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Dallas Construction Accident Lawyers

Representing contractors, passersby, and eligible construction employees in Texas

Construction companies have a duty to make sure that the workers and bystanders are safe. There are building codes, traffic laws, and other laws and regulations that control construction work. Construction companies must also comply with industry-wide safety standards.

The Dallas construction accident lawyers at Slack Davis Sanger have two centuries of combined experience fighting for injury victims. If a loved one is killed in a construction accident, we file a wrongful death action on behalf of the family. If you or your loved one suffers a brain injury, spinal injuries, broken bones, or any injuries, we file personal injury actions on your behalf. We work aggressively to hold all responsible parties liable for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages. Our lawyers are respected for our trusted ethical representation of our clients. Contact us to get started on your case.

“In a recent BLS study, 72 percent of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident either to the planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object. All of these accidents can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards.” – Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Texas

What are the leading causes of construction accidents?

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Texas, more than 724,000 people worked in construction in Texas as of July 2021. Construction workers are at constant risk of injury for the following types of accidents:

Falls. Falls are a leading reason construction workers end up in the hospital and require time off from work. Falls may be due to uneven surfaces, surfaces that are not stable, tools and equipment on the construction surfaces, and many other reasons. Falls often occur from high heights such as scaffolds and ladders. Even with the correct footwear, falls at construction sites are very common. Falls can cause traumatic brain injuries if the worker lands on his/her head. Falls can also cause spinal cord damage, broken bones, and many other types of long-term injuries. In the most tragic cases, a worker can die due to a fall at a construction site.

Vehicle accidents. Materials such as gravel and lumber are constantly being brought into a construction site while debris and dirt are being transported away from the site. Cranes, bulldozers, and other vehicles are in constant motion at construction sites. Vehicle accidents may be caused by failing to follow traffic laws, the safety rules for operating the machinery, a lack of communication between the operators and workers nearby, and many other reasons. Construction owners need to direct traffic away from construction work, and delivery drivers need to be aware of their surroundings once on site.

Defective machinery, equipment, and tools. Workers have the right to expect manufacturers will make quality products. If their products are defective due to faulty design or improper workmanship, the manufacturer may be strictly liable for any accidents and harm that results. Construction owners need to ensure their products are safe, too. They should make sure the workers have the proper training they need to use the various construction products.

Scaffolding accidents. Scaffolding work can be very dangerous. Falls from scaffolds often result in death or catastrophic injuries.  There are specific OSHA guidelines on scaffolds and scaffolding work to ensure they are used safely. Accidents happen when those rules are not followed. According to OSHA, nearly 2/3 of construction workers work on scaffolds. Nearly 60 people die, and 4,500 construction workers suffer injuries, each year from scaffold accidents.

Toxic chemical exposures. Chemical products such as asbestos can cause respiratory problems if the construction worker breathes in the chemicals. They can cause skin disorders if the chemicals come into contact with the skin, and carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in poorly ventilated sites.

Fires and explosions. Aside from the risk of sparks coming off power tools, construction site workers can be injured by onsite explosions or fires caused by live power lines, gas leaks, and more.

Struck-by accidents. There are a lot of moving parts on construction sites, and a lot of heavy objects being raised and lowered. Falling power tools, materials, and other objects can lead to catastrophic injuries.

What types of injuries do Dallas construction workers suffer?

Electrocution, a vehicle accident, or a fall can cause a construction worker to die, but workers are far more likely to suffer serious injuries as a result of a worksite accident. Some of the more life-altering construction site injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Burns
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Crushing injuries
  • Traumatic amputation and limb loss
  • Broken bones
  • Chronic back pain
  • Muscle, ligament, tissue, and nerve damage
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss

Who is responsible for a Dallas construction accident?

Many accidents are due to the negligence or fault of multiple people or businesses. Often, a parent company or a related company may be liable. Some of the defendants who may be liable to you and responsible for your injuries are:

  • The construction site owner. The owners of the construction site have the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of the construction site.
  • General contractors. Construction companies often use different contractors for different jobs such as masonry workers, plumbers, electricians, road construction contractors, building contractors, and many other contractors.
  • Subcontractors. Contractors often employ subcontractors to do specialty work or to help complete the job on schedule.
  • Architects. Building architects may be liable if a poor design or construction plan causes an accident.
  • Engineers. Mechanical, civil, and other engineers may be liable for failing to act in a professional manner.
  • Governmental units and agencies. The Texas Torts Claims Act authorizes claims against Texas, Texas subdivisions (such as the county of Dallas), and various agencies (such as the Texas Department of Transportation) if their negligence causes an accident. There are strict requirements our Dallas construction lawyers can explain.

Other entities may be responsible depending on how the accident happened. At Slack Davis Sanger, our lawyers understand the complexities of construction accidents. We work with investigators, construction professionals, engineers, and product safety experts to determine how the accident occurred and how it could have been prevented.

 

What kind of claim should I file after a construction site injury?

The root cause of your injury may determine the type of claim you can file. Employees may be eligible for workers’ compensation, but contractors, site visitors, and non-employees won’t be. The possible claims in a construction accident case are:

  • Wrongful death claims. If anyone dies due to negligence or a product defect claim, our lawyers file wrongful death claims on behalf of the family of the deceased.
  • Personal injury claim. Contractors and non-workers (such as pedestrians or delivery drivers) can always file a personal injury claim against the responsible parties.
  • Product liability claim. Manufacturers of defective forklifts, cranes, scaffolds, and other machinery, equipment, and tools are liable if the product is defective, the defect caused the accident, and the accident caused the claimant’s injuries).

Talk with our successful Dallas construction accident lawyers today

At Slack Davis Sanger, our Dallas construction accident attorneys have a strong track record of success trying and settling construction accident cases. We have more than 200 years of combined experience. Our lawyers understand who is liable in your case, and what damages should be paid. We anticipate the arguments insurance companies and defense lawyers assert. To discuss how our lawyers can help you obtain justice, please call 800-455-8686 or complete our contact form.

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Dallas Office

3500 Maple Avenue
Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75219

Call: 800-455-8686

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Main Dallas Practice Areas

Personal InjuryAuto Product LiabilityCar Accidents
Truck AccidentsMedical MalpracticeTraumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord InjuriesBurn InjuryTraumatic Amputation & Limb Loss
Worksite AccidentsWrongful DeathPharmaceutical Negligence
Construction AccidentsOil Field AccidentsPipeline Accidents
Boat Accidents