Jacksonville Construction Accident Lawyer 

Seeking Justice for Injured Construction Workers in Florida

If you were wrongfully injured on a construction site, you deserve maximum compensation to cover your medical bills, lost earnings, and other losses. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our construction accident lawyer Jacksonville team has over 150+ years of combined experience holding negligent parties accountable and obtaining justice for injured workers and pedestrians alike. 

Our Jacksonville construction accident attorneys understand the fear and frustration that come with a wrongful injury. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing skilled representation to victims harmed by negligence on construction sites. From maintaining your employment to affording medical expenses, there can be a lot to worry about after a construction accident. Construction-related injuries can make it difficult for injured parties to stay financially afloat, let alone focus on their well-being and recovery. 

That’s why our compassionate advocates are here to guide your steps wisely throughout your legal journey. Our firm’s longstanding commitment to making a true difference in the lives of our clients is reflected in our impressive track record of testimonials and record-breaking verdicts. With over $10 million recovered for our clients, you can trust our experienced trial lawyers to provide the sound counsel and tireless advocacy you need to take back your life after a serious construction injury.

Construction injuries can impose unjust burdens on workers and civilians alike. Call (904) 295-1050 to schedule a free consultation with our Jacksonville construction accident attorney.

Common Construction Site Injuries

As one of the most dangerous employment industries, construction site workers are at a high risk of harm. From heavy machinery to hazardous materials, construction sites are dangerous workspaces for workers, civilians, and site visitors alike. When construction accidents occur, they tend to be severe, resulting in significant injuries and even fatalities. 

Whether you were injured as a construction worker or a passing pedestrian on a Florida construction site, it’s crucial to seek counsel from a qualified construction accident attorney right away to help you navigate the legal complexities of filing a claim and pursuing justice. 

Common types of construction-related injuries include: 

• Struck-by injuries: These are sustained when a worker is struck by a falling or swinging object, such as equipment or materials. They’re common on construction sites where heavy items are often moved around or hoisted to great heights.
• Falls: Falls can happen anywhere on a construction site, whether from scaffolding, ladders, or even from ground level due to uneven surfaces. Serious falls can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). 
• Electrocutions: The extensive use of power tools, machinery, and high-powered electrical sources on construction sites makes electrocution a very serious risk. Electrocution can result in severe burns, cardiac arrest, and other serious health complications for construction workers. 
• Cuts and lacerations: Construction sites are rife with sharp tools, materials, and debris, resulting in cuts and lacerations. Without proper treatment, these injuries can lead to infections, nerve damage, and other serious health issues.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs are one of the most severe types of injuries sustained on construction sites. They commonly occur due to falls, struck-by objects, or explosions on the job site. 
• Caught-in/between injuries: A caught-in or caught-between injury occurs when a construction worker becomes trapped between two objects, such as when walls collapse or the worker becomes entangled in machinery. 
• Overexertion injuries: These are caused by repetitive movements, lifting heavy objects, or working in awkward positions for extended periods of time. Overexertion injuries can result in sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Our Jacksonville construction accident attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law to guide your legal steps wisely. As board-certified civil trial lawyers, we’ll never hesitate to take your case to trial if needed. We can help you file a construction accident claim to pursue justice while preventing insurers and other corporate giants from taking advantage of you with lowball settlement offers.

Who Is Liable in a Florida Construction Accident?

Determining liability in a Florida construction accident can be complex due to the sheer number of parties involved. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, various parties could be held liable for your injuries. 

Common types of liable parties include: 

• Construction site owners: The owner of the construction site may be responsible for resulting injuries if they fail to maintain a safe environment or take appropriate action to resolve known hazards.
• General contractors and subcontractors: Both general contractors and subcontractors are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment. If they fail to adhere to safety regulations, they may be liable for the construction accident.
• Architects and engineers: These professionals are responsible for ensuring the building's design is safe and meets all relevant codes and standards. If a construction accident occurs due to design flaws or oversight during the inspection process, the architect or engineer may be liable for injuries to workers or passing pedestrians.
• Manufacturers of construction machinery or equipment: If a construction accident is caused by defective machinery or equipment, the manufacturer may be liable for injuries under Florida’s product liability laws.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Construction Accident

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, what you do in the hours and days following the incident can significantly impact your ability to recover full and fair compensation. Many injured workers unknowingly make mistakes that weaken their claims or allow insurance companies to reduce or deny payouts. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor, delayed symptoms are common in workplace injuries. Failing to get prompt medical care, as well as following up with treatment, not only jeopardizes your health but also gives insurers a reason to question the seriousness of your injuries.
2. Failing to Report the Accident to Your Employer. Florida workers’ compensation law requires employees to report workplace injuries within 30 days but waiting that long can hurt your claim. The sooner you notify your employer, the better, as delays may lead to disputes about when and how the injury occurred.
3. Not Documenting the Scene. Construction sites change rapidly. If possible, take photos and videos of where the accident occurred, any hazardous conditions, and your visible injuries. If you are too injured to do this, ask a coworker or trusted individual to help. Eyewitness statements can also strengthen your claim.
4. Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by twisting statements or pressuring victims into admitting partial fault. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurer, your employer, or a third-party adjuster without consulting an attorney first.
5. Accepting an Early Settlement Without Legal Advice. Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but these initial offers often fail to cover long-term medical expenses, lost wages, and future complications. Once you accept, you may waive your right to additional compensation. Consulting a construction accident attorney ensures that you fully understand the true value of your claim before agreeing to anything.

To learn more about avoiding common mistakes after a construction accident, watch this video:

Recoverable Damages in a Construction Accident Claim

Construction accidents function a little bit different than other personal injury cases in terms of compensation. Typically, construction accidents will leave you seeking relief through worker’s compensation. This covers your medical bills and lost wages. Sometimes, that is not your only avenue for financial relief. If there has been negligence involved in your injury, then you may be eligible to bring your personal injury claim to civil court for compensation. You will have to prove that there was a supervisor, third party, coworker, or company who was responsible for keeping you safe and that you were hurt because they did not do their job. 

The three primary types of recoverable damages include: 

1. Economic Damages: These compensate for tangible, quantifiable losses, such as past and future medical expenses, medication costs, loss of earning capacity, lost wages, and property damage.
2. Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for non-financial or intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
3. Punitive Damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. While the above damages are awarded to compensate the victim for losses, punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for extreme malice or recklessness.  

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our passionate construction accident attorney team can ensure that all available damages are accounted for to maximize the value of your claim. We can help you identify all liable parties to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

FAQ About Construction Accident Claims

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including construction accident claims, typically allows you four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, this window can vary based on specific circumstances surrounding the incident. It is important to note that waiting too long to take legal action can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Consulting with an attorney soon after the accident can ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your right to pursue justice.

What if I'm Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% responsible for the incident, your recovery will be reduced by 20%. Working with knowledgeable attorneys at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. is beneficial because they can help present evidence to minimize your share of fault, thereby securing a higher compensation amount on your behalf.

Will Hiring a Lawyer Affect My Chances of Settlement?

Hiring an attorney from Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. can likely improve your chances of reaching a fair settlement. Experienced lawyers understand the nuances of construction accident laws and possess the negotiation acumen necessary to counter lowball offers from insurance companies. They prepare meticulous legal strategies and advocate fiercely for your best interests, making the possibility of obtaining a better settlement agreement more likely compared to navigating the process alone.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Construction Accident Attorney in Jacksonville

If you have been seriously injured in a construction accident, please do not hesitate to give our office a call today to set up a free case evaluation. We want to help you build a strong case against the liable party and hold their feet to the flame so that you get the results you deserve in the end. You are a priority to us, and we will make sure you feel that way. The dedicated team of Jacksonville construction accident lawyers at Edwards & Ragatz have handled many cases just like yours and we want to support you all the way through the end. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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Injured in a construction accident? Our Jacksonville construction accident lawyers can relentlessly pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us online to discuss your situation.