Construction sites can be hazardous. Some of the most severe workplace accidents happen on building sites and in other construction zones. Often, these accidents occur due to a lack of proper training or safety equipment, poor management and improper maintenance. But, what happens when you are injured at a construction site where you are a pedestrian and not a worker?
While being injured on a construction site could be frightening and traumatic, the good news is that there should be insurance to cover a compensable claim. The highly skilled Las Vegas attorneys at Edward M. Bernstein & Associates can offer you all of the help that you need when it comes to making a claim and receiving the appropriate compensation for loss of income, medical bills, emotional trauma or permanent impairment that you may have sustained. Let’s learn a little more about construction site injuries, and what you should do if you are the victim of one.
Why Might a Pedestrian be Injured on a Construction Site?
Your first thought might be that you are very unlikely to be injured at a public construction site, if you are just walking along, minding your own business and paying close attention to any barriers, signage or warnings that are in place.
You’d be wrong. Accidents in public construction zones are far more common than you might imagine. How are accidents happening when workers at construction sites should have stringent safety measures in place? Well, usually because someone, somewhere in the construction company, has made a mistake. Causes of pedestrian accidents on public construction sites can include:
- Incorrect signage. Workplaces are exceptionally dangerous. Construction staff are usually trained and supplied with safety hats and equipment to protect themselves, but members of the public aren’t. If someone were to wander into a construction site accidentally, they’d be in trouble. That’s why these sites are heavily regulated. Safety measures are put in place, and even small sites must place clear barriers and signs, to warn passers-by. These signs must be visible and easy to spot. Unfortunately, they aren’t always. Or, sites are left unmarked when signs and barriers are moved.
- Publicly accessible sites left unattended. Think about all of the road works, footpath repairs and other small sites that you walk past every day. These areas can’t always be closed off to the public, but they should be marked and kept safe. When these sites are left unattended, perhaps overnight, even with clear signage, they pose a risk to motorists and passers-by.
- Malfunctioning traffic signals or a lack of stop signs. A common cause of accidents around construction areas is when motorists fail to stop at temporary traffic lights, causing an accident. But, sometimes, they can’t help it. If the signs aren’t there or aren’t working correctly, it can cause serious road accidents, sometimes involving pedestrians.
- Unsecured Tools. If tools placed in high-up areas aren’t properly secured, they could fall from the site and injure someone walking below.
- Poorly inspected equipment. Equipment used on a construction site should be regularly inspected and properly maintained. If it isn’t, it could cause injury both to those using it and passers-by.
We are surrounded by construction sites all of the time. You are probably so used to them that you don’t even notice. But, you’ll walk past road works, drive down streets with closed lanes, pass by scaffolding on buildings and brand new building works. You might skirt around holes in the ground where water pipes or electric cables are being repaired or cross the road to avoid walkway repair. There are construction sites everywhere, and every single one can cause injury if it isn’t looked after correctly, or doesn’t adhere to safety regulations.
Pursuing a Case
When you are injured because of negligence or poor management at a construction site, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. As a pedestrian, not covered by the same workplace insurance as an employee would be, you could claim compensation for an injury that you may have sustained as well as any stress or emotional trauma which you may have suffered. You could also claim loss of income, medical costs and permanent injuries, including scarring.
But, in order to get the compensation you deserve, you need the best lawyer in Las Vegas to help you. Even if the negligence is apparent, you may run into trouble if the company is under the auspices of a Government agency who could have caps and immunities in place to protect them against lawsuits. There are also time limits on your claim, so it’s important that you act quickly.
Following an accident, you may suffer from shock, as well as physical injuries. It can be tempting to let things go, as you just want to move on. But, it’s important that you get in touch with an experienced Nevada lawyer as soon as you can. They’ll investigate your accident, collect evidence and begin to compile your case, helping to reduce your stress levels so you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
That’s where Edward M. Bernstein and Associates come in. One of our experienced lawyers will spend time with you, discussing your legal options and providing excellent client service. Get in touch with Edward M. Bernstein & Associates in Las Vegas today for your free consultation by calling 702-240-0000