Construction sites are bustling with activity—but accidents can occur, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. When such incidents happen, determining liability is the key to seeking compensation for the injured parties.

Construction workers and workers’ compensation

Construction work is inherently hazardous, with risks ranging from falls and machinery accidents to electrocution and exposure to hazardous materials. Fortunately, Ohio requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses, lost wages and disability benefits for employees injured on the job.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning that injured workers are typically entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, there are exceptions, such as injuries resulting from intentional misconduct or drug or alcohol intoxication. If you’re injured on a construction site, report the incident to your employer promptly and seek medical attention. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Construction workers and third-party liability

While workers’ compensation provides essential benefits for injured workers, it may not fully compensate for all damages, especially in cases of severe or permanent injuries. Some construction workers may have grounds to pursue third-party liability claims against parties other than their employer.

Third-party liability claims arise when a party other than the employer, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner or another contractor, negligently contributes to the accident. Examples of third-party liability claims on construction sites include:

• Defective equipment: If a worker is injured due to a defective tool, machinery, or equipment, they may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the faulty product.
• Negligent contractors: If a subcontractor or another contractor’s negligence contributes to an accident, injured workers may pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party.
• Unsafe property conditions: Property owners or managers have a duty to maintain a safe environment for workers on their premises. If hazardous conditions, such as uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting or lack of safety barriers, lead to an injury, the property owner may be held liable.

Injuries to visitors or passersby

Construction sites pose risks not only to workers but also to visitors and passersby. If you’re injured while visiting or passing by a construction site, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim against the property owner, general contractor or other responsible parties.

If you’ve been injured on a construction site, whether as a worker, bystander or visitor, seeking legal guidance is crucial. Call the Law Offices of Tim Misny today to pursue your workers’ compensation or personal injury claim.

Talk to an Ohio workers’ compensation and personal injury attorney

The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your workers’ compensation and spersonal injury claim. If you or a loved one were injured on a construction site, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.