Construction Accident Lawsuits - FAQs

Construction sites can be remarkably dangerous places, both for construction workers and those passing by a given job site. If you or someone you know has been injured at a construction site, legal action may be worth pursuing. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about construction accident lawsuits.

Can I file a lawsuit after being injured in an accident on the job?

Workman's compensation has the responsibility of handling claims for accidents on the job site, but if you believe your injury was the result of someone else's negligence or a defect in equipment, you have every right to initiate a personal injury lawsuit.

How do I file a construction accident lawsuit?

It is very important to find a qualified construction accident attorney who has handled these types of cases in the past and will be able to help guide you through the process. Employment law in the United States can be very complicated and there is no substitute for a skilled advocate in your corner.

What happens after I file my complaint?

One your cause of action has been filed with the court, the party that you are making your claim against will be notified and will be given an opportunity to respond. The court will give the defendant a reasonable amount of time to respond to your claim. They will either deny the allegations entirely or acknowledge the accident and deny any culpability. At this time the defendant could also file a motion to dismiss the case or a counterclaim.

What is the discovery process?

The discovery process in a legal case happens before trial. It is basically an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the claim and will include depositions taken from potential witnesses. The information is shared by both sides in the construction accident lawsuit so they know what to expect at trial.

Does my construction accident lawsuit have to go to trial?

Absolutely not. The judge in the case will encourage both sides to try and settle the claim before it goes to trial. Settlement is always an option to consider because it can save both sides a considerable amount of time and money.

Are there examples of plaintiffs winning huge settlements?

There are a number of examples from around the country of settlements in excess of $1 million. A roofing company in Delaware was ordered to pay a $14 million dollar settlement for not following Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines on a job site in Wilmington where a worker was critically injured in a fall from a roof. Contact our personal injury law firm in Anchorage for further information.