Construction Accident Attorneys in Encino
Fighting for Justice in Construction Accident Claims and Lawsuits
Construction careers are some of the most lucrative and essential jobs in the American workforce. Construction companies work on roadways, build buildings, and even fix bridges. Because construction workers use equipment and work on job sites with inherent risk, construction site accidents can unfortunately happen.
Injured employees can quickly accrue expensive bills, including hospital visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. These expenses can add stress to an already challenging time for you and your family.
If you were injured on a construction site, contact a construction accident lawyer in Encino, California, today. Our Encino construction accident attorneys at V&A Law Firm will review your case and develop a legal strategy to claim compensation.
We could assist you if your accident occurred because of improper safety precautions, malfunctioning equipment, or other acts of negligence. Call us today at 818-369-3270 for a free consultation.
What Are the Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
Construction site accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons. Accidents vary depending on your work duties and the work environments. There are some common reasons that construction accidents occur, including:
The most common causes of construction site accidents include:
- Falling objects, like tools, equipment, or debris. Workers working below others are at risk of being hit by falling objects.
- Falls from heights. Even workers wearing fall protection, like safety harnesses, could get injured in a fall. Working on scaffolding, ladders, or roofs puts workers at risk.
- Electrical accidents. Employees who work with or around electricity are at risk of electrical shock. Electrical lines and equipment can cause explosions or electrocutions, especially if improperly handled.
- Being struck by vehicles. Heavy machinery and vehicles are often used on construction sites. Without proper safety equipment, workers can be injured by these machines.
- Toxic exposure. Hazardous materials like asbestos, lead, and other chemicals can make workers sick. If these chemicals are mishandled, they can injure workers.
- Tool injuries. Dangerous tools like power drills, saws, and nail guns can easily injure workers, especially if they are used incorrectly.
There are many other ways that workers can be injured on construction sites. If you do not see your accident on the list above, reach out to our office today. Any worker with devastating injuries deserves compensation for their medical expenses.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the nature of your injuries and the cause of the accident. In some cases, workers’ compensation benefits may cover some or all of your expenses. In other construction accident cases, a personal injury lawsuit is the best way to recover damages.
The items that many victims seek compensation for include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
If your loved one passed away due to a construction accident, you can seek financial compensation on their behalf. As a family member, you may be able to request compensation for loss of companionship and loss of potential earnings.
If you have questions about the compensation you can receive or would like an experienced construction accident attorney to review your case, contact our team today.
Types of Construction Site Injuries
Construction sites in Encino are inherently dangerous environments. Workers are often exposed to high-risk machinery, heavy materials, and hazardous conditions. Injuries that occur on these sites can be life-changing and sometimes fatal.
The following are some of the most common types of injuries reported in construction accident cases:
- Falls from heights: Scaffolding, ladders, and unguarded edges contribute to a high number of serious falls, often resulting in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or fractured bones.
- Struck-by accidents: These involve a worker being hit by falling tools, swinging equipment, or moving vehicles, potentially causing internal injuries, broken bones, or death.
- Electrocutions: Contact with exposed wires, faulty tools, or improperly grounded equipment can lead to severe burns or fatal cardiac arrest.
- Caught-in or between hazards: Workers can become trapped between heavy machinery, collapsing trenches, or materials, often leading to crushing injuries or amputations.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Long hours of lifting, bending, or using vibrating tools may result in chronic musculoskeletal conditions that require extended treatment.
Safety Regulations for California Construction Sites
California construction sites are governed by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA. These regulations establish minimum safety standards to prevent accidents and ensure a secure work environment. Cal/OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection systems, ensure equipment is maintained correctly, and establish safety training protocols for all workers.
Protective measures include guardrails on elevated surfaces, proper signage for hazardous zones, and safe scaffolding construction. In addition, regulations mandate that employers routinely inspect job sites to identify and correct risks. When companies fail to comply with these safety obligations, they may face citations, fines, or civil liability if a worker is injured.
Liability of Employers and Third Parties
Determining who is legally responsible after a construction accident depends on the role of the involved parties. Employers are typically covered under California’s workers’ compensation system, which limits lawsuits against them in exchange for providing no-fault benefits. However, third parties—such as subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners—may be sued for negligence if their actions have contributed to unsafe conditions.
For instance, if scaffolding collapses due to improper assembly by a subcontractor, that subcontractor may be held liable. Similarly, if a crane malfunctions because of a manufacturing defect, the equipment manufacturer could face a product liability claim. An experienced attorney evaluates site responsibilities, contracts, and safety records to identify all liable parties.
Gathering Evidence for Construction Accident Claims
A well-documented claim relies on various evidence to establish negligence and place a value on the damages.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Accident scene photos: Visual documentation of the conditions immediately following the accident can reveal hazards such as spills, unstable scaffolding, or unsecured tools.
- Witness statements: Testimonies from coworkers or bystanders help confirm what happened and whether proper safety procedures were followed.
- Incident reports: Internal records filed with the employer can demonstrate how the company responded and what steps, if any, were taken to prevent similar incidents.
- Medical records: Treatment details, diagnoses, and prognoses establish the extent of physical harm and the projected recovery timeline.
- Maintenance and inspection logs: These documents can uncover patterns of neglect or noncompliance with safety protocols, particularly when defective machinery or tools are involved.
How Do You File a Construction Accident Claim?
Filing a construction accident claim as a construction worker is much easier with the help of a construction accident lawyer. If you have been injured on the job, there are some steps you can take to bolster your claim.
Follow these steps after a construction accident to begin seeking compensation:
- Get medical attention. If you are injured, have a medical professional diagnose your injuries. Document any expenses you pay due to the accident as they accrue.
- Gather evidence of the accident. This could be photos and videos of the scene, witness statements, or accident reports. This evidence will assist you in building a solid case later.
- Speak to a team of Encino construction accident attorneys. The construction industry is large, and most construction companies have teams of lawyers ready to defend against lawsuits. Contact our office immediately to begin working on your case.
- File a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim will detail the compensation you are seeking and the losses you have suffered due to your injuries. An Encino construction accident attorney can assist you in filing a claim.
- Negotiate with an insurance company. In most cases, insurance agents will reach out to offer a settlement. A legal representative on our Encino construction accident lawyer can assist you in negotiating with an insurance company to get the payout you deserve.
- Take your claim to court if necessary. If the insurance company is unwilling to provide fair compensation, your case may go to court. Our team of Encino construction accident lawyers will represent you before a judge to get you the maximum payout you deserve.
Occupational Safety and Health Standards
Federal and state safety standards govern nearly every aspect of construction work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets national benchmarks for fall protection, excavation, hazardous material handling, and personal protective equipment. Cal/OSHA supplements these rules with state-specific guidelines. Both agencies require employers to maintain injury logs, conduct hazard assessments, and ensure that workers are trained in site-specific safety protocols. Failure to comply with these standards can form the basis of liability claims or serve as supporting evidence of negligence. Regular audits and compliance reviews help document whether a construction site was managed responsibly.
Can Encino Construction Accidents Be Prevented?
In many cases, construction site accident injuries could have been prevented if the existing safety regulations had been followed. If a construction company is not taking the correct precautions, they could be liable for your accident.
All construction sites should use the following measures to prevent accidents:
- Providing proper training
- Reviewing all safety hazards regularly
- Doing regular safety inspections
- Maintaining all equipment
- Enforcing safety rules
Importance of Safety Equipment
Proper use of safety equipment is critical to reducing the risk of injury on construction sites. Workers must be provided with and trained to use gear such as hard hats, harnesses, gloves, protective eyewear, and high-visibility clothing. Employers are responsible for ensuring that this equipment is not only available but also well-maintained and suitable for the tasks performed.
A failure to supply or enforce the use of safety gear may be considered negligent. Likewise, if an injury occurs due to defective or worn-out equipment, the party responsible for its maintenance could be held accountable. In many cases, whether safety equipment was present and used correctly becomes a central issue in determining fault and evaluating damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can subcontractors be held liable for injuries?
Subcontractors who control certain areas of a job site or perform specialized tasks may be responsible if their actions—or failure to follow safety protocols—cause an injury. Liability often depends on contractual obligations and whether the subcontractor had the authority to correct the hazard.
Do all construction injuries qualify for compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers most work-related injuries, but not every injury will require filing a lawsuit. Personal injury claims typically require showing that a third party acted negligently or violated a safety standard, directly causing the injury. Minor injuries without medical treatment may not meet the threshold for legal action.
What if I contributed to my injury?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault but not eliminated. If you were 30% responsible and another party was 70% at fault, you could still recover 70% of your total damages.
How long does a construction injury claim take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injury, and whether liability is disputed. Workers’ compensation claims may resolve in weeks, while personal injury lawsuits can take several months to over a year, especially if a trial is involved.
Are safety violations important for my claim?
Proving that a party violated OSHA or Cal/OSHA regulations can strengthen your case by demonstrating that a recognized safety standard was ignored. These violations often serve as clear evidence of negligence. They can increase the likelihood of recovering compensation in both personal injury and workers’ compensation contexts.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
Being injured in a construction site accident can be devastating. Serious construction accident injuries can leave you with life-long symptoms that may impact on your future career and earning potential. As an injured employee, you deserve to seek compensation for your construction accident injuries as well as your pain and suffering.
Please don’t feel like you must advocate for yourself on your own. Our Encino construction accident lawyer at V&A Law Firm is here to help you by gathering evidence for your case, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing injured clients in court.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid until you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by calling 818-369-3270.