Were you recently injured or did you lose a loved one in a construction accident in Jacksonville, Florida? If so, Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover compensation for your injuries and lost wages.
Our award-winning Jacksonville construction accident lawyers can help you through the workers’ compensation process. We’ll also determine whether you’re eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party.
We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims injured in catastrophic construction accidents. Contact our Jacksonville law office today at (904) 396-1100 to answer all of your questions in a free and confidential consultation.
How Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Jacksonville
We know the toll a tragic accident takes on your life—physically, emotionally, and financially. We can help ease your burden. We’ll immediately jump in and start fighting to get you the money you need to help restore stability to your future.
Attorney Amanda Baggett is Board Certified in construction law You can count on Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers to provide you with zealous representation, sound legal advice, and tireless commitment after your construction accident.
When you hire a Jacksonville personal injury lawyer at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we can:
- Launch a comprehensive investigation into your accident
- Determine whether you may be able to bring a lawsuit against a third party
- Examine your workers’ compensation claim and make sure it covers all your injuries
- Handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Advocate for you in all workers’ comp hearings and appeals
- Protect you from any adverse action from your employer
- File a personal injury lawsuit if necessary to recover damages from parties other than your employer
We are experienced trial lawyers who know how to handle complex cases and difficult defendants. Letting Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers handle your case from beginning to end will give you peace of mind knowing that we are fighting hard for the money you need. You can take the time you need to rest and recover. There are no upfront costs to you. And if we don’t win, you don’t pay us a dime.
How Common Are Construction Accidents in Florida?
Construction accidents were responsible for roughly 1 in 5 worker deaths throughout the country in 2020. More than 1,000 construction U.S. workers died in fatal accidents in 2020. That’s almost three a day.
Thousands more were injured. Nearly 477 construction workers are hurt or subjected to work-related conditions that cause illnesses every single day in the U.S.
In 2020, 174,100 construction workers suffered injuries or illnesses on the job across the nation.
In Florida, the percentage of construction workers killed is even higher than in the rest of the country. Nearly one-third of all workplace deaths in Florida are construction workers. Eighty-two workers lost their lives in the private construction industry in Florida in 2020. That’s almost double the deaths that occurred more than a decade ago. In 2011, there were only 42 construction deaths in Florida.
What is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
No two cases are alike. Unfortunately, construction accidents often involve catastrophic or fatal injuries. Cases with such severe injuries tend to result in higher awards.
The value of your case will depend partially on the extent to which workers’ compensation benefits are involved. Workers’ comp covers only medical bills, a portion of your lost wages, and limited death benefits. It doesn’t cover non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering.
If your accident is only covered by workers’ comp, the value of your case will depend mostly on:
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The value of your wages prior to your accident
- Whether you’re expected to make a full recovery
- Whether you have a disability
- How long your recovery is expected to take
- Whether you’re able to return to work in the same capacity
If you’re eligible to file a lawsuit in addition to workers’ compensation, you’ll be able to seek compensation for a larger portion of lost wages. You will also be able to seek all of your other economic and non-economic damages.
The following factors could affect what you receive in a personal injury lawsuit:
- The severity of your injuries
- The total value of your past and future lost income
- The extent to which your family depends on your income
- Whether you suffered any property damage
- Whether you were at fault for the accident
- Whether you suffered a disability
- The extent of mental trauma you experienced from the accident
- How your family is affected by your injury or disability
We work hard to maximize your recovery. We protect you against unfair blame, undervalued medical benefits, and unrealistic estimates of the future financial impact of your injuries. We have an extensive network of experts at our disposal. These experts will help us evaluate the medical aspects of your case to make sure the compensation is fair.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Construction Accident Victims?
If your accident is solely covered by workers’ compensation, then that’s generally your only source of compensation.
However, in many cases, people injured in construction accidents have a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury lawsuit. In a lawsuit, you’ll be able to seek economic damages that aren’t covered by workers’ comp. And, you could recover non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover monetary losses for expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Medical devices
- Nursing care
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
Non-economic damages cover losses that are more subjective, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Disability
- Depression
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life activities
Our background in corporate litigation prepared us to handle complex, fiercely contested cases. Our knowledge of the construction industry will give you an advantage. You can trust that we will look for every possible source of recovery for you and your family.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Construction Accident in Florida?
Probably. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. If you were injured on the job, you’re typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits — even if you were responsible for the accident.
A few exceptions could jeopardize your right to workers’ comp benefits, such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or violating safety protocols.
You might be filing a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, depending on the circumstances. In that case, you can still recover compensation if you’re at fault for the accident — as long as you are not 51% or more responsible.
Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule in negligence cases with a 51% bar to recovery. This means each party is financially responsible for the portion of the accident they caused. For example, if you’re 20% responsible, your award will be reduced by 20%. And if, instead, you were mostly to blame, you could not receive damages.
That’s why it’s so important to have Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers in your corner. We know the construction industry inside and out. We’re never afraid to take a case to court to stand up for your rights.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All of Your Construction Accident Injuries
Working at extreme heights, operating heavy machinery, and working under pressure to meet deadlines can be a dangerous combination for construction workers.
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers regularly represents clients with the following construction accident injuries:
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Loss of hearing
- Spinal cord injuries
- Blindness
- Crush injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Struck by an object
- Trip and fall accidents
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death of a family member
- And more
If you’re injured in a workplace accident, be sure to follow all of the rules to maintain your eligibility for workers’ compensation. Always follow all medical advice as directed.
What Causes Most Construction Accidents?
Many construction accidents are preventable. Many are related to failures to follow safety requirements.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) names the following as the “fatal four” causes of construction accidents nationwide:
- Falls
- Struck by an object
- Caught in/between objects or machinery
- Electrocutions
In 2020, some of the most common violations cited by OSHA in the construction industry were:
- Fall protection
- Scaffolding
- Ladders
- Eye and face protection
- Head protection
- General safety provisions
Construction crews are under extreme pressure to get projects done. Construction contractors may even get a bonus for completing a project early. Therefore, they may put extra pressure on workers and cut corners when it comes to safety.
We Represent Victims of All Construction Accidents
We regularly represent victims injured in all types of construction site accidents, including those involving:
- Car accidents on site
- Scaffolding accidents
- Ladder accidents
- Excavation accidents
- Crane accidents
- Negligent hiring or training
- Violation of safety protocols
- Loose wires or cables
- Defective machinery
- Slip and fall accidents
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Negligent maintenance of equipment
- Power tools
- And more
Identifying all potentially liable parties in your accident is critical. A reputable Jacksonville construction accident attorney will be able to investigate your case and look for every possible source of compensation for you.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Construction Accident in Florida?
For a workers’ compensation claim, you won’t have to. There are a few exceptions, but generally, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you’re injured on the job.
But negligence will likely be the basis of a lawsuit against a third party. To win your case, you’ll have to prove each element of negligence:
- Duty: the defendant owed you a duty of care
- Breach: the defendant breached that duty
- Causation: the defendant’s breach of duty caused your injuries
- Damages: you suffered damages as a result
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers has extensive experience with complex construction cases. One of our Jacksonville personal injury attorneys is Board Certified in construction law by the Florida Bar Association, giving you a distinct advantage when we’re fighting for you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim or Lawsuit After a Construction Accident in Florida?
If your accident occurred on the job, you must notify your employer immediately after your accident in order to claim workers’ compensation benefits. You must report it within 30 days, or your claim could be denied.
In a third-party case, you’ll typically have four years (if your accident occurred on or before 3/23/2023) or two years (if it occurred after that date) to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. You’ll also only have two years if you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
There are exceptions to these deadlines; contact an attorney to determine the correct timeline for your particular case.
Contact Our Jacksonville Construction Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Call today to speak with an experienced Jacksonville construction accident lawyer at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers. We have 100 years of litigation experience to put behind your case. We are dedicated to getting each client the maximum possible compensation.
Don’t hesitate – call our Jacksonville law firm today for your free consultation.
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Jacksonville Emergency Rooms and hospitals
- HCA Florida Memorial Hospital – 3625 University Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32216
- Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville – 4500 San Pablo Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224-1865
- Baptist & Wolfson Town Center Emergency Room (ER) – 4085 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246
- Emergency – Ascension St. Vincent’s Arlington – 9820 Hutchinson Park Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32225
*Disclaimer – We do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Jacksonville Construction Resources
- Construction Accident Law – HG.org
- Work Zone Safety It’s Everyone’s Job – Fdot.gov
- The 2023 Florida Statutes – Online Sunshine
- Chapter 713 Section 015 – The Florida Senate
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