Are you a hard-working construction worker whose life has been upended after being injured on the job? If so, you may need help to make ends meet. You are overwhelmed with medical bills, your injury is preventing you from returning to work, your bank account is dwindling, and the household expenses keep coming nonstop. You're feeling the pressure and unsure of where to turn for help.
We can help you regain control of your life with a White Lake construction accidents lawyer representing you. Call us at 248-886-8650 or email us for a free consultation.
At the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates, we've built our reputation on serving the people of White Lake and surrounding communities all over Michigan. We know that after you’ve been injured, you are doing your best to put the pieces of your life together, but you may be feeling defeated and overwhelmed. Let our team of construction accident lawyers battle for you. We have served construction workers like you for decades, and we know how to get the best possible outcome for your situation.
We know how to buckle down, roll up our sleeves, and go toe-toe with big bad insurance, corporations, and any other party who refuses to pay you what you're owed.
We're fighters. And we don't apologize for helping people get the compensation they deserve. Our team’s work ethic, training, and skills have resulted in over $250 million in awards and settlements for our clients. We want to do the same for you. Here are three simple steps to get started:
Your livelihood matters. Don't let the "big boys" give you the runaround. Ready to move forward with your claim with confidence? Contact us today, and let us advocate for you.
The information here can empower you to make an informed decision moving forward. Remember, you have the right to pursue compensation, and we want to help you do that.
White Lake is one of the most liveable towns in Michigan. The community's appeal has led to a 25% increase in construction projects over the past two years. The surge in growth also increases the risk of construction workers falling victim to any number of injuries, in some cases even death.
Here's a startling fact that residents don't want to ignore: The Great Lakes State has among the highest construction tragedies nationwide. These accidents occur for several reasons, including workplace hazards, such as falling objects, electrocutions, and falls. The risky nature of construction work reminds us of the need to keep safety in mind.
White Lake is a quaint township with a growing population of 31,043 as of 2022. With growth comes new homes, buildings, and businesses. This growth has provided employment opportunities for many with skills in the construction sector. Amid the hustle and bustle of worksites, accidents are an unfortunate reality. If you are someone you know who works in construction, knowing the most common types of accidents raises awareness of the ever-present dangers.
Construction sites have their share of accidents. The industry has many preventative measures in place to help keep employees safe, such as safety training, machine guards, and personal protective equipment (PPE). However, these horrific events still happen, leaving many victims with long-term disabilities or families without their breadwinners.
Construction site safety is a serious matter. Injuries, including fatalities, come with the territory. That's one of the most unpleasant parts of a profession integral to our economy. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) regulates the industry and enforces safety standards.
According to an Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Michigan Survey, Michigan had over 3,500 construction workplace injuries and 100 illnesses in 2022. Construction ranks 7th on a list of 19 private-sector industries. Below, we highlight reasons why these incidents occur.
Training has (and does) save lives and prevent devastating injuries. We can always appreciate the need for workers to be informed on the right way to use equipment and protection. The efforts to keep employees well-educated get undermined due to several factors. Here are some factors impacting the quality of worker safety.
Danger, caution and warning signs get posted everywhere in construction environments. The signage appears in breakrooms, bathrooms, office walls, fences, and anywhere else, posing a risk. Despite the best efforts of employers and site managers to keep the workspace accident-free, it's still an uphill battle. Here are a few reasons why:
"You can lead a horse to water but can't make them drink." The construction sector is a heavily regulated industry. Safety regulations and protocols aim to minimize the risk of workers being harmed. Far too often, meeting these standards leaves a lot to be desired. Here are some reasons why:
Addressing these problems is essential. Doing so can prevent future accidents. If employers, workers, and regulatory agencies take the proper steps, they can create a safer work environment.
According to a Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity survey, our state had over 3,000 reported non-fatal accidents in 2022 alone. That's an alarming number. And even though they're not fatal, the impact on workers and their families is still incredibly traumatic. These injuries can result in long-term physical impairments, money troubles, and emotional strain. The following is a list of injuries occurring daily:
A worker's way of life can change instantly in a split second, and these changes ripple out to affect their entire family. With these injuries, you may need immediate medical attention, surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care—losing the ability to earn income, have mobility, and participate in fun activities. If you're a victim facing short-term or long-range effects of a construction accident, seek legal guidance. An experienced White Lake attorney can fight for your rights and pursue the compensation needed for your recovery.
Workers' comp serves as a source of financial relief for employees injured on construction sites. Time off work means loss of income. Of course, you need to keep your household afloat; this state-sponsored insurance can help. Additionally, Michigan has a "no-fault" workers' compensation system. This concept means victims can receive benefits even if they caused the accident. Let's delve deeper into this program to see how it can help in your time of need.
Michigan implemented the Workers' Disability Compensation Act in 1912 (Section 418.301). The state requires most employers to provide this coverage. Workers' compensation is an insurance program for employees who are injured or fall sick at work. The victims can receive financial benefits to support their recovery process. The payments cover the following:
An eligible worker must be employed at a company where the accident occurred. An independent contractor wouldn't be covered under workers' comp in this case.
The application process is time-sensitive. For example, you only have 90 days to report the injury to your employer or supervisor. Additionally, there's a two-year time limit for filing a claim for medical care and wage loss. This timeframe starts on the date of the accident.
Many companies are self-insured employers, meaning they don't participate in the workers' comp program. They cover their workers with private insurance carriers. If you need to know whether your job is self-insured, refer to this list.
Here's a quick rundown of how to apply for benefits:
Report the accident to your immediate supervisor
Having the guidance of an experienced construction accident attorney can assist with the application process, ensuring your rights are protected. If you need help filing your claim, a skilled White Lake attorney can handle the paperwork for you.
What if an employer or co-worker didn't cause your job-related injury? In that situation, you may be facing third-party liability. Let's look at this type of claim, starting with identifying these parties.
Here are examples of how a third party can be liable for a construction accident injury.
You can hold these parties accountable for their negligence or wrongful actions. This claim allows you to pursue compensation in addition to workers' comp. Unlike workers' comp, you must prove another party caused your personal injury.
Here are examples of evidence needed to prove third-party liability:
In liability claims, injured parties may be entitled to various damages to compensate for their losses. These economic and non-economic damages can include:
In some rare cases, injured victims may receive punitive damages. This compensation is for situations where there was extreme negligence or misconduct.
Here's an example: An electrical subcontractor has a history of safety violations and refusing corrective action. This behavior shows a pattern of willful disregard for safety. Punitive damages penalize the responsible party with an intent to deter gross acts of carelessness in the future.
Workers' compensation provides benefits regardless of fault. However, third-party liability claims require evidence that another party is responsible for your injury. This type of claim can require a lot of legwork, paperwork, and other resources to win. An experienced construction accident attorney can do the heavy lifting for you, giving you the best chance of recovering full compensation.
Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as a result of another party's negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.2922). An example of a negligent act is a construction company's failure to secure scaffolding at a 12-story office building. The scaffolding collapses, causing a window cleaner to fall to their death. The deceased person's family can file a wrongful death lawsuit. The point of the legal action is to hold the negligent party accountable while providing financial support for the family.
In Michigan, the law allows the following family members to file a wrongful death claim:
The plaintiff (person filing the suit) must demonstrate another party's negligence or wrongful act caused the death. Additionally, it must be proven the surviving family suffered damages resulting from the death.
Damages Available in Wrongful Death Claims
Wrongful death claims provide compensation for damages, such as:
Losing a loved one in a construction accident is a tragedy that no family should have to endure. Have you lost a family member in a construction accident? Consider seeking legal guidance from a compassionate, experienced White Lake construction accidents attorney. They can assist in your journey toward justice and closure.
Construction sites can pose risks to those passing by. What if someone trips, falls, and breaks their leg while walking along a sidewalk where construction is underway? Who's liable? Is the injured person entitled to compensation? Let's answer those questions and take a closer look at what your legal rights are in these situations.
Explanation of Premises Liability in Construction Mishaps
A construction site injury on a public sidewalk is a premises liability issue. This law holds property owners and occupiers accountable for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. They must prevent foreseeable harm to others. This legal principle applies to public sidewalks next to construction sites.
Property owners and construction project managers must keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians during ongoing construction. They have to conduct regular inspections for hazards, such as:
Liability may be established for public sidewalk injuries under various situations. Here are a few examples:
As a White Lake resident, you have the right to expect safe conditions when walking on public sidewalks near construction sites. You may have a premises liability case when a property owner or contractor fails to exercise due care, causing a personal injury.
If so, you'll want to explore your legal options. You can schedule a free case evaluation with a White Lake attorney specializing in premises liability. They can provide the advice and support needed to pursue compensation.
What should I do if I'm injured in a construction accident?
Visit a medical doctor immediately and report the accident to your employer or site supervisor. Record the accident details, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses present.
Who is responsible for ensuring safety at construction sites?
Employers, contractors, and property owners are responsible for ensuring safety at construction sites in White Lake. They must comply with state and federal safety regulations and provide workers with adequate training and safety equipment.
Do I have the right to sue my employer for a construction accident?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for a construction accident in White Lake. Michigan provides a financial remedy as a provision of workers' compensation laws. However, there may be exceptions if your employer's intentional or egregious conduct contributed to the accident.
What if my construction accident resulted in permanent disability?
A permanent disability may entitle you to additional workers' compensation benefits. These benefits include compensation for permanent impairment, loss of earning capacity, and ongoing medical care.
Can I get money for my pain and suffering after a construction accident?
Workers' compensation benefits don't cover pain and suffering. Compensation for these damages is available through a third-party liability claim. These claims involve a negligent third party other than an employer or co-worker. You can pursue financial relief for your pain and suffering if there is a third party that is responsible for your accident.
Do I need a construction accident attorney for my claim?
You're under no legal obligation to hire an attorney. With that said, having a lawyer in your corner has its advantages. These professionals have the qualifications to address your personal injury needs. They can protect your rights, help you secure workers' compensation, or file a lawsuit. An attorney has the legal skillset to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries.
A construction accident injury in White Lake can devastate your life. If this has happened to you or someone in your family, we know you're in a vulnerable position right now. Let the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates help you get through this situation.
We have decades of dedication to serving the people of White Lake and surrounding areas. We're no strangers to fighting for injury victims to get what they deserve from parties who caused them harm. Our legal team is here for you.
We deliver fierce representation for our White Lake personal injury clients. Now is the time to get personalized legal guidance tailored to your needs. Ready to partner with an advocate who'll work to get you the maximum compensation you need during this difficult period in your life? Call our law firm at 248-886-8650 or email us for a free consultation.
