Tampa Construction Accidents Lawyer

Help After Serious Construction Site Injuries

Simply put, construction sites are extremely dangerous, especially commercial structures like high-rise buildings and highways. It is an all too frequent occurrence to hear of a crane collapsing at a job site or portions of a building falling to the street. In many of these cases, the consequences are fatal. In almost all of them, however, the injuries are preventable.

Employee Injuries

Employees who are injured on construction sites are generally protected under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws. This means that most employers have a statutory immunity from a lawsuit by the employee. In workers’ compensation cases, employees recover damages in a no-fault system. Generally, employees’ medical expenses and lost wages are reimbursed, and future medical expenses and wages are provided based on certain calculations. Pain and suffering, spousal support, and punitive damages are not available through Florida’s workers’ compensation system.

If an employee can prove that it was “virtually certain” that an injury would occur, the employer can be held responsible under intentional tort theories.

There are exceptions to this general rule, however. For example, if an employee can prove that it was “virtually certain” that an injury would occur, the employer can be held responsible under intentional tort theories. This provides employees with the opportunity to recover noneconomic and economic damages and punitive damages against the employer. While this standard is extremely high, it is not impossible to overcome. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed on a job site, please contact Burnett Law, P.A., for a FREE CONSULTATION so that we can discuss your options with you.

Nonemployee Injuries

If you have ever driven down a highway under construction, you have probably noticed dozens of potential hazards. From improperly placed barricades to lack of warning signs, to steel beams being hoisted over moving traffic, the perils of a roadside construction site are many. Oftentimes, the construction crews are blind to the potential dangers and operate with a general lack of care. This sometimes leads to catastrophic injuries.

Similarly, especially in urban areas undergoing expansion, the perils are equally deadly. Pedestrians walking by construction sites can be hurt by falling debris or can trip and fall over poorly maintained entrances and exits as they simply try to get past the area. Construction workers have a duty to the public to make sure that their work area is not a hazard to those around them. If you or a loved one has been hurt as a result of the negligence of a construction worker or construction company, please do not hesitate to contact us at Burnett Law, P.A.

How We Help Personal Injury Victims

When you contact Burnett Law, P.A., your request will be submitted to one of our attorneys. Upon acceptance of your case and during your free consultation, we will discuss your case and the potential damages that can be recovered. Some of these damages include compensation for:

• Medical care – This area covers doctors’ appointments, medical examinations, tests and procedures.
• Rehabilitation services – This area includes physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
• Attendant care – These services include medicine administration, grooming, transferring and other daily activities.
• Lost wages – This area covers income that is owed during your time off work or if you’ve been terminated.
• Mental anguish – Often referred to as “pain and suffering,” these damages are somewhat subjective and can be extremely high if the anguish is great.
• Punitive damages – In extreme cases where the offending party was so negligent that it amounts to wanton, willful and reckless behavior, punitive damages can be recovered. These damages can be extremely high in some cases depending on the severity of the offending party’s behavior.

Keep in mind that there are strict time limitations for bringing a personal injury action. Please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance and guidance.

Why Contact Us? 

When you’ve been injured at a construction site, you need the type of help that will not only provide relief momentarily such as medical attention, but you also need help that will relieve financial stress. Although the litigation process may take some time, you can rest assured that one of our personal injury attorneys will work hard to represent you in the best manner. After accepting your case, we will conduct a thorough investigation regarding your accident. Throughout the course of your case, we will work with you to reach the best result possible.

At Burnett Law, P.A., we strive to make our clients’ legal experience a compassionate one. We’re here when you’re ready to take legal action for your injury, give us a call today at (813) 491-8272.