Construction Accident Lawyers in WA

Kennewick Construction Accident Lawyers

Experienced representation for people injured on WA construction sites and in work zones

Construction work involves various types of work that place contractors at constant risk of injuries or death. There are state-run, county-run, and private construction companies. These companies need to comply with state traffic laws, building codes regulations, and industry standards. When accidents occur, construction companies must be held liable for the harm they cause.

At Telaré Law, our Kennewick construction accident lawyers work with traffic experts, construction experts, investigators, and other professionals to show how your accident happened, and why the defendants should be held accountable. We demand compensation for all your financial damages. We work with your doctors to show just how life-changing your injuries are. We file personal injury claims on behalf of both non-workers and workers. We file wrongful death claims when construction accidents cause fatalities.

How dangerous is the construction industry?

According to Big Rentz:

  • Nearly 20% of worker deaths occur in the construction industry even though construction comprises only 6% of the work force. More than 1,000 workers died on the job in 2020.
  • Falls account for more than 33% of worker deaths at construction sites.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 174,000 construction workers were injured in 2020.
  • “OSHA estimates that construction companies save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested in safety programs.”
  • More than 60% of construction accidents involved workers in their first-year of working – indicating that safety training is essential.

What are the causes of Kennewick construction accidents?

Some of the accidents that cause catastrophic injuries, permanent injuries, and death at construction sites include:

  • Being struck by an object. Construction workers are at constant risk of being struck by objects since construction work regularly involves working on higher floors, trees, and elevated locations. Falling tools, debris, and equipment can cause severe injuries or deaths. Falling objects is the primary reason most construction workers wear helmets.
  • Falls from the same ground level. Workers are constantly working on uneven surfaces, filling holes, installing new structures. When construction workers fall, they can suffer catastrophic injuries.
  • Falls from higher levels. Workers who work on scaffolds, ladders, in the trees, and other above-ground places may die if the fall is from a high height. Survivors often suffer injuries that last a lifetime.
  • Vehicle accidents. Trucks, bulldozers, cranes, forklifts, and other moving vehicles need to be operated with care. The construction site needs to supervise the work all vehicles do so that accidents don’t injure or kill any of the workers.
  • Defective products. Construction workers use many different electric tools and mechanical tools. They work with heavy machinery. Workers should have advanced skills to use these products. Even the most skilled workers can suffer an electrocution, broken bones, burns, or other injuries if the tools, machines, and equipment are defective.

Toxic chemicals can cause severe skin disorders and respiratory disorders. Many construction workers suffer repetitive stress injuries.

What are the risks to pedestrians at Kennewick work sites?

Pedestrians can be injured or killed if they come too close to construction work such as building construction, building repair, landscaping work, or other types of construction. The site should be fully barricaded so pedestrians can’t access it – even when workers aren’t at the site. The construction site should provide clear detour warnings and routes, so pedestrians don’t end up walking in the middle of the street.

Pedestrians can be injured at construction sites if objects such as debris, tools, or construction materials fall on them. Pedestrians can suffer catastrophic injuries if they are struck by moving machinery or equipment.

What injuries do construction accidents cause?

Drivers, pedestrians, and construction workers are likely to suffer life-changing injuries when accidents happen. Some of the injuries that a Southeast Washington construction accident victim may suffer include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Traumatic amputation of an arm, leg, hand, or foot
  • Third-degree burn injuries
  • Multiple or compound fractures
  • Spinal cord injury and/or paralysis
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss
  • Internal organ damage

In the most tragic cases, a worker or non-worker dies due to a Tri-Cities construction accident.

Why are Kennewick work zone accidents dangerous?

Traffic on Interstate 82 and other roads in the Tri-Cities region is increasing all the time. New construction, along with repairs and maintenance, means that drivers are often at risk of a car accident. Roadway construction companies must prepare their site ahead of time so that Kennewick drivers aren’t hurt or killed.

Some of the many reasons work zones are dangerous include:

  • Failure to warn drivers by posting road signs including electric signs far enough back so that traffic doesn’t become congested at the work site
  • Failure to identify travel lanes
  • Poor lighting
  • Inadequate or incorrect placement of traffic cones and barriers
  • Failure to block off inaccessible areas
  • Failure to provide safe spaces for workers to stand while awaiting an assignment
  • Failure to provide proper safety gear (hard hats, high-vis vests, etc.) to workers

Federal agencies, the Washington Department of Transportation, and industry standards govern the safety steps that construction site owners should take to protect drivers and workers.

Who is liable for a construction accident in Kennewick?

At Telaré Law, our personal injury lawyers are skilled at determining how construction accidents happen, and who is responsible. Often numerous defendants are responsible.

The defendants may include:

  • Private construction companies – including parent companies and subsidiaries
  • Washington State, Benton County, or other state entities or agencies
  • General contractors such as the masonry company, electricians, plumbers, tree companies, roadwork companies, glaziers, ironworkers, and other contracting companies
  • Subcontractors
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Repair companies
  • Maintenance crews
  • Manufacturers of defective products
  • Drivers

While each defendant may blame each other, generally all responsible defendants must pay your damages. Non-workers have the right to file personal injury and wrongful death claims. Contractors (most construction workers are contractors) can also file personal injury and wrongful death claims. All workers can file product liability claims.

How much is my construction accident claim worth?

Our Kennewick construction accident claims demand the liable defendants pay for all your:

  • Medical expenses including lifetime medical costs
  • Lost income including permanent disability income loss
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium
  • Property damage

In wrongful death cases, we demand compensation for the:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support from the decedent based on his/her life expectancy
  • The value of the loss of love, guidance, and companionship your loved one would have provided

What is the statute of limitations for filing a construction accident case?

If you were injured or a loved one was killed, you should contact us as soon as possible. We need to conduct a prompt investigation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner your financial recovery can take place. We have a strong track record of jury verdicts and settlements.

Generally, victims have up to three years to file their lawsuit. Again, prompt action is better than waiting.

Telaré Law PLLC in Washington

Do you have a construction accident lawyer near me?

Telaré Law maintains an office in Kennewick at 819 South Auburn St. Our lawyers also meet construction accident victims in Richland. We meet clients away from the office if they’re not mobile or too ill.

Speak with an experienced Kennewick construction accident lawyer now

Construction companies know what they must do to protect your safety. When they cause injuries or deaths, they deserve to be held accountable. At Telaré Law, our lawyers only represent personal injury victims. For 25 years, we’ve helped injury victims and families obtain the justice they deserve. We have the experience and resources to help you get justice.

To discuss your legal rights, call our Kennewick construction accident lawyers at 509-737-8500 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We represent construction accident victims on a contingency fee basis. Our lawyers file claims in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla, Pullman, Othello, Moses Lake, Ritzville, and all Southeast Washington.