Fighting for Injured Californians Everyday
Over $3 Billion* Recovered for Our Clients
With a commitment to providing personal, aggressive representation, BD&J helps clients navigate the California legal system. Construction accidents often result in severe, long-term injuries that require time, care, and money. Contact BD&J construction accident lawyers in California to learn about your claim.
Key Takeaways
- Construction accidents are often serious due to the presence of heavy machinery, large heights, and lack of protection care or safety protocols for work zones
- In California, the construction sector is the top private industry with the highest number of fatalities, with 81 deaths recorded in 2024 (BLS)
- Falls, being struck by fallen objects, and getting caught in between equipment are some of the most common construction accidents
- Working with a California construction accident injury attorney from BD&J can help you possibly recover compensation for your injuries and other damages
Types of Construction Accidents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that 1 in 5 workplace deaths in 2025 were a result of construction accidents. With the risk of construction fatalities so high, employers owe a duty of care to keep employees safe.
Injuries in construction environments can be caused by several factors, including workers’ mistakes, employer negligence, and environmental factors.Common types of construction accidents involve:
- Slip and falls
- Electrocutions
- Becoming caught in-between objects
- Machine malfunctions
- Explosions or fires
- Being struck by fallen objects, including debris
Employers must allow workers to have adequate breaks to avoid injuries from drowsiness or exhaustion. Workers can also sustain injuries from overexertion, including pulled muscles, spinal disc injuries, and bone fractures. If you have been injured in a construction accident, filing a workers’ compensation claim right away can help you seek the financial settlement you need.
Call 855-906-3699 or fill out our online form to talk to a BD&J team member as soon as possible, our team is available 24/7.
Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents often lead to severe and even fatal injuries. These injuries can leave workers and other bystanders unable to work, in serious pain, and needing pricey medical treatments.
Common types of construction injuries involve:
- Repetitive motion, joint, and muscle injuries
- Heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Broken bones
- Eye or ear injury
- Head or brain trauma
- Cuts and lacerations
- Respiratory issues from inhaling hazardous materials
- Hearing or sight loss
- Burns from chemicals, hot surfaces, and electrocution
What Are Catastrophic Injuries in Construction Accidents?
Catastrophic injuries are injuries that permanently alter a person’s life and physical condition. These injuries are especially common in construction accidents, where victims may be struck by heavy machinery, large falls, or exposed to other significant hazards compared to the average person. Catastrophic injuries include:
These injury types will often require lifelong care, assistive medical devices, and preventative treatment plans. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury from a construction site accident, you have the right to hold responsible parties accountable for the physical impairment, care, and other consequences these injuries may have on your life.
What Are the Fatal Four?
According to OSHA, the Fatal Four are regarded as the leading causes of deaths in the construction industry, with more than 60% of construction worker deaths attributed to these incidents. These are:
- Falls
- Struck-by
- Electrocutions
- Caught-between
What Can I Do if a Loved One Had a Fatal Accident?
If a loved one passed away because of a construction site accident, you may have a wrongful death claim. Even if the accident didn’t cause an immediate fatality, consequences of an accident that later resulted in death may also be eligible for a claim.
Who Can File a Fatal Construction Accident Claim in California?
In the case of a wrongful death from a construction accident, there are certain parties who can file a claim. These parties include a spouse or legally recognized domestic partner, children of the deceased, or a financially dependent minor of the deceased at the time of their passing.
If the deceased did not have a partner or children, their parents, siblings, and nieces or nephews could file a claim for compensation. Speak to an attorney to learn more about your legal options if your loved one passed away in a construction accident.
Are Workers’ Compensation Cases and Personal Injury Claims the Same Thing?
After a construction accident, you may be able to file for workers’ compensation benefits if you are covered by your employer’s policy. In California, the statute of limitations on workers’ comp claims is just 1 year, and you need to tell your employer about your accident within a few days of your accident (with written notice provided within 30 days of your injury). Ideally, you will tell them right after it happens (or at least the same day).
Workers’ compensation benefits can only do so much, though. If your injury causes a disability, then you might be able to get a portion of your missing wages, but not all of them. You also will not get any compensation for your pain, suffering, and hardships endured due to your injuries if you file for workers’ compensation.
In some circumstances, you might have a chance to pursue non-economic damages, all of your missing wages, and the cost of medical treatments not covered by the workers’ comp provider by filing a personal injury claim. This is a completely separate legal process from workers’ compensation. You will only be able to file a personal injury claim if you were hurt as an independent contractor, or your employer acted egregiously negligent and in a way that caused or contributed to your accident.
Personal injury claims are based on at-fault rules, which means the following evidence should be used to boost your claim’s validity:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Security camera footage
- Incident reports
BD&J California catastrophic injury attorneys fight for accident victims left with permanent impairment, call now to speak with our team.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Construction Accident Claim?
Compensation from a personal injury case can often include more damages than a standard workers’ compensation settlement. Some of the damages that could be recoverable in a personal injury case include:
- Current and future medical costs
- Loss of income from being unable to work
- Decreased earning capacity
- Physical rehabilitation
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may also be awarded to a plaintiff in a personal injury case to punish a defendant who exhibited gross negligence or misconduct.
Will a Pre-Existing Condition Affect My Case?
Filing a personal injury claim is still possible with a pre-existing condition, especially if this condition was further aggravated with the accident. Some typical pre-existing conditions may include:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Spine injuries
- Hypertension
The important thing is to be completely upfront with your construction accident lawyer. Knowing about a pre-existing condition can help your attorney gather further medical evidence and other supporting documentation to strengthen your claim.
High Numbers for California Construction Site Accidents
Recent data has shown that California is unfortunately a hotspot for construction accidents, oftentimes leading to serious consequences for vulnerable workers. The stats tell us that:
- California construction workers had over 25,700 incidents of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses resulting in missed days of work between 2023 and 2024 (DIR)
- Of the recorded 81 construction worker fatalities in 2024, more than half (43) were caused by falls, slips, or trips (BLS)
- There were 12 pedestrian-involved work zone fatalities in 2024 (WorkZoneSafety)
- Construction injury and illness prevention programs was the 3rd most cited standard by Cal/OSHA (Cal/OSHA)
If you or a loved one were hurt while on the job at the construction zone, talk to an attorney from BD&J to learn whether you have a case.
How To Practice Safety on Construction Work Zones
The construction industry is one of the most appealing work sectors for many people, and practicing safety habits while on the job can ensure you’re still earning your livelihood while lowering the chances of injuries. Practice safety on construction work zones with the following steps:
- Wear protective gear. – Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for construction workers, and includes hard hats, goggles, boots, and high visibility clothing.
- Be aware of your surroundings. – Follow the 20/20/20 rule for construction workers, which means stopping every 20 minutes to scan the 20-feet radius around you for 20 seconds.
- Check equipment or machinery before using it. – Checking tools and other machinery before use can prevent accidents from occurring due to any missed defective equipment.
- Secure ladders when using. – Anchoring the ladder from both top and bottom can help keep it in place and prevent slips or falls while working.
- Taking breaks when needed. – Working in extreme weather and while fatigued can lead to drowsiness and lead to a decrease in brain awareness.
What if I Was a Pedestrian Hurt Passing Through a Work Zone?
Not only are workers injured in construction zones, but it’s also not uncommon to hear about pedestrians who were injured while passing through a zone, whether they were struck by fallen objects or by construction vehicles. In the case of an unproperly secured work zone leading to accidents involving pedestrians, you may have a legal claim.
Pedestrians can be the most exposed victims in an accident. If you were injured as a pedestrian, get in touch with BD&J to learn about your options for a claim.
Who Is Liable in Construction Accidents?
Construction projects involve many parties who may be liable for accidents on a construction site. The details of the incident, such as the equipment being used, the status of the site manager, the safety protocols that were in place and the identity of the injured party, help determine which party is at fault.
In some cases, several parties may play a role in the accident and be liable for contributory negligence. BD&J’s construction accident lawyers can provide support in identifying who may be held liable for damages.
General Contractors
General contractors and subcontractors are responsible for the work site and its safety relating to workers, visitors, and anyone else in its proximity. These parties must ensure the construction site is free from hazards, and everyone on-site conducts themselves in a manner that doesn’t subject people to harm. Negligence of the general contractor can include failing to verify the background, safety awareness, and training of employees who then cause injuries to others.
Property Owners
While contractors are responsible for the construction site’s safety, the property owner where the site is located may also bear some responsibility for construction injuries. Injured parties may be able to make a claim against a property owner if they sustained an injury as a result of hazards on the property, such as a tripping hazard, hazardous materials stored on the site, or undisclosed power or gas lines.
Architects and Engineers
Architects, engineers, and other professionals may be liable for accidents resulting from negligence in the construction site’s planning and design. Their work is often subject to professional and safety standards and, depending on their role and contract, they may be legally responsible for guaranteeing their work complies with safety specifications. Should an accident occur, these professionals may bear some responsibility, depending on their contract and the details of the accident.
Injuries due to planning or design flaws generally stem from oversights or mistakes during the design process. Engineers, for example, must perform certain inspections and assessments to ensure their work complies with safety codes.
Equipment and Machinery Manufacturers
Workers on construction sites generally use machinery, power tools, hand tools, industrial vehicles, and other equipment to perform their jobs, and defects or malfunctions in this equipment can result in serious injury or death. For example, damaged scaffolding can cause workers to fall, or it can collapse onto workers standing underneath, while defective helmets, harnesses, eyewear, and other safety gear can fail to protect workers when they’re exposed to hazards. Injured parties may be able to pursue compensation from the equipment manufacturer, engineer, or seller.
Why Should I Work with BD&J Construction Accident Lawyers in California?
After a construction accident, it’s not easy navigating what comes next. Medical bills, lost income, and trying to provide for your household while recovering from painful injuries is overwhelming.
Filing a personal injury claim with the help of the BD&J law firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Since our establishment in 2007, we’ve helped clients recover over $3 billion* in damages from car accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more.
When you’re working with one of our attorneys, you will work alongside a dedicated legal advocate who will represent you through every step of the legal process, including:
- Filing your claim in a timely manner and in the proper jurisdiction
- Advancing your case costs through a contingency fee basis so you don’t have to pay upfront fees*
- Helping compile evidence
- Using specialized attorney resources, including accident reconstruction software and expert witness testimony
- Aiding during discovery
- Negotiating a fair compensation amount for your claim
- Appealing denied insurance claims
- Communicating with a construction company’s large legal team on your behalf
Connect with the BD&J law firm today to get started on your case.
What if I Can’t Make it to the BD&J Offices?
While our offices in Riverside, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Sacramento, and other cities are meant to make it easier for clients to connect with our team, we understand this isn’t always possible.
This is why our attorneys make it their mission to come to you no matter where you are, whether it’s your home, a hospital, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Accident Claim?
You have 2 years from the date of your accident to file a claim. If the accident involved a government agency, such as if the construction was done on a public highway or similar, you’d have 6 months to file a claim against the government agency.
What If My Injuries Didn’t Show Symptoms Until Weeks Later?
Fortunately, you can still file a claim by working with a California personal injury attorney within the statute of limitations (2 years). It’s always recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you’re not feeling any symptoms at the moment.
Why Are Falls So Frequent in Construction Accidents?
Falls are so common in construction accidents due to various factors, including the high elevations that workers often find themselves in, faulty equipment, insecure ladders, and a lack of safety protocols when it comes to open trenches and holes.
Do I Have to Speak to Insurance Companies on My Own?
Not at all! Insurance companies will often attempt to speak to injured accident victims alone to record their statements and use their words against them.
A construction accident attorney can speak to insurance companies on your behalf and ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting those initial lowball compensation offers insurance companies are known to make.
How Will Working with BD&J Help Strengthen My Claim?
BD&J will fight tirelessly for your right to compensation, providing you with a fair value for your claim that considers Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), your earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
Our attorneys have the necessary experience from years of successful client representation to take on any case and are not afraid to go against big legal teams. Don’t just take our word for it; our case results speak for themselves.
Do I Have to Go to Trial for a Construction Accident Lawsuit?
More than 95% of personal injury claims end in a pre-trial settlement, so it’s most likely you won’t have to go to court.
Failure to reach a compensation settlement, issues with liability, and other complex or costly cases may end up going to trial. If you find yourself going to trial to continue your fight for compensation, you’ll want a dedicated attorney from the BD&J team to be right beside you.
How Do I Report My Employer for Unsafe Working Conditions?
In California, unsafe working conditions should be brought to the attention of your supervisor or manager, or a union representative if applicable. If these unsafe conditions continue, filing a complaint with OSHA or calling/emailing Cal/OSHA is the next step.
What Are Some Examples of Unsafe Work Conditions?
Unsafe working conditions can take many forms, including lack of safety training for workers, present chemical hazards, no safety equipment, and faulty or broken equipment.
If unsafe work conditions and extreme employer negligence caused your accident, call 1-855-906-3699 to book your consultation with an attorney.
Can I Recover Compensation for Psychological Trauma from My Accident?
Absolutely. Construction accidents can often be traumatic and lead to emotional and mental trauma for many vulnerable workers.
Psychological trauma and pain and suffering are non-economic damages that can be recovered through a construction accident injury claim.
Does BD&J Provide Free Consultations?
Yes! We’re eager to help potential clients learn about the legal process and the possibility of their claim, which is why we provide free initial consultations to connect them with caring attorneys who can answer all their questions and doubts.
Can I Work with BD&J Instead of My Current Attorney?
Yes, you can switch attorney representation for your accident claim. It’s best to do so as early as possible, so connect with BD&J as soon as you can to get started on this counsel change and file the necessary documentation. BD&J attorneys are here to help you through every legal obstacle!
Compassionate Lawyers Serving Injury Victims in Los Angeles and Throughout California
At BD&J, we care about each client. We know you are going through a stressful time, and our attorneys will work hard to provide informative, passionate representation. Throughout the process, we can discuss your options and help you make informed decisions.
In addition, we can help you file a claim, investigate the incident, and gather evidence to build your case. Our California construction accident lawyers have experience representing clients against large insurance agencies, and we can tenaciously help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Call us or complete our online form to start your claim today.
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