Construction Accident Case
If you or a loved one was injured or your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a construction accident, our personal injury law firm will fight by your side. At The Fitch Law Firm LLC, we will fight hard to pursue compensation in your construction accident case, so you can start putting your life back together.
Our client-focused team is compassionate, aggressive, and available 24/7. Contact our consultation team today to find out how hard we will fight for your financial recovery.