The tragic crane collapse in Seattle that killed two workers and two pedestrians, is raising awareness of deadly construction accidents. It is a topic we all must pay more attention to as the construction season reaches its peak and the Houston real estate market remains hot. Construction accidents are incredibly common and incredibly dangerous.
Don’t Settle for Workers Comp
Many workers who are injured in a construction accident do not bother filing a personal injury lawsuit or even speaking with an attorney. They assume that the generous workers’ comp payments they are being offered are sufficient to compensate them for their injuries. This is a mistake.
Workers compensation benefits are great, but they are no substitute for full compensatory damages. There are many costs that workers comp simply won’t cover.
Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney before you agree to any payout from workers comp — or any other settlement offer — is a good idea. At our firm, we give injured workers a full explanation of all of their options. This allows potential clients to make an informed decision about what path forward they want to take.
When we have these conversations, we emphasize that there is no stupid question. It is not your job to understand the intricacies of the law. But it is our job to explain them to our clients so they can make informed decisions about their future.
Innocent Bystanders at Risk
Innocent bystanders who are injured in a construction accident should also speak with an experienced personal injury attorney once they are well enough to do so.
No matter who was at fault, there are going to be multiple insurance companies fighting about who is responsible for the accident, and arguing that it is not their job to pay. We step into these disputes on behalf of clients who simply want fair compensation for their injuries and assurances that steps will be taken so that no one else is injured in the future.
Thanks to the funny and heartfelt tv ads that so many insurance companies run, many of our clients believe that their insurance company is going to step up and take care of them when they are injured. The truth is insurance companies make money by denying claims and paying out as little as possible. We help our clients make sure their insurance company — and the companies that are covering the site, the workers, and the equipment — pay up.
Building a Case When an Accident Occurs
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in the Houston area, we are here to help. Whether you were a worker or an innocent bystander, we can help you figure out what your options are going forward. You should be compensated for your injuries so you can move on with your life.