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Which Construction Accident Claim Should You File in Washington, DC?

Need to File a Construction Accident Claim in DC?

Construction sites are inherently dangerous, and accidents are unfortunately common. In the expanding urban environment of Washington, DC, where construction projects are a constant presence, the risk of accidents is even more prevalent. From falls to equipment malfunctions, the range of potential hazards is extensive.

When construction accidents occur, injured workers and their families must understand the different types of construction accident claims available to them in the District of Columbia. Navigating the legal landscape can be complex, but the construction accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long are here to help. We offer a free consultation to new clients where they will speak with an experienced attorney who will help them understand their rights to justice and compensation.

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What Are the Different Types of Construction Accidents?

New apartments, storefronts, and recreation areas are constantly being built in the DC Metro Area. Unfortunately, with construction comes the risk of accidents. There are many different types of construction accident claims that injured workers or their families can file in Washington, DC. Each type of claim is specific to the circumstances surrounding the incident. These claims aim to compensate and support those affected by a construction accident.

The most common types of construction accident claims in Washington, DC are:

  • Falls from Heights: A common construction accident, falls can occur from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs if proper fall protection measures are not in place.
  • Struck by Objects: This involves incidents where workers are hit by falling tools or materials, or by moving vehicles on the construction site.
  • Electrocution: Workers may come into contact with live wires or use faulty equipment, leading to serious injuries or death.
  • Trench Collapses and Excavation Accidents: When safety protocols are not followed during trenching or excavation, walls may collapse, potentially burying workers alive.>
  • Machinery Accidents: Cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery can malfunction or collapse, causing severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Fires and Explosions: The presence of flammable materials and equipment can lead to fires or explosions, posing a significant risk to workers on construction sites.
  • Chemical exposure: Many materials used in construction sites contain lead or mercury. Workers are often in direct contact with dangerous substances while on site. 
  • Building collapse: Building and scaffolding collapses are some of the most dangerous accidents on a construction site. People near or working on-site may be struck by debris or fully buried with material. 

 

What Kind of Construction Site Accident Claim Can I File?

There are four main types of construction accident claims a victim can file. During your free case evaluation, a Regan Zambri Long construction accident lawyer will guide you through the claims process and break down all your legal options. 

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation is a system that provides financial compensation and medical assistance to workers injured on the job, regardless of fault. Its purpose is to ensure that employees who are injured or become ill directly due to their job receive appropriate medical care and compensation for lost wages with a lengthy legal process.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for workers’ compensation, the injured party must be an employee, the employer must have workers’ compensation insurance, and the injury or illness must be directly related to the job. In addition, the injured worker must report the injury to the employer within the specified time frame, typically within 30 days of the incident.

What benefits can I collect from a workers’ comp claim?

Workers’ compensation provides a range of benefits, including medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, vocational rehabilitation services, and disability benefits. The exact benefits depend on the injury’s severity and specific laws in the District of Columbia.

What is the process of filing a workers’ comp claim?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Washington, DC, involves several steps. The injured worker must first report the injury to the employer, who will then provide the necessary forms to file a claim. 

The claim must be submitted to the employer’s insurance company, which will then conduct an investigation to determine eligibility for benefits. If approved, the injured worker will receive compensation according to the laws and regulations in Washington, DC. 

Personal Injury Construction Accident Claim

In Washington, DC, a third-party construction accident claim can be filed when a worker’s injury was caused by the negligence of someone other than their employer or coworker. Third parties include manufacturers of defective equipment, subcontractors, or others whose actions or inactions contributed to the accident.

Who is eligible?

All individuals who were injured as a direct result of the construction accident may file a personal injury claim. This can include individuals near the site during the accident who suffered injuries or workers who are not eligible for workers’ compensation. 

What damages can I recover from a personal injury claim?

There is no single estimate for how much someone can recover from a construction accident claim. The amount depends on the severity of the injury and property damage. However, at Regan Zambri Long, our construction accident attorneys work tirelessly to recover the maximum compensation for:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost Wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

How do I file a personal injury claim?

To file a third-party construction accident claim, the injured party must establish that the third party was negligent and that this negligence was a direct cause of their injuries. This involves gathering evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, and then filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. 

Your personal injury lawyer will guide you through the necessary steps to secure financial compensation for your injuries. Call the Regan Zambri Long law firm today for a free consultation.

A Product Liability Construction Accident Claim

A product liability construction accident claim arises when a worker is injured due to a defective or dangerous piece of equipment or machinery used on the job site. 

Who is eligible?

In these cases, the injured party may be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the faulty product. Those eligible for a product liability claim include any worker or bystander directly affected by the defective product. 

What damages can I collect from a product liability claim?

Damages from a product liability claim are the same as a personal injury claim. They include:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost Wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

How do I file a product liability claim?

To file a product liability claim, the injured person must demonstrate that the product was defective or unreasonably dangerous, the defect caused the injury, and the product was being used as intended at the time of the accident. 

Fatal Construction Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims

In Washington, DC, if a fatal construction accident results in the wrongful death of a worker, the family may file a wrongful death claim. Under DC law, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the claim. 

Who are the beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim?

The beneficiaries typically include: 

  • The surviving spouse
  • Surviving children
  • Dependent parents

Damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim are similar to other personal injury claims. However, they include compensation for lost wages and benefits, medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. 

How do I file a wrongful death claim?

To file a wrongful death claim, the personal representative should gather all necessary evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to prove that the accident was a result of negligence or intentional wrongdoing. 

Call the Regan Zambri Long Construction Accident Lawyers Today

Construction accident claims can get complicated very quickly. It is not the victim’s job to understand the ins and outs of DC law and know what type of claim they should file. That’s where a construction accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long will be beneficial. Our construction accident attorneys understand that every kind of claim serves a specific purpose and has its eligibility requirements and benefits.

Our attorneys deeply understand Washington, DC law. We will file the right claim, build your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and even take your lawsuit to court if necessary. We have won millions for our clients over the two decades of serving DC residents and we are confident we can do the same for you. Call today for your free consultation. Let us handle the stress of the claims process while you and your family focus on a full recovery.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

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