Orlando Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction jobs are inherently dangerous. For example, construction work often requires employees to work with heavy equipment, hazardous substances, or heights. These and other risks make construction workers vulnerable to on-the-job injuries. 

If you suffered injuries at work or sustained harm visiting or passing through a construction site, our Orlando construction accident lawyers could assist with seeking compensation for your medical treatment and more. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers will fight to ensure that your injuries, medical bills, and time lost at work do not jeopardize your family’s financial future. 

Florida Construction Accident Injuries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the private construction industry had the highest fatality rate of any occupation in Florida in 2020. Nearly half of construction injury deaths resulted from slips, trips, and falls. Other leading causes of construction injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Water vehicle accidents
• Exposure to harmful substances or environments
• Struck by/against accidents
• Exposure to electricity 
• Fires and explosions
• Collapsing structures, equipment, or materials
• Overexertion

If you suffered injuries while working on or visiting a construction site in Downtown Orlando, the Packing District, or elsewhere in the city, consider consulting with our construction site injury attorneys. We can review your case and discuss your best options for securing the maximum compensation available to you. 

Our Construction Accident Lawyers Can Pursue Workers’ Compensation

According to the Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, all construction employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you suffered injuries while on the job, we can help you with a claim for benefits. Workers’ compensation coverage includes:

• Medical treatment – Your employer’s policy should pay for all necessary medical treatment related to your construction accident injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, physical therapy, medical equipment and devices, and medical travel expenses.
• Wage replacement – If you suffer an injury that prevents you from working for at least seven days, you qualify for wage benefits. How much you can recover depends on whether you can work during your recovery and whether your injury is temporary or permanent. Our construction accident attorneys can provide you with an estimate of how much you may receive in lost wages. 
• Death benefits – If your loved one suffered a fatal construction accident injury, you might qualify for compensation for their medical expenses, funeral and burial, and dependent wage benefits. 
• Reemployment services – If you cannot perform the duties of your previous job due to your injuries, you can access free reemployment services via Florida’s Employee Assistance Office (EAO). You can contact the agency by phone at 1-800-342-1741 or by email at [email protected].  

Make Sure You Report Your Workplace Injury Immediately

You need to pay attention to two important workers’ compensation deadlines. First, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of when it occurred, according to Florida Statutes § 440.185. Second, you must file a petition for benefits within two years of your time of injury, according to Florida Statutes § 440.19. 

Failure to adhere to either of these deadlines could result in a denial of your benefits. Our attorneys can help you prepare and file your claim before time runs out. 

Construction Accident Lawsuits

Understand that in most cases, the workers’ compensation system exempts you from suing your employer. However, if a third party (such as a building owner, equipment manufacturer, or supplier) caused your injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against them. You may also sue for construction accident injuries if you sustained harm while passing by or through a construction site (not as an employee). 

Like a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim allows you to recover your past and future injury-related medical expenses and lost wages. However, you may pursue the total value of your wages and lost earning capacity (rather than a partial replacement).

You can also seek damages not available through workers’ compensation, including:

• Pain and suffering – Injuries can have physical, emotional, and mental consequences. We can seek compensation for the ways your injuries reduce your quality of life, including monetary awards for depression, chronic pain, loss of enjoyment in life, scarring, disfigurement, and loss of mobility. 
• Property damages – We can seek the cost of fixing or replacing damaged property during your accident, such as watches, cell phones, personal tools, vehicles, and equipment. 
• Miscellaneous expenses – We can recover the value of household services (cooking, childcare, cleaning, etc.), necessary home modifications, and any other costs resulting from your construction accident. 
• Wrongful death – You can recover damages for wrongful death that extend beyond workers’ compensation death benefits. Additional awards include compensation for losing your family member’s love, guidance, support and mental and emotional suffering. 

Florida Law Limits Your Time to File a Construction Accident Claim

Florida Statutes § 95.11 allows up to two years to file a personal injury lawsuit and up to two years to sue for wrongful death. If you do not pursue a claim or take legal action before the statute of limitations expires, you may not receive compensation for your injuries. 

How Can a Construction Accident Attorney Help with My Case?

Our legal team has decades of experience, and every case gets the personal attention of our founding partners, Jason and Debi Chalik. We center our service around making you feel comfortable, heard, and respected. We know that securing compensation quickly and efficiently is your priority. We will:

• File your workers’ compensation or liability insurance claims
• Obtain case evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and eyewitness testimony
• Defend you against allegations of negligence or misconduct
• Communicate with insurance companies and attorneys on your behalf
• Negotiate the best settlement possible for your injury
• Represent you in civil court if necessary. 

Call Our Construction Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation Today

Call our offices today to learn more about how our Orlando construction accident lawyers can stand up for your rights. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide you with a free case review. In addition, we have offices across Florida and can travel to meet with you. Let us help you get your life back on track.