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What Should I Do Right After A Reno Construction Accident?
Northern Nevada is expanding at an amazing rate with construction projects evident throughout the region, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and the ever-expanding Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County. Unfortunately, construction accidents are common occurrences all over the world, and Reno and the surrounding areas are no different. If you’ve been in a construction accident in Reno or Northern Nevada, you do not have to go it alone. Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, are passionate about helping our clients get the compensation they deserve after a construction accident, so they may recover as quickly as possible. If you need help dealing with a work injury contact our Reno construction accident lawyers for a free case evaluation.
Report The Accident To Your Employer
It is essential to inform your supervisor as soon as possible of the incident that occurred. Not only can they assist in calling emergency services if needed, but they will need as much information as possible for filing a report.
If you are an employee, you will have to file what is known as a C-1 claim to ensure that you get workers’ compensation. If you are not an employee, there are other forms you will have to fill out. Always keep a copy of these reports for your own use.
Get Medical Care Immediately
If emergency services are not needed at the scene, you will need to get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible afterward. Not only may you have injuries that could cause issues later, but you will need a professional medical report in order to file your workman’s compensation claim.
The most important thing is to make sure you are okay and will recover as quickly as possible.
Take Pictures & Gather Evidence
Photo or video evidence goes a long way in helping your Reno construction accident attorney reconstruct the scene and determine exactly what happened. The date and time stamp on your photos will prove the severity of your injury from the incident and help you get maximum compensation. If you can, take photos of the accident scene and any relevant damage or injuries. These photos will help if you pursue a claim and help prove the extent of your damages.
Contact Our Reno Construction Accident Lawyers
Most personal injury lawyers in Reno offer a totally free case consultation to discuss the details of the incident causing your injury and help you understand the options available to you, without pressuring you to hire their legal services. The sooner you can contact a lawyer, the better chance you have at receiving the best possible outcome for your injury claim. Get in touch with us as soon as you can so we can help you determine the next steps to filing a claim.
Our Lawyers Will Help Document Details About The Incident & File A C-1 Form
The sooner you can contact a knowledgeable lawyer, the better chance you have at receiving compensation for your injury. Take advantage of the free initial consultation offered by most Reno accident injury law firms to discuss the details of your case and learn about the legal options available to you.
We make sure the filing process is completed correctly and thoroughly, so that your workmans’ compensation claim goes through.
Determine a Fair Settlement For Your Injuries If Your C-4 Is Denied
If your initial claim is denied, you can request a judicial review of the claim through filing a Request for Hearing with the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims. Our experienced attorneys at Benson & Bingham are prepared to help you through that process to get the compensation you deserve for your injury.
Contact our Reno workers’ compensation attorneys to learn more about your next steps after your C-4 claim is denied.
Mediate & Negotiate To Resolve The Worker’s Comp Claim
You may receive a direct call from the insurance company offering you a settlement amount. Chances are, that amount is not adequate or fair. It is wise to refuse the offer, refer the insurance company to your lawyer, and let them negotiate on your behalf to determine a settlement amount that will fully cover your medical bills and recovery.
Our Reno personal injury lawyers are prepared to negotiate aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
Consult With Our Construction Injury Lawyers For A Free Case Evaluation
Common Construction Trades With
Higher Injury Rates In Reno
Manufacturing Workers
People who work in factories with large equipment are constantly at risk for severe injury and even death. They may experience overexertion from trying to keep up with the machines, injury from repetitive motions, exposure to harmful substances, or injury from a slip and fall.
Heavy Equipment Operators
Those who operate heavy equipment on the construction site are at risk for injury from defective or faulty parts of the machine. If the equipment is not properly maintained, it can operate in a faulty manner and cause injury to the driver or other workers on the site.
Sewer & Duct Construction
There are many hazards facing workers in the ducts and sewers of Reno, including being buried alive, drowning, falling debris, dangerous toxic gases and fumes, and faulty equipment. They may not have proper protective equipment, or be inadequately trained for their job.
Demolition Jobs
At Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, we see many injuries from demolition sites including toxic gas and chemical exposure, falling from ladders or high scaffolding, dangerous projectiles from explosions, falling objects, or traumatic brain injuries.
High-Rise Construction Workers
Employees who work on high rise buildings face hazardous situations every day. Not only can they fall from great heights, but they face the hazards of high winds or fire, along with the common construction hazards of crush injuries, severed fingers, and falling objects.
Power-Tool Operators
People working with power tools face a variety of hazards including puncture wounds, severed fingers or limbs, eye injuries, hearing loss, lacerations, electric shock from poorly maintained cords or wet conditions, crush injuries, amputations, and more, especially if they are not wearing proper protective equipment.
Why Do Reno Residents Prefer Our Construction Site Accident Lawyers?
An Award-Winning Law Firm Specializing In All Types Of Construction Accident Claims
At Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC, we are here to help. We work hard on every case to ensure our clients go home satisfied with the effort and passion we deliver. If you need help dealing with a complicated case, reach out to our law firm: We will do everything we can to make sure you get the compensation you deserve and the help you need to get back on your feet.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Construction Accident Injuries?
Construction Site Owner(s)
Construction site owners carry a responsibility to post warning signs throughout their construction site, and ensure the entire area is safe and secure. If someone is injured as a result of their failure, the construction site owner can be sued.
General and Sub-Contractors
Subcontractors and general contractors are required to carry a variety of policies including workmans’ compensation insurance, their contracting license, health insurance, and more. This is to protect both themselves and their employees in the event any injury is received on the job.
Prime Contractors
Prime contractors work specifically with the government to manage subcontractors on a project. They hold responsibility for making sure the work is completed as detailed in the contract, and can be held liable for injuries occurring as a result of incomplete work.
Architects & Engineers
Both architects and engineers have the potential to be the recipient of negligence lawsuits if they are not thorough or careful in any aspect of their work. The building could be built unstably, or important details may have been missed.
Manufacturers, Retailers & Wholesalers
Retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers are responsible for being aware of any product defects or recalls relating to the products they sell. If the product does not perform correctly due to a recall and injures someone as a result, they can be held liable.
How We Help Workers In Reno Get
Construction Accident Settlements
Fight For a Fair Settlement & Get The Maximum Compensation For Your Damages
Construction accident settlements vary based on many factors, including whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party liability claim. Settlements vary widely and a particular outcome is never guaranteed, so call us before making a final decision on how much to accept in your case.
With a workers’ comp or third-party liability claim, you can usually seek damages for:
Loss Of Income & Earning Capacity
You are entitled to receive compensation for your missed hours of work. If you are unable to go back to work in the same capacity after your injury has healed to the best it can, you are also entitled to receive payment for your future missed hours.
Medical Expenses Including Future Medical Bills
Your Reno construction accident injury lawyer can work with your doctor and medical team to get your future medical expenses totaled and covered. In order to determine the estimated amount of your future medical care, you will need the correct documentation and paperwork from your doctor.
Rehabilitative & Nursing Services
Physical therapy and rehabilitative care that support the injured construction worker and their recovery process are covered under workers’ compensation settlements. Trust your medical team to coordinate the care you need and to communicate with your attorney regarding the amount of compensation you need.
Pain & Suffering Due To Injuries
Substantial physical pain or mental anguish faced by the injured construction worker can qualify for pain and suffering compensation. While some workmans’ comp policies do not cover pain and suffering, most attorneys will do their best to use the law strategically to get you covered.
Disfigurement & Scarring
Workmans’ compensation provides financial coverage for medical care regarding permanent scarring or disfigurement resulting from the injury received in the workplace. Whether they need surgery, physical therapy, or rehabilitative therapy, they can receive compensation to cover the restorative care required for their scarring.
Loss of Consortium & Enjoyment Of Life
Wrongful death scenarios bring a Loss of Consortium suit that allege the loss of spousal services by the family members. Loss of consortium includes companionship, help with household duties, sexual relations, comfort, personal relationship, the ability to bear children, and more.
Meet Our Experienced Team Of Construction Injury Lawyers
For the past two decades, Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC has proudly served clients throughout the state facing a variety of personal injury incidents. No matter how complex your case, our Reno accident injury lawyers are proud to protect your rights with confidence and fight aggressively for the maximum settlement you deserve. If your life has been altered in any way by an accidental injury while on a construction site, Benson & Bingham is ready to help. Click below to learn more about our attorneys and how we can serve you!
Meet the Attorneys
Client Testimonials
Reno’s Preferred Construction Injury Attorneys
Best law firm! Thank you Benson & Bingham. I did my own research and found Benson & Bingham online. They lived up to their reviews. Special thank you to Cassidy for managing my case and my attorney Danielle.
I picked this place and I’m so glad that I did. Ida was very helpful and professional. If I had questions they were answered. I would definitely use them again in the future and I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Thank you for your service I appreciate it.
What I love about Benson & Bingham, especially from my attorney, Lina, I felt informed and cared for my health. She made sure I was ok at all times through my injury. I hate I had the accident, but it was comforting to know I was well taken care of.
Read More Reviews
Award-Winning Law Firm For Construction Accidents Near Reno
Benson & Bingham: Extensive Experience With Construction Accident Claims
Our firm has won large construction settlements in the last several years, starting at $550,000 in a casino construction accident. We cannot promise a result in your case, but we will fight hard to get you the most money we can. Call us now to see what we can do for you.
Total Settled By Verdicts For Clients
Over the past 20 years, Benson & Bingham has successfully helped clients recover over $500 million in settlements for injuries they have received accidentally. Consult with our legal team today to learn what we can do for you.
Defective Product
Product liability cases are often complex and require an experienced attorney to handle the details. Our competent lawyers have successfully recovered $3,300,000.00 in damages for a client injured by a defective product in Reno.
Semi-Truck Accident
When construction workers are injured in a semi-truck accident or collision, they are eligible to receive compensation. Let our experienced Reno accident injury attorneys at Benson & Bingham help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries through aggressive, thorough representation.
A Typical Reno Construction Injury Claim
Construction companies must offer worker’s compensation for their employees. With worker’s compensation, you can file an insurance claim and receive money to help pay for medical expenses and a percentage of lost wages. However, workers’ compensation is often not enough if you have severe injuries after your construction accident.
In this case, you might also file a personal injury claim against someone other than your employer who was responsible for your accident. If you are an independent contractor who was working on a construction site or a bystander injured when walking or driving by a construction site, call us to determine who negligently caused the accident.
Here’s what you must establish to prove that someone caused your injuries:
- You were seriously injured on a construction site.
- The defendant knew of some danger on the property.
- The defendant failed to warn you of the danger.
- This failure led to circumstances resulting in your injury.
- If you can prove these elements of negligence, you will generally have a valid claim against whomever caused your injuries.
Common responsible parties include:
- The construction company for failing to keep the workplace safe.
- The city of Reno for failing to repair unsafe conditions if it was responsible for maintenance.
- Third parties who negligently drove or operated machinery on the construction site that led to the accident.
Visit Our Local Construction Accident Law Firm In Reno
Reno, NV 89502
As a five-star construction accident injury law firm in Reno, Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC has a variety of convenient locations throughout Nevada to ensure people have access to skilled legal guidance. We are an incredible resource for all your workmans’ compensation claims and concerns, so don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation right away! We are on your side.
Common Types Of Construction Accidents In Reno
Construction Accidents Result in Legal Claims for Compensation
In recent years, a huge influx of people has come to live in the Reno area. This has prompted the construction of many new homes and apartment buildings to house new residents. Many of these projects are to improve streets, sewage systems, playgrounds, traffic signals, and other public works.
Whenever there is construction going on, there is large equipment, including cranes, trucks, and tools for drilling, building, etc. With so many dangerous items on-site, accidents are bound to happen. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that around 77,490 construction accidents happen in a given year.
There are many types of accidents that happen on construction sites, including:
Hoist, Crane Or Scaffolding Accidents
Defective parts, improper training, and operator error can lead to severe accidents. The boom can come in contact with electrical wires, causing electric shock and injury. Some of the most common hoist injuries associated with equipment failure are deep gashes or lost teeth, while crane incidents often involve bystanders or workers who are struck by a falling object.
Workers using scaffolding face a variety of risks and injuries including falling several floors at a time, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, impalement, and more. If the equipment is faulty or defective, multiple workers can be injured at once.
Vehicle Accidents
If vehicles are poorly maintained and don’t work properly, they could strike a worker. There can be a constant stream of vehicles in and out of a construction site belonging to contractors, inspectors, employees, and more. If there are no designated driving areas or roadways through the site, it can be dangerous.
Many vehicles roam a construction site, and workers can easily be hit by one whether they are walking or driving.
Being Crushed Between Objects
Large construction sites are busy places with many moving parts. Between vehicles driving in and out, cranes moving large pieces, skid steers and bulldozers driving through the property, and more, construction employees run a great risk of being crushed between vehicles, heavy pieces of material, or other objects.
Construction workers are often busy and distracted, and with so many pieces of equipment moving around on-site, accidentally getting crushed between objects is common.
Gas Leaks, Explosions, & Fires
When a gas pipe is leaking, a single spark or bit of static electricity can ignite the gas and cause an explosion, resulting in severe injuries or death. Gas leaks, explosions, and fires can give employees severe burns, permanent disfigurement, and loss of eyesight or other senses, along with burn-related issues such as infection or amputation.
With all the exposed wires, gas tanks, and other materials on a construction site, fires and explosions are much more common than in other workplaces.
Heavy Machinery Accident Injuries
Both drivers and bystanders can be injured by heavy machinery and moving equipment on the construction site. They could be crushed, have broken bones, lose a limb, or experience traumatic brain injury. If the site is not properly labeled, roped off, or protected, the site owner could be held liable.
Machines can cause scrapes, cuts, breaks, and worse when they come into contact with a human body rather than construction material.
Being Hit By Falling Objects & Equipment
Construction sites for commercial buildings, particularly in the downtown area, are typically quite tall. This means cranes are needed to raise up large pieces of material. If the machine fails or runs into a power line, it can drop the material and crush bystanders or workers far below.
Even if a worker doesn’t fall, they may walk under something that is falling from above. Any piece of equipment or debris that falls and hits a worker (or a passerby) can cause serious damage.
Electrocution Accidents
Construction employees can be severely injured through electrocution. Whether their power tools are powered by wet extension cords, or their heavy machinery runs into electrical wires, they can experience shock and electrical burns. If a contractor does not get a professional electrical inspection of their site, they can be held liable for future issues.
In any construction project, electricity is involved, leading to a high risk of a worker touching an exposed wire or another electrified object.
Slips And Falls
Construction sites are notoriously scattered with large piles of material, rocks, dirt, clay, mud, equipment, and machinery. If a construction worker is new on the job or does not know their way around a site, they run the risk of tripping on a stack of material. Scaffolding can be quite slippery as well, from rain or overnight ice.
If conditions are icy or wet or there is a lot of debris around the ground, falls are common.
Falls From Heights
Scaffolding can extend many stories above the ground, leaving the workers open to a variety of hazards. Strong winds and inclement weather can cause a worker to fall, or being improperly strapped in with protective equipment. A single misstep or moment of dizziness can cause a worker to plummet to their death.
A lot of construction work takes place above ground level and falls from a height are a common accident.
Overexertion & Stress Injuries
Construction site workers can experience strains, sprains, shin splints, tendonitis, and many other medical concerns as a result of repetitive motions and stress on their bodies. Construction is not easy, and workers must be in peak condition to protect their bodies from overexertion or stress.
Construction is taxing work, and sometimes lifting heavy objects or working with unmanageable machines causes muscle strains and tears. In addition, workers can suffer from heatstroke from spending too long in the sun.
Were You Injured At Work? Call Our Law Firm For A Free Consultation
Common Injuries On Reno Construction Sites
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Will Help You Obtain The Compensation You Deserve
Some injuries are much more serious than others. No matter how you were injured in a construction accident, make sure you get the healthcare you need to recover. Many injuries that are not properly cared for right off the bat result in serious complications in the future. Ensuring your health is taken care of is the most important thing you can do after an accident.
Some of the most common injuries resulting from the accidents above include:
Muscle Strains Or Tears
Constant repetitive motion and bodily stress can lead to muscle strains, sprains, and tears. All it takes is one misstep, slip on muddy ground, or lifting slightly too much weight, and a construction worker may have a muscle injury and be out of work for a few weeks while they rest and recover.
Head Trauma
Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries occur frequently on construction sites, particularly if the employee is not wearing proper protective equipment. They can experience whiplash, dizziness, loss of eyesight or hearing, pain, chronic headaches, and even a lifelong altered personality, along with paralysis or coma.
Wrongful Death
Construction workers face death every day. They may be severely injured or killed from traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, spinal cord damage, electric shock, or falls. Whether the victim perishes immediately or later dies at the hospital as a direct result of the injury, their loved one can be entitled to compensation.
Broken & Fractured Bones
Bone fractures and breaks can range greatly from small hairline cracks to compound extensive breaks where the bone punctures through the skin or an artery. The victim may require immediate surgery, follow up surgeries, casting, rehabilitation therapy, and more. Some breaks cause lifelong disability.
Burns
Burns can result from electrical shock from exposed wires, gas leaks and explosions, or an uncontrolled wildfire that enters the construction site. Injured workers can experience loss of senses, amputation, or death. They may require lifelong follow up care, depending on the extent of their burns.
Neck & Back Injuries
Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from a rapid back-and-forth movement, such as from a great fall or equipment collision. Recovery can take several months in some cases. Back injuries such as disc herniation, muscle strain, or spinal damage can cause chronic issues for the construction worker.
Reno Construction Accident FAQs
If you were in a construction accident, you probably have questions about how these cases work. If so, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our page below for answers to our clients’ most common questions. And if you need further help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC for further guidance.
What Should I Do Right After A Reno Construction Accident?
After an accident, there are a few steps you need to take:
- Get medical care immediately. The most important thing is to make sure you are okay and will recover as quickly as possible.
- Take pictures. If you can, take photos of the accident scene and any relevant damage or injuries. These photos will help if you pursue a claim and help prove the extent of your damages.
- Report the accident. If you are an employee, you will have to file what is known as a C-1 claim to ensure that you get workers’ compensation. If you are not an employee, there are other forms you will have to fill out. Always keep a copy of these reports for your own use.
- Contact our Reno construction accident lawyers. Get in touch with us as soon as you can so we can help you determine the next steps to filing a claim. Once you take these steps, you are well on your way to recovery.
What If I Was A Subcontractor At A Construction Site? Can I Still File A Claim Against The Construction Company?
It depends on the circumstances of the case. If you were injured as a direct result of someone else’s negligence or the malfunction of machinery that should have been taken care of by the company or manager, you can likely file a claim. However, these cases can be complicated. You should talk to an attorney if you are unsure about your ability to file a claim.
What If I Was Just A Bystander When I Got Hurt At A Construction Site In Reno? Can I Still File A Claim?
If you were injured at a construction site as a bystander, you can still file a claim. In most cases, you will file a claim against the construction company, but you may also file one against the city or a specific person who caused your injury. Regardless, you have a good chance of winning a case if you can prove that the other party was negligent.
What If I Lost A Loved One In A Reno Construction Accident?
Similar to a construction accident injury claim, Nevada law also allows survivors of the deceased to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Typically, any heirs to the estate of the deceased may bring a claim; most often, this means a surviving spouse or child of the deceased, though other family members may also qualify.
Our Reno construction accident attorneys know how to file and fight wrongful death actions, and can help you and your family understand your options in this difficult time.
Will I Have To File A Reno Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In Nevada, employers must provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. This insurance protects employers from most lawsuits that would require them to pay additional damages. However, depending on who was actually at fault in your case and what your employment status is, you may not have to file a workers’ compensation claim, and may instead file a personal injury claim, which generally covers more in damages. Discuss your case with a lawyer to determine what route you can go.
How Do I Prove Someone Was Negligent In A Reno Construction Accident Claim?
According to Nevada law, to pursue a claim for your construction site injury, you must prove:
- That the defendant (the person who caused the injury) owed you a duty of care (i.e., should have protected you from the injury you received).
- That the defendant breached that duty of care.
- Prove causation: Show that the defendant’s breach of duty was the direct cause of your injuries. This requires establishing a clear and direct link between the defendant’s actions or omissions and the harm you suffered.
Why Do I Need Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC To Help Me?
There is no law stating that an injured employee is required to hire an attorney in order to file a personal injury or workmans’ compensation claim. However, it is in your best interest to do so. Workmans’ compensation claims are a complex process, and need each step to be followed correctly in order for the claim to be processed. When you are recovering from an extensive injury or reeling from the death of a loved one who was wrongfully killed on a construction site, it is nearly impossible to understand the legalities and complexities of workmans’ compensation on your own.
At Benson & Bingham, our accident injury lawyers in Reno understand Nevada law inside and out. We take time to listen to your case, and know how to use the law in a way that will ensure maximum compensation for your injuries. While we cannot guarantee a positive result, we can promise to work diligently and skillfully.
What Damages Can I Claim In A Third-party Construction Accident Case?
You can claim all the typical damages that are available in a personal injury claim.
These include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium (i.e., loss of or damage to an intimate relationship resulting from the accident)
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Long-term medical treatment expenses.
How Long Will A Construction Accident Claim Take?
The time a construction accident takes to conclude depends on the circumstances. In many cases, construction accidents settle within a few months if your lawyer helps you negotiate a good settlement. In other cases, the claim may have to be decided in court and could take much longer.
What To Do If My Worker’s Compensation Or Construction Site Accident Claim Was Denied?
In some cases, a workmans’ compensation claim may be initially denied. This is usually due to a late filing or incomplete information. While you may be worried that your claim was denied, it does not mean the process is over! According to the statute of limitations for workplace injuries in Nevada, you have 70 days to file an appeal to the Nevada Department of Administrations if your initial claim was denied. You will need to send a Request for Hearing and the denial letter to the DOA office, and you are allowed to attend the hearing in person if you want to.
If your initial claim was denied and you have not yet hired a lawyer, now is the best time to do so. You will need an attorney to guide you through the claims process to ensure it is followed correctly.
Read More On Workers’ Compensation In Our Personal Injury Blog
Contact Benson & Bingham’s Reno Construction Accident Lawyers
How Our Reno Construction Accident Attorneys Can Help You
“If you were injured by a construction accident in Reno or Northern Nevada, the lawyers at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC are here to help. We have successfully negotiated millions of dollars of winnings for our clients.
We work hard to help our clients see the results they deserve. While we can’t guarantee an outcome, we promise everyone who comes to us that we will do our best to settle the case in their favor. We are determined to see justice done and help people like you get back on their feet after an accident.
Since 2003, we have fought successfully for victims of personal injury accidents. If you need help recovering from an injury that wasn’t your fault, get in touch with us today. We are ready to help, so call our Reno office now at (775) 600-6000 or send us a message to get a free case review from our team.”