Lake County Construction Accident Lawyer

Trusted Construction Accident Attorney In Lake County in MT

Construction sites can be dangerous environments, and when accidents happen, injured workers are often left facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. From mounting medical bills and lost wages to the uncertainty of their future, the aftermath of a construction injury can be devastating. A Lake County construction accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to deal with these consequences.

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., our experienced construction accident lawyers in Lake County are here to help injured workers secure the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve been injured due to unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, or negligence, we are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the financial recovery needed to rebuild your life.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, often resulting from negligence, improper safety measures, or hazardous conditions. Identifying the cause of your accident is a critical step in building a strong legal case. Below are the most frequent causes of construction site injuries in Montana and beyond.

Unsafe Working Conditions

Incomplete safety protocols, lack of proper signage, or absent fall protections can create an environment ripe for accidents. Construction sites in Montana often face added challenges due to harsh winters and rugged terrain, making proper precautions all the more critical.

Equipment Malfunctions

Heavy machinery such as cranes, bulldozers, and scaffolding requires ongoing maintenance to operate safely. Faulty equipment is a leading cause of construction injuries, especially when maintenance procedures are ignored or manufacturers supply defective parts.

Falls from Heights

Whether working on scaffolds, ladders, or rooftops, construction workers often rely on safety harnesses and other measures to prevent falls. Failure to provide or use appropriate fall protection equipment can result in severe or fatal injuries.

Struck by Falling Objects

Construction workers are frequently at risk of being struck by tools, materials, or debris from above. Proper protocols for securing materials and wearing helmets are essential to minimizing this risk.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Many construction sites involve exposure to toxic chemicals, asbestos, or other hazardous materials. Prolonged exposure or accidental spills can cause serious health issues, including respiratory damage.

Vehicle Accidents

Cranes, forklifts, and dump trucks are common on worksites. Poor visibility, inadequate training, and negligence in operating these vehicles can contribute to devastating accidents.

No matter the cause of your injury, our construction injury attorneys in Lake County are here to investigate your case, identify liable parties, and hold them accountable for your damages.

Serious Injuries from Construction Accidents

Construction accidents often result in life-altering injuries that demand immediate attention and long-term care. Some of the most common injuries sustained on worksites include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by falls, being struck by objects, or heavy equipment accidents, TBIs can lead to permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A fall from a height or being crushed by equipment can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common due to falls and heavy equipment accidents, often requiring extensive surgeries and physical therapy.
• Burns: Exposure to chemicals, electrical currents, or machinery malfunctions can result in severe burns.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament damage can limit mobility and cause long-term pain.
• Respiratory Issues: Exposure to harmful substances like asbestos or silica dust can lead to chronic respiratory conditions.

These injuries can have a lasting impact on a victim’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, and enjoy life. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we strive to secure compensation that addresses the full range of damages you have suffered, both economically and emotionally.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Construction Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident, you may wonder what legal options are available to you. Understanding your rights is essential to obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Most construction workers are covered under workers’ compensation, which provides benefits regardless of fault. These benefits may include coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and disability-related expenses. However, workers’ compensation does not account for pain and suffering, which may require additional legal action.

Filing a Third-Party Claim

If a party other than your employer contributed to your accident (e.g., a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner), you may be able to file a third-party claim. This allows you to seek additional damages, such as compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future lost earnings.

Wrongful Death Claims

When construction accidents result in fatal injuries, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for their loss. These claims can cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we carefully evaluate the details of your case to determine the correct course of action. Our Lake County construction accident attorneys are skilled at navigating both workers’ compensation claims and third-party claims, so you receive full compensation.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After a construction site injury, you may be eligible for compensation to help you rebuild your life. Depending on your claim, you could recover damages for the following expenses and losses:

• Medical Expenses: Covers immediate and ongoing medical treatments such as surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work while recovering.
• Future Earnings: If your injury prevents you from returning to work, you may recover damages for future lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional anguish caused by your accident.
• Disability Costs: Modifications to your home, mobility aids, or other accommodations for long-term disabilities.
• Wrongful Death Damages: For families of deceased workers, compensation may cover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Every case is unique, and the specific compensation you may be entitled to depends on the circumstances of your accident. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your options.

Why Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?

Navigating the legal process for a construction accident claim can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies, workers’ compensation adjusters, and opposing attorneys.

Hiring an experienced attorney offers several advantages. It gives you access to someone who understands construction accident laws and how to leverage them to find success in your case. It also takes some of the stress off you so that you can focus on healing while your lawyer pursues the compensation you need to pay hospital bills, make up for lost wages, and move on with life.

If you’ve been injured in a construction site accident, don’t wait to hire a construction accident lawyer. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Big Sky Country is three years, but you can benefit from hiring an attorney right away while the details surrounding the incident are still clear in your mind and it’s easy to find evidence and witnesses to support your claim.

How We Can Help

• Thorough Investigation: We collect evidence, analyze accident reports, and work with industry experts to establish liability.
• Negotiating Settlements: Our firm handles all communication with insurance companies and third parties to secure a fair settlement.
• Litigation Experience: If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and protect your rights.
• Personalized Representation: We offer compassionate and responsive legal services tailored to your unique situation.
• Local Knowledge: Based in Montana, we understand the specific challenges that construction workers in the region face and use this knowledge to your advantage.

When you partner with Bliven Law Firm, P.C., you gain a legal ally who is committed to your recovery and well-being.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

Taking the right actions after a construction site injury is crucial for protecting your rights and building a successful case. Here’s what you should do if you’ve been injured on the job:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting prompt care, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Notify Your Employer: Report the incident to your supervisor and make sure an official accident report is filed.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, equipment, and your injuries. Collect witness contact information.
4. Keep Records: Save all medical bills, receipts, and correspondence related to the accident and your recovery.
5. Contact an Attorney: Speak with a construction injury attorney in Lake County to understand your legal options and begin pursuing compensation.

Time is of the essence in these cases due to Montana’s statute of limitations, which typically allows three years to file a personal injury claim. Don’t delay in seeking legal counsel.

How Fault Is Proven in a Construction Accident Case

To prove fault in a construction accident case, you’ll need to show that another party was negligent. This requires proving four elements:

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Damages

The liable party could be anyone from a machine manufacturer to a property owner or a contractor. All of these parties owe a duty of care to the people working on and visiting construction sites to do their part to maintain a safe environment. When they breach that duty, and it directly causes an accident with compensable damages, they can be held liable in civil court.

You don’t have to prove negligence to get workers’ compensation insurance if you were injured on the job. If you work for a construction company like Swank Enterprises or Martel Construction, you’re protected under workers’ compensation laws.

FAQs

What Is the 20/20 Rule in Construction?

The 20/20 rule in construction stipulates that every 20 minutes, workers should take 20 seconds to look at least 20 feet away. This pause allows workers to actively scan their environment for new hazards while simultaneously breaking tunnel vision to reduce eye fatigue. Following the 20/20 rule is a great way to reduce your chances of getting into a jobsite accident and improve your focus.

What Is the Most Common Accident in Construction?

The most common accident in construction is falls. Struck-by incidents that involve falling objects, caught-between incidents involving heavy equipment or vehicles, and electrocutions are also relatively common construction site accidents. Falls, alone, caused 37% of construction site fatalities in 2021, while struck-by incidents caused 8% of construction deaths, and 5% of fatalities were caused by caught-between accidents.

What Are the Odds of Success in a Construction Accident Case?

The odds of success in a construction accident case vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident and how skilled your attorney is at negotiating with insurance companies. Accidents with clear liability and serious injuries tend to lead to more actionable claims than those in which liability or the severity of the victim’s injuries is unclear.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Construction Site Accident Case?

How long it takes to resolve a construction site accident case depends on a variety of factors. One of the most significant of them is whether your case must go to trial. Cases that are resolved via negotiations don’t generally take as long as those that go to court, which is why we try to get our clients fairly compensated without the need for a lengthy trial.

Contact Bliven Law Firm, P.C. Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction site accident, you don’t have to face this overwhelming situation alone. At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to protecting the rights of construction workers in Lake County, Montana, and surrounding areas.

Our compassionate Lake County construction accident lawyers work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve and help you move forward after an injury. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.

Lake County, MT Construction Accident Lawyer Reviews