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Oct
2020

Important Information to Know About Construction Accident Law in Miami

on  Personal Injury

The city of Miami and its surrounding areas are seemingly always under development. Because of this, it is common to see active construction in and around the city of Miami. While new developments are usually great for the city to attract tourists and other guests, the process of construction doesn’t always go smoothly. Construction accidents can and do happen, unfortunately, so it is important to be aware of what your rights and responsibilities are should you or a loved one suffer an injury at a construction site.

Construction Site in Miami, Florida

What are the Most Common Types of Construction Accidents in Miami?

Accidents at Miami construction sites can happen in a variety of ways. The four most common are as follows:

  • Falls: Construction workers are consistently working at dangerous heights which can result in falls when proper safety measures are not taken by a construction site. These falls can easily result in a serious injury or fatality. Your employer is required to keep your worksite reasonably safe for people on site. 
  • Electrocution: Construction sites use electrical power that often comes from a combination of generators, the local power grid, and even solar panels. These sources of electricity can be dangerous when proper safety measures are ignored. If these measures are ignored, then electrocutions can happen, leading to serious injury and even death. 
  • Accidents involving heavy equipment: It is common to see heavy construction equipment at work sites which can include cranes, bulldozers, and excavators. If these heavy machines are not used properly or are defective in any way, then serious and sometimes fatal injuries can occur. 
  • Exposure to hazardous materials: Hazardous and possibly toxic materials are common at construction sites. Employers are expected to keep employees safe from these materials. Exposure to disease such as COVID-19 only adds to the list of risks that exist at construction sites. If your employer fails to reasonably shield you from exposure to dangerous materials or disease, then the exposure can lead to serious injury.

If you have suffered an injury at a Miami construction site, then it is important to speak to an experienced Miami construction accident attorney immediately to best understand what your legal options are.

A photo of street in Miami, Florida

How Often do People Die from a Construction Accident?

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 332 work-related deaths in the state of Florida in 2018. The vast majority of these fatalities were due to falls, exposure to hazardous materials, and accidents involving heavy equipment. A total of 47 of these work-related fatalities were due to a combination of transportation incidents, and a catch-all “other” category. This leaves nearly 300 fatalities that occurred at work sites in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there were 5,250 fatalities from work-related injuries in 2018.

Should I Report My Construction Accident Injury to My Boss?

If you are a worker at a construction site and have suffered an injury, then you should immediately report the accident to your supervisor or other superior at the site. Reporting your construction accident and injury should lead to an incident report being made. Make sure to get a copy of this report, along with any other evidence relating to your potential construction injury claim. If you fail to report your accident to your employer, then this may harm your ability to recover for your injuries.

What is OSHA?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that exists to protect employees in their workplaces. OSHA protects employees by making and enforcing federal safety rules and regulations. A violation of any OSHA guidelines can result in extensive fines for employers and can even lead to criminal liability.

Can I File a Lawsuit Against My Employer for My Construction Accident Injury?

In the state of Florida, a worker who is injured on the job is typically only able to seek workers’ compensation benefits to help pay for their injuries. It is uncommon to be able to file a suit directly against your employer for your Miami construction accident injury. It takes specific facts and a specific situation in order to be able to sue your employer for your injuries.

Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA is Here to Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury from a construction accident in or around a Miami hotel, then it is important that you consult with an experienced Miami construction accident attorney. Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA is proud to offer FREE consultations to all prospective clients. Call us today at (305) 694-2676 or contact us online for an experienced and honest assessment of your legal situation. Our advice is free, and all our discussions will always be protected by the attorney-client privilege. Take your first steps towards recovery with a consultation with an experienced construction accident attorney at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today.