Construction accidents are unfortunately common, and it is important to understand who may be held liable for any damages that result. Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, with falls from heights being the leading cause of work-related fatalities in construction, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
But who can be held liable when a construction accident occurs? Depending on the circumstances of the accident, there may be multiple potentially responsible parties. If you or your loved one was hurt on a construction site, contact our construction accident lawyer at Cameron Law to discuss the details of your case.
Potentially Liable Parties in Construction Accidents
If you have been injured in a construction accident, the following parties may be responsible for the damage suffered.
The Property Owner
The property owner is often the first party that people look to for compensation after a construction accident. This is because property owners are legally obligated to ensure that their premises are safe for people entering them, including contractors and others working on the site.
Property owners must also maintain a safe work environment by providing necessary safety equipment and adhering to all building codes and regulations. Therefore, if an individual suffers an injury due to negligence on the part of the property owner, they may be able to seek compensation from them.
Construction Companies
Construction companies can also bear responsibility in cases of construction accidents. Construction companies are responsible for hiring qualified workers, ensuring proper safety protocols are followed, maintaining good communication between all parties involved in the project, and properly managing all aspects of the job site. If any of these duties were not met or were inadequately performed by the construction company, they may be found liable for any resulting damages or injuries.
Contractors
In addition to construction companies, contractors can also be held accountable for damages caused by construction accidents. Contractors have several responsibilities when it comes to construction sites, including inspecting worksites regularly for potential hazards and addressing these promptly when found, and providing adequate supervision at all times while on site. If any of these criteria were not met or were negligently handled by a contractor, they could potentially face legal action as a result of an accident occurring at their worksite.
Architects and Engineers
Architects and engineers should also be held accountable if their work on a project results in injuries or death due to negligence on their part. Architects must design buildings that meet local building codes, while engineers must make sure that buildings will withstand natural elements such as wind loads during storms. Both must inspect worksites regularly and address potential hazards promptly when discovered. If either party fails in any of these duties, they may be found liable for any resulting damages or injuries from an accident occurring at their project site.
Manufacturers of Construction Equipment
Finally, manufacturers of construction equipment can also bear responsibility if their products fail during use leading up to an accident occurring at a worksite. Manufacturers should produce equipment that meets certain standards as outlined by industry regulations. If they fail to do so or produce faulty products which cause damage or injury due to using defective materials, then they could potentially face liability for resulting harm.
