If you work in construction, you understand the dangers you face every day. One simple mistake can leave you struggling with painful injuries and long-term disability. If you were injured on a construction site in Safety Harbor, FL, our team at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
Since 1986, our law firm has been protecting the rights of injured workers and their families. We bring over 50 years of combined experience to the table–and we’ve successfully recovered $120+ million in settlements and verdicts.
You may have rights under both workers’ compensation and Florida personal injury laws. We can help you understand your legal options. Contact our law offices in Safety Harbor, Florida, at (727) 787-2500 to schedule your free consultation today.
How Can Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Construction Accident in Safety Harbor, FL?
Despite detailed safety regulations, construction workers are injured on the job all the time. Workers’ comp is supposed to make it easy to get financial assistance. Unfortunately, employers and their insurance companies make things difficult. Many victims don’t know how to fight back.
You don’t have to settle for less money than you deserve. An experienced Safety Harbor personal injury attorney at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can fight for you. We’re recognized for our success all the time–we’ve received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a perfect 10 Avvo rating.
Hire us, and we will:
- Evaluate all of your legal options
- Make sure you understand what’s happening at every stage of your case
- Protect you if the insurance company claims your injuries aren’t work-related
- Ensure that you’re getting the benefits you deserve
- Negotiate for a full financial settlement
- Represent you at any hearings and in court if necessary
Our Safety Harbor personal injury lawyers can help you decide the best options for recovering compensation. Better yet, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you’ll only be required to pay attorney’s fees if we recover compensation in your case.
How Common Are Construction Accidents in Florida?
According to the latest statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 1,056 people in the construction and extraction industry were killed on the job in 2022. That’s an 11% increase from the number of construction-related fatalities reported for 2021.
91 of those fatalities occurred in the state of Florida. That made private construction the deadliest industry in Florida for 2022.
We Handle All Types of Construction Injury Cases in Safety Harbor
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of construction injury cases, including claims involving:
- Transportation accidents
- Scaffolding accidents
- Electrocution
- Electric shock
- Accidents where a worker was caught between two objects
- Accidents where a worker was struck by an object
- Building collapse
- Falls from ladders, roofs, and other heights
- Slip and fall accidents
- Demolition accidents
- Excavation accidents
- Scaffolding collapses
- Retaining wall collapses
- Accidents involving cranes, forklifts, excavators, and heavy machinery
- Welding accidents
- Nail gun accidents
- Heavy lifting injuries
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, substances, and materials
- Fires or explosions
Proving that your injuries were work-related isn’t always an easy task. You can count on our lawyers to stand by your side at every stage of the process. It’s never too soon to explore your legal options, so contact us today for a free case review.
What Do I Need to Know About Florida Laws and Construction Accident Cases?
Construction accident cases often present special challenges. In your typical injury claim, you file your claim for compensation against the party responsible for your injuries. For construction workers, that’s often an employer.
Florida workers’ compensation laws shield employers from lawsuits. Instead, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Construction industry employers that have even one employee must carry workers’ comp insurance under Florida law.
Workers’ compensation provides benefits without the need for litigation. You won’t have to prove that your employer somehow caused your injuries to receive benefits.
Instead, you’re eligible if:
- You were an employee
- Your injuries occurred because of something work-related
These elements probably seem simple. However, employers have many ways to challenge your benefits. Further, your workers’ comp benefits won’t cover all of your losses.
Construction sites are complicated. Many different third parties are often involved. If a third party who isn’t your employer caused your injuries, you may be entitled to seek additional compensation under Florida personal injury laws.
What is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
The value of your claim depends on different factors, including the severity of your injuries and the laws that apply in your case.
Some of the key factors that are relevant to determining how much workers’ comp you should receive include:
- The length of your recovery
- The nature of your injuries, including whether they are temporary or will result in permanent disability
- Whether you’re able to perform any “light duty” work to earn some income during recovery
- The amount you earned prior to the disability
Workers’ comp generally covers about two-thirds of your average weekly wages prior to your injury.
There are also limits on the amount of workers’ compensation you can receive. In 2024, your weekly check is limited to $1,260. Even if your prior earnings were much higher, you can’t receive more than the statewide cap each week.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Construction Accident Victims in Florida?
Workers’ compensation benefits cover the direct financial costs associated with an injury. That includes medical expenses and loss of income.
Your disability benefits will depend on the nature of your injuries and may include:
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if you’re completely unable to work while recovering
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits if your doctor says you can perform light-duty work and your employer assigns you restricted duties
- Impairment income benefits (IIB) for permanent disabilities that result in lost earning potential
- Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits if you’re never able to work again
- Death benefits for surviving families in fatal injury cases
Temporary disability benefits are available for up to 104 weeks. After 104 weeks, it’s possible that you could qualify for different types of benefits.
Personal injury lawsuits allow victims to pursue compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical bills
- The full value of your lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Humiliation
- PTSD
- Reduced quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of companionship
When you’re evaluating the types of damages you have suffered, having an experienced Safety Harbor construction accident attorney in your corner is critical. Your lawyer can help you fight for the workers’ comp benefits you deserve and determine whether you’re entitled to additional compensation.
Can Florida’s Shared Fault Laws Impact My Right to Compensation After a Construction Accident?
Shared fault is only an issue if you have a valid personal injury case. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. It doesn’t matter whether you share some blame, with limited exceptions.
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you lose your right to damages if you were more than 50% responsible for the injuries. If you share less blame, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
Construction Industry Workers Are Vulnerable to a Wide Range of Injuries
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help with any type of injury claim, including those involving:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Knee and leg injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Injuries to your feet or hands
- Eye injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Lung damage
- Internal bleeding
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
We know how frustrating a workplace injury is. We also know that it can put you in a difficult financial situation. To learn more about how we can help, call our law firm in Safety Harbor for a free consultation today.
What Causes Most Construction Accidents in Safety Harbor?
Some common causes of construction accidents include:
- Dangerous property conditions
- Lack of safety protection, including fall protection
- Defective work equipment
- Improperly installed scaffolding
- Safety violations
- Failure to properly maintain equipment
- Communication failures
- Untrained employees
- Equipment malfunctions
- Third-party negligence
Many factors can contribute to a construction accident. Identifying these causes is critical. Once we understand what happened, we can determine who was responsible–and whether you have rights under Florida personal injury laws.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Construction Accident in Florida?
Report your injury to a supervisor or your employer as quickly as possible. Failing to report the work injury within 30 days jeopardizes your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Personal injury victims generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit for damages.
Contact a Safety Harbor Construction Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Construction injury claims can be complicated. An experienced Safety Harbor construction accident lawyer at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers is always here to discuss your case. Contact us today at (727) 787-2500 to get started.