Vancouver, WA Construction Accident Lawyer

What are the common causes of Vancouver, WA construction accidents?

Many construction accidents are due to one of the following causes:

• Slips and falls. Workers are at constant risk of falling due to holes, changing surfaces, uneven surfaces, extension cords, and other loose objects.
• Falls from heights. Workers on scaffolds, high beams, roofs, and ladders who fall are likely to die or suffer catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage.
• Crane collapses. Workers should be trained on how to use these devices and safeguards should be in place to keep the crane from tipping. If it collapses, the destruction it causes can be severe.
• Forklift accidents. Forklift injuries are a common cause of crushing injuries, broken bones, and other permanent or serious harm.
• Fires and gas leaks. Victims can suffer severe second and third-degree burns, asphyxiation, and other injuries.
• Explosions. These can cause materials all around the victim to shatter – cause loss of vision, loss of hearing, amputations, and other catastrophic harm.
• Electrical construction accidents. Many workers use equipment and tools that use overhead wires, extension wires, generators, and other electrical sources which can take a life in an instant.
• Repetitive stress injuries. Workers who use jackhammers and other tools on a constant day-in day-out basis may suffer carpal tunnel damage and injuries to their head, neck, shoulders, and back.
• Exposure to chemicals. Victims can suffer in two ways: breathing in the dangerous vapors and suffering when the chemicals come into contact with the skin. If a toxic chemical is allowed to spread, people outside the immediate radius of the incident could also be harmed.
• Vehicle accidents. Construction work involves a lot of vehicles – trucks, bulldozers, and other sturdy vehicles. Drivers and workers can easily be hurt if the loads fall or the vehicle strikes a worker. You can suffer injuries if you are hurt in a work zone, or if construction crews enter main highways and roads.

Construction site injuries regularly require ER care, hospitalization, visits with specialists such as orthopedists and pain management doctors, and long-term physical and occupational therapy.

Who’s responsible for a construction accident in Vancouver, WA?

Our experienced construction accident lawyers work aggressively to hold every person or company that caused you harm accountable for your damages. In many cases, multiple defendants may be liable. In workers’ compensation cases, the employer is liable through its insurance carrier.

In personal injury cases, including wrongful death cases, the following defendants may be liable:

• The construction site owner. The owner’s liability is based on premises liability law and general negligence laws. Owners must follow federal, state, and local building and safety regulations.
• Any prime or secondary contractors. Most construction sites are built with a variety of contractors including masonry, electrical, and plumbing contractors.
• Architects and engineers. Construction companies often hire architects and engineers to design and supervise the construction. These professionals should be held liable for faulty designs and negligent supervision.
• Product manufacturers, distributors, and sellers. Makers and sellers of defective machines, equipment, and tools are strictly liable if a defective product causes harm.

The city of Vancouver, WA and other governmental agencies may also be liable for accidents caused in roadway construction accidents and other types of construction that the government designs or monitors.