I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Construction is the most dangerous type of work in the U.S. About 20 percent of all workplace fatalities occur at construction sites. Things can go wrong on construction sites, and work conditions can deteriorate quickly, which can put workers in harm’s way if they are not informed about dangerous conditions. Some of the most common causes of construction fatalities include falls, being hit by falling objects, and electrocutions.
If your loved one has been killed in a construction accident, legally you have the right to investigate the cause of the accident to determine whether someone else’s negligent actions led to the death. In many cases, the accident will be covered by worker’s compensation, which will pay death benefits as well as compensation for expenses to the individual’s family. Normally, if worker’s compensation covers the accident, you cannot sue the employer directly for negligence.
If you discover that negligence was the cause of death, and that a third-party other than an employer or an employee of the employer caused the accident, you may be able to seek damages for wrongful death from that other party. Some examples include the manufacturer of defective construction equipment or a subcontractor who left the worksite unsafe.
Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles workplace injury attorney, at 310-385-0567 if your loved one has been injured or killed in a construction accident. I can help obtain compensation for you, so that you can move forward with your life in a positive way. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation.