Construction work is an inherently dangerous profession with significant hazards lurking around every corner on every shift. From ladder falls and structure collapses to repetitive stress and toxic exposure, working on a construction site can lead to devastating injuries.
While injured workers might initially seek to file a workers’ compensation claim to recover benefits, they might also be able to pursue a third-party liability claim.
What is third-party liability?
When the negligence of someone other than your employer was responsible for the accident that ultimately led to your injuries, this is said to be third-party liability. It might be difficult to uncover the liability as the third-party can be either an individual such as a property owner or an organization such as the manufacturer of a defective power tool. Other examples can include:
- Scaffolding manufacturer who used defective materials or failed to properly weight-test the structure leading to an unsafe environment.
- Forklift mechanic who failed to perform regular maintenance checks or failed to perform the necessary repairs to unsafe equipment.
- A subcontractor responsible for the proper, safe installation of stairs, elevators or crane structures.
- An electrical engineer who indicated the wrong type of wiring in the specifications that led to shock injuries or electrocution of a worker.
Construction site accidents can lead to devastating injuries including broken bones, brain trauma, spinal cord damage, crush injuries and paralysis. Additionally, workers might face toxic exposure to hazardous materials. Depending on the severity, these accidents and exposure can lead to fatalities. Do not hesitate to discuss your case with a skilled legal professional.