Construction Accident Lawyer Portland, Oregon
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our experienced construction accident lawyers in Portland, Oregon understand the inherent dangers of construction work, which is confirmed by the roughly 150,000 construction site accident injuries reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics each year.
Unfortunately, the same statistics list 5,250 construction worker fatalities over the same twelve months, averaging more than 100 deaths per week, equaling over 14 deaths every day.
Consistently listed in the top twenty most dangerous jobs to perform in the U.S., construction work is full of potential hazards that can cause an injury or wrongful death, no matter the person’s role on the worksite. In fact, these dangers can extend to the communities around the construction site, causing serious injuries to residents and non-workers alike when negligence is a factor.
Construction site accidents are complex, which is why it is important to retain an experienced Portland Construction accident attorney who can review the circumstances that led to your injuries and pursue the proper party for the best outcome available for your unique case.
Construction Accident Statistics for Portland, Oregon
Construction is one of the most important industries in our city, our state, and our country. At the same time, construction also has the potential to be extremely dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken by construction companies, including contractors and subcontractors. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately one in five U.S. workplace deaths happens in the construction industry. For reference, that means that around 1,000 American construction workers are killed on the job each year. Many tens of thousands more suffer serious injuries. Oregon OSHA reports that many construction workers are injured each year.
What are the Most Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents in Portland?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has reported that one in ten construction site workers are injured every year, and that fall hazards are the leading cause of injury at construction sites.
Other common construction accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Caught in/between equipment, materials, or structures
- Chemicals
- Conveyor accidents
- Crushing Injuries
- Defective equipment
- Electrocution
- Exposed trenches or holes
- Falling objects
- Falls from heights
- Fires and explosions
- Getting hit by a vehicle
- Hazardous chemicals
- Heavy machinery accidents
- Mechanical injuries
- Mishandling of welding equipment
- Overexertion
- Poor onsite supervision
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Slips and falls
- Stair injuries
- Structural, trench, or ground collapses
- Vehicle accidents
What are the Most Common Construction Accident Injuries in Portland, Oregon?
When negligence is a factor on worksites, people are going to get hurt, no matter what their position is or who they work for.
Common construction accident injuries can include, but are not limited to:
- Amputations
- Broken, fractured, and crushed bones
- Burns from fires, explosions, or electrocutions
- Cuts or lacerations
- Eye injuries or loss of vision
- Head or traumatic brain injuries
- Limb damage or losses
- Loss of hearing
- Muscle and ligament damage
- Neck, shoulder, and spine injuries
- Paralysis
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Respiratory diseases
- Shoulder, knee, or ankle injuries from repetitive motion
- Strains and sprains
- Toxic exposure to chemicals
- Wrongful death
If you have been injured on a construction site or have lost a loved one who was working during a construction accident, contact our experienced Portland Construction accident attorneys today to understand your rights and options for pursuing the negligent party that caused your damages or losses.
How to Prevent Accidents and Injuries on a Construction Site
The data is clear: Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. The unfortunate reality is that construction workers face job-related safety risks. Construction companies must protect their workers. They should always give high priority to workplace safety. Profits cannot be allowed to come before people. Beyond that, it is imperative that all construction workers take proactive steps to protect their own health, safety, and well-being. Here are some key safety tips:
- Wear Proper Safety Gear: You should always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Some examples include hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and appropriate footwear that can protect against slips and falls. Ensure that your PPE is well-maintained.
- Understand and Follow Safety Protocols: You should be familiar with all safety protocols and emergency procedures. You should also attend all safety training sessions provided by your employer and understand the correct operation and handling of machinery and tools.
- Keep the Work Area Organized: A cluttered workplace can lead to accidents. With that in mind, construction workers should regularly clean up debris, organize tools and materials, and clear pathways to prevent tripping hazards.
- Use Tools and Equipment Properly: Always use the right tools and equipment for the job. Make sure they are in good working condition before use. Do not take shortcuts with tools. Using tools improperly on a construction site can lead to serious injuries.
- Stay Alert and Communicate: You should always be aware of your surroundings and the activities of others around you. Make sure that you keep lines of communication open with your colleagues to alert each other to potential dangers.
- Report Construction Site Safety Hazards Immediately: Finally, you should report any issue. If you notice anything that could potentially be a hazard, notify your supervisor immediately. Do not assume that others are aware of the problem.
An Overview of Construction Worker Rights in Portland
As a construction worker in Portland, Oregon, you have important workplace rights under both state law and federal law. Here are four key rights that you should be aware of:
- The Right to a Safe Workplace: Under both Oregon law and federal law, every construction worker has the right to a workplace that minimally exposes them to hazards. Employers are required to adhere to safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Oregon OSHA.
- The Right to Training and Information: Workers must be trained and informed about the hazards they may encounter on the job. Along with other things, this includes training in a language they understand, knowledge of hazardous materials, and proper use of safety equipment. Portland construction workers also have the right to be informed about safety.
- The Right to Report Unsafe Conditions: Workers can report unsafe conditions to their supervisors or directly to OSHA or Oregon OSHA without fear of retaliation. You cannot be lawfully punished by your employer for reporting a suspected workplace safety hazard. Your right includes the right to refuse work that appears to be dangerous.
- The Right to Compensation for Workplace Injuries: If a construction worker in Portland is injured on the job, they have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include medical care for the injuries sustained and wage replacement. A Portland construction accident lawyer can help you navigate a claim.
Are Construction Workers Covered By Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Oregon?
Yes. In Oregon, construction workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. It is mandatory for all employers to provide. The insurance provides no-fault benefits for medical expenses and wage replacement if a worker is injured or becomes ill as a result of their job. Notably, workers’ comp coverage for construction workers in Oregon begins on the first day of employment. It applies to injuries and illnesses directly related to work.
Understanding Third-Party Liability Claims for Construction Accidents
A workers’ compensation claim is generally the sole legal claim that an injured construction worker can file against his or her own employer. However, a construction accident victim may have an additional fault-based claim against any negligent non-employer third parties. These claims allow workers to seek compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides, potentially covering damages like pain and suffering and loss of future earning capacity. A third-party liability case may be brought against contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers.
Understanding the Complexities of Construction Site Accident Liability
The nature of the construction industry requires more than one contractor to work on a project at once. Whether it is a general contractor, engineers, masons, drywallers, electricians, or another independent vendor, the number of different companies that can share liability for hazardous working conditions can be extensive.
Construction accident compensation claims depend on the person who is injured and their relationship with the party that may share some or all the responsibility for the accident occurring.
A person who is not a worker at the construction site, for instance, a passerby or visitor, may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim.
Employees who work on construction sites who suffer an injury due to negligence may only claim third party compensation from a company that does not directly employ them.
The third option is for injured construction workers to pursue compensation directly under their employer’s workers’ compensation coverage.
No matter which category you fall under, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and our Portland Construction accident attorneys can help uncover evidence that points to the responsible party — or combination of parties — that is liable for your damages.
Main areas of personal injury Our Law Offices of Jon Friedman focus on include:
- Accident Injury
- Airplane Accident
- Auto Wreck
- Bicycle Accident
- Bus Accident
- Boating Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Dog Bite
- Pedestrian Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Product Liability
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Scooter Accident
- Train Accident
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
Comparative Negligence and Construction Accidents in Portland, Oregon
Our Oregon laws provide statutes for comparative negligence during construction accidents.
Simply put, comparative negligence allows both the injured party and one of the companies involved in the worksite incident to share some degree of responsibility for the accident.
The injured person is awarded compensation in proportion to the perceived blame attached to his or her actions. In other words, if the worker is deemed to be 50% responsible for the accident, then he or she will only receive 50% of the compensation that might have been obtained if they were zero percent at fault.
As with all accidents, the earlier a claim can be initiated, the more likely it will be successful. This is even more important in the case of construction accidents because the site itself is subject to constant change. This means evidence that might have been available to help sustain a claim two weeks ago may not be present today.
What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue Construction Accident Injuries?
Personal injury victims may pursue compensation from the negligent party that caused their harm for the full extent of their damages.
That may include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Diminished working capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Partial or full disability needs
- Short or long-term disability needs
Why You Need to Hire a Top-Tier Portland Construction Accident Attorney
Construction accident claims are complicated. If you or your loved one is a construction worker who was hurt on the job in Portland, it is imperative that you take swift action to protect your rights and your interests. Do not go through the claims process alone. A proactive approach can make a difference. At The Law Offices of Jon Friedman, we handle both workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability lawsuits. Injured construction workers are encouraged to review our client testimonials and to reach out to us directly with any specific questions or concerns. Along with other things, our Portland construction accident attorney is prepared to:
- Offer an initial free consultation to discuss your situation;
- Investigate your Portland construction accident—gathering all relevant evidence;
- Handle any legal claims paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations; and
- Take action to help you secure the maximum construction accident compensation.
Call Our Portland Construction Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, we have over 35 years of experience calculating the financial costs for victims of construction site accidents and can help you determine what your claim is worth during a free confidential assessment of your claim by contacting our Multnomah County and Portland personal injury attorneys by phone 503-242-1440 or online today.
