New Port Richey Construction Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured on a construction site in New Port Richey, Florida? You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or damages from a negligent third party. An experienced New Port Richey construction accident lawyer at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can fight to get the fair compensation you deserve.

Call our law firm at (727) 815-8442 to set up a free initial consultation with our New Port Richey lawyers. We’ll sit down, listen to your story, and discuss your legal options.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Construction Accident?

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Construction Accident?

The Florida workers’ compensation system can be complex enough when everything goes according to plan. Unfortunately, injured workers often find themselves faced with unforeseen complications. And for many, workers’ compensation just doesn’t offer enough.

An experienced New Port Richey personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether you have other options.

You might be entitled to make a full financial recovery. In any case, you’ll have to make difficult choices along the way. Our lawyers will support you and fight for your best interests throughout the entire legal process.  

Accident victims who are represented by skilled lawyers regularly recover more compensation than those who go it alone. When you choose Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, you can rest assured that we’ll do everything we can to maximize your compensation award. That means:

  • Investigating your claim to find out who is to blame for your accident and injuries
  • Gathering the hard evidence needed to support your claim
  • Standing up for you when someone tries to challenge your right to workers’ compensation 
  • Fighting back when the responsible party blames you for the accident
  • Consulting with experts to find out what your claim is really worth
  • Handling all paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on getting back on your feet

Many variables can come into play in the fight to get fair compensation after a construction accident. With over 50 years of combined experience handling injury cases, our construction accident attorneys have the resources and skills you need in your corner. 

We’re committed to putting the full weight of our skills to work for you at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Ready to learn more? Just call our law offices to arrange your free case review.

How Dangerous Are Construction Site Accidents?

How Dangerous Are Construction Site Accidents?

A construction site is one of the most dangerous workplaces out there. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2018, 5,250 construction workers died in fatal construction accidents across the U.S. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), 21.1% of all work fatalities were in construction.

That’s more workplace deaths than any other industry out there. Thousands more Americans are injured on construction sites every year. 

We Handle All Types of New Port Richey, FL Construction Accident Claims

More than half of the most serious construction accidents fall into four categories. The so-called “fatal four” accounted for about 58.6% of all construction fatalities in 2018. They include:

  • Falls
  • Struck-by object accidents
  • Electrocution 
  • Caught in-between accidents

Nearly anything can go wrong on a construction site to cause accidents and injury. Some examples of the types of construction accident cases we handle include:

  • Forklift accidents
  • Crane accidents
  • Roof and ladder falls
  • Scaffolding accidents
  • Building collapse
  • Excavation and trench accidents
  • Accidents involving unsafe construction equipment
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Electrocution and electric shock
  • Fires and explosions
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Car accidents
  • Welding accidents
  • Nail gun accidents
  • Assault and workplace violence

If a third party’s negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. Wondering whether you have a case? It’s always a good idea to schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer who can help.

Understanding the Severity of Common Construction Accident Injuries in New Port Richey, Florida

Construction accidents can cause a range of life-threatening injuries. Assuming you survive, you might be looking at weeks or months of intense physical pain and recovery. Some permanent injuries can take you off the job forever. 

Our personal injury attorneys in New Port Richey will fight to get full compensation for all of your injuries. Some of the most common construction accident injuries include:

If you were hurt, don’t let the responsible party walk away while you suffer the consequences. Our personal injury lawyers in New Port Richey are ready to stand up to protect your rights. 

Taking legal action might sound unappealing. However, a settlement or verdict can help pay your bills while you recover. It might be the best way to protect your family’s financial future. If you’re ready to take action, call today to get more information about our practice areas.

How Much is My Construction Accident Case Worth?

Florida employers are required to carry workers’ compensation. Benefits become available anytime you’re injured on the job. While these benefits are extremely valuable, it’s important not to forget about third party liability. Ignoring the role that third parties can play in causing an accident can mean less money in your pocket. 

Our lawyers at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can provide more information about your rights in a free consultation. 

The following general information can also be helpful:

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation in Florida provides three primary types of benefits:

  • Medical expense coverage
  • Wage replacement benefits
  • Death benefits

Any medical expenses for treating your injury are covered. That includes ER visits, hospitalization costs, follow-up care, medications, and more. 

Wage replacement benefits are much more limited. You’re entitled to about ⅔ of your average weekly wages before the accident. Many construction accident victims aren’t entitled to cash benefits for the first seven days they’re out of work. Once you’re off the job for 21 days, you can receive benefits even for your first week of recovery.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Negligent third parties don’t get the benefit of the workers’ compensation “shield.” In other words, you can hold a third party liable for all of the typical damages available in a personal injury or medical malpractice lawsuit. 

That means you may be entitled to compensation for: 

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Future medical bills
  • Lost future earning capacity
  • Physical therapy
  • Rehab
  • Long-term care
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • PTSD
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Loss of your independence
  • Damages for wrongful death

Importantly, you can file your claim for workers’ compensation right away. In fact, you should start the workers’ compensation claims process as soon as possible. You won’t lose your right to file a third-party claim at a later date.

Who Counts as a Third Party?

A third party is anyone other than your employer, a co-worker or yourself. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, they can be held responsible via the personal injury process. 

Examples of third parties who might be responsible for construction accidents include:

  • Property owners
  • Subcontractors
  • A general contractor
  • Architects and engineers
  • Designers 
  • Government agencies
  • An at-fault driver
  • The manufacturer of a defective tool or piece of equipment

You only have to show that the third party contributed to your injuries to recover damages. In other words, it’s possible to hold multiple parties responsible for a construction accident in Florida.

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

The law limits the amount of time you have to pursue compensation after a construction accident. The relevant time limit depends upon the type of compensation involved. 

Florida workers’ compensation laws give you only 30 days to provide notice of your injury to your employer.

Your third-party claim must be filed within two years after the accident happened. Florida’s statute of limitations used to allow four years to file a personal injury claim, but the law was revised on March 24, 2023. Therefore, Florida construction accident victims injured after this date have two years to file their lawsuit. 

As time goes by, it becomes harder to find the evidence needed to support your claim. Call an experienced lawyer right away to give yourself the greatest chance of a full financial recovery. 

Do I Lose My Right to Compensation if I Was Partly to Blame?

Do I Lose My Right to Compensation if I Was Partly to Blame?

Not necessarily. In Florida, you only lose your right to compensation in a third-party claim if you were mostly to blame – or more than 50% responsible. 

Under the Florida modified comparative fault rule, your compensation award can be reduced to account for your share of the blame. However, once your allocated fault exceeds 50%, you’re barred from a financial recovery.

On the other hand, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. Even if the accident was entirely your fault, you have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits. Your benefits are not reduced to account for shared fault.

Speak With an Experienced New Port Richey Construction Accident Lawyer for Help Today

Were you or a loved one hurt in a construction accident? If you’re ready to learn what to do next, don’t wait to call. An experienced New Port Richey construction accident lawyer at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can start the legal process immediately to preserve your rights.

Your initial consultation is always free. We’re happy to explain your rights in detail. Call our lawyers serving clients in New Port Richey and across Pasco County today.

Other Practice Areas In New Port Richey, FL

Here are some of the additional case types that our personal injury law firm in New Port Richey, FL can help with: