Construction Accident Attorney In Hattiesburg
Construction work involves heavy physical labor in highly dynamic settings. A worker can be exposed to hazards on a regular basis throughout the day. Safety procedures can be too easily neglected or hurried when all of these different tasks are at play. When this happens, and a person is injured, they may suffer long-term consequences, needing the help of a Hattiesburg construction accident lawyer.
About WaideLaw
The practice at WaideLaw is based on principles that were developed on a Mississippi farm: diligence, responsibility, and honoring your commitments. The firm is dedicated to defending people and families who have been harmed by negligence, guided by Isaiah 1:17’s call to seek justice and protect the weak.
Beyond the courtroom, this dedication is demonstrated through active community involvement, such as sponsoring youth sports leagues that foster the next generation’s development of morality, self-control, and teamwork.
In addition, Daniel Waide holds the current executive committee chair for the employment law section of the Mississippi Bar.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is the most dangerous. In 2023, there were 423 falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry, with the most coming from roofing contractors at 110 instances. Residential building construction accounted for 92 instances.
Construction site accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but many occur because of known and preventable hazards on the job. Many construction site injuries and fatalities happen because workers fall from unsecured scaffolding, ladders, or roof edges. Machinery becomes unsafe when workers without proper training operate poorly maintained equipment.
Construction workers often suffer accidents due to electrical injuries and trench collapses, in addition to falling objects and hazardous substance exposures. Training, supervision, and compliance with safety rules are often at issue in these cases.
Injuries in Construction Accident Cases
Construction site accidents often lead to catastrophic and life-altering injuries. Injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushed limbs
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
Multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and continued medical treatment may be required. In addition to these physical injuries, emotional and financial stresses can follow from a construction accident. Lost income, uncertainty about future employment, and mounting medical expenses can all be sources of pressure on injured workers and their families.
Construction Accident Laws in Mississippi
Construction accident cases in Mississippi are subject to a variety of intersecting laws and regulations. Under Mississippi negligence law, general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers all have a duty to ensure that the work site is reasonably safe. When that duty is breached and causes an injury, those parties may be liable under traditional Mississippi personal injury rules.
Mississippi’s workers’ compensation laws may also apply in these cases. This provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement to injured workers, although with some restrictions and limitations. Workers’ compensation generally bars recovery outside of that system, however, and may not adequately compensate an injured worker for pain and suffering and the full impact of a permanent injury.
Federal workplace safety laws also apply to construction sites and may be relevant in these cases. OSHA safety standards address fall protection as well as scaffolding safety measures, trenching and excavation procedures, and electrical hazard prevention and equipment operation guidelines. Safety rule violations on the part of construction companies and subcontractors can be powerful evidence of negligence in a construction accident case.
Hattiesburg construction workers can report incidents to Mississippi’s OSHA branch at 100 West Capitol Street in Jackson.
Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer
It’s important to hire a construction accident lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered a serious construction site injury. Construction companies and their insurers often act very quickly to try to limit their liability. This can happen before the full extent of the injuries and long-term consequences is known.
The help of a Hattiesburg construction accident lawyer is needed to help protect your rights, preserve key evidence, and uncover all of the sources of compensation available in a construction accident claim.
FAQs
How Much Does a Construction Lawyer Cost?
The vast majority of construction lawyers are contingent fee lawyers. This means you only pay if you win. The percentage of the recovery will vary depending on the complexity of the case. This arrangement is designed to give injured workers access to legal counsel without paying any fees and costs unless they obtain compensation. The costs are in alignment with the recovery, so the lawyer has an incentive to get you the highest recovery possible.
How Long Does a Construction Claim Take?
Construction accident claims can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to complete, depending on the circumstances. Factors that influence the duration of a claim include the severity of injuries, the time needed to gather evidence and file paperwork, and the time it takes to negotiate with insurance companies or schedule a court date. Some cases can be settled quickly, while others may take months or longer if a trial is necessary.
How Hard Is It to Win a Personal Injury Claim?
In order to win a personal injury case, you need to show that someone else’s negligence or fault caused your injuries. Winning a personal injury case isn’t easy, but with the right evidence, documentation, and medical records, as well as following the proper legal procedures, it can be done. Having an experienced construction accident lawyer on your side can greatly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
What Is the Negligence Rule in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a modified comparative negligence standard. You may be eligible to recover damages as long as your portion of fault does not outweigh that of the defendant. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why it is critical to prove that another party’s negligence played a significant role in the occurrence of the accident. This is often the case in construction injury accidents, where more than one party could be held liable.
Contact WaideLaw Today
If you were injured in a construction accident, WaideLaw can help. We can look at the facts of your situation to help determine the parties that are responsible for your injuries so you can receive maximum compensation. Contact us today to get started receiving the justice you deserve.
