Hawaii Construction Accident Attorneys: Get Help Now

Seek Justice for Construction Injuries in Hawaii - Call (808) 740-0633

Construction sites are some of the most dangerous work areas in the United States, and Hawaii construction sites are no exception. The rate of construction site deaths in 2009 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control, was a startling three times that of the average worker. There are comprehensive safety measures and regulations in place to limit the hazards to construction workers, but it is an unfortunate reality that those protections are not always enacted as they should be.

Our Hawaii construction accident attorneys have helped numerous clients pursue successful injury claims and we are committed to doing the same for you. When you or someone you care about is hurt through the negligence of an employer, co-worker, or equipment manufacturer, you deserve compensation. Let us help you get the money you need for your injuries.

Contact us online or by phone at (808) 740-0633 for a free, confidential consultation.

Common Hawaii Construction Accident Scenarios

OSHA has strict rules for how construction sites are supposed to operate, rules designed to protect workers from a variety of hazards. Unfortunately, there are times when these safety regulations are not observed as they should be and accidents occur that cause serious injuries like brain injuries, spinal injuries, and burn injuries.

Common construction site accidents include:

• Forklift Accidents: Forklifts are essential for moving heavy materials, but they can be dangerous if not operated correctly. Accidents can occur due to operator error, faulty equipment, or unsafe working conditions, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
• Falls from Heights: Falls are one of the leading causes of construction site injuries and deaths. Workers may fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or elevated platforms due to lack of fall protection, inadequate safety measures, or improper use of equipment.
• Electrical Accidents: Electrical hazards can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. These accidents can result from exposed wires, improper grounding, faulty wiring, or contact with live electrical components. Electric shocks, burns, and electrocution are common outcomes.
• Defective Equipment: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment can lead to accidents. This includes issues with cranes, excavators, power tools, and other machinery. Defects or lack of maintenance can result in equipment failures, leading to injuries.
• Falling Objects: Tools, materials, or debris falling from heights pose a significant risk to workers below. Proper securing of materials and the use of helmets and safety nets can help reduce the risk of injury from falling objects.
• Exposure to Toxic Chemicals: Construction sites often involve the use of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or solvents. Prolonged exposure or improper handling of these chemicals can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, or long-term health problems.
• Trench Collapses: Excavations and trenches can collapse, burying workers and leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Proper trenching techniques, including shoring and shielding, are crucial to preventing these types of accidents.
• Machinery Accidents: Heavy machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes, and graders can cause accidents if not operated safely. This includes accidents involving entanglement, crushing injuries, or vehicle rollovers.
• Vehicle Accidents: Construction sites often involve the movement of various vehicles, including trucks and construction equipment. Accidents can occur due to poor visibility, operator error, or collisions with other vehicles or site structures.
• Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries: Lifting heavy materials, repetitive motions, or prolonged physical strain can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, such as strains, sprains, and back injuries.

Whether your injury was caused by the negligence of an employee, violation of OSHA standards, or a defective piece of equipment, our Hawaii construction accident attorneys can fight to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Here are some common causes of construction accidents:

• Human Error: Mistakes made by workers, supervisors, or operators are a leading cause of accidents. This includes improper use of equipment, failure to follow safety protocols, and lack of attention to detail.
• Lack of Training: Inadequate training on the use of equipment, safety procedures, or hazard recognition can lead to accidents. Proper training ensures that workers understand how to perform tasks safely and handle potential risks.
• Inadequate Safety Measures: Failure to implement or enforce safety measures, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE), fall protection systems, or proper signage, increases the risk of accidents.
• Faulty Equipment: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment can lead to accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure that machinery and tools are in safe working condition.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: Conditions such as poor site maintenance, inadequate lighting, uneven surfaces, or obstructed pathways can contribute to accidents. Maintaining a clean and organized worksite helps mitigate these risks.
• Poor Communication: Miscommunication among team members, supervisors, and other stakeholders can lead to misunderstandings and unsafe conditions. Clear and effective communication is essential for coordinating tasks and addressing safety concerns.
• Overexertion: Physical strain from lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, or working long hours without breaks can lead to injuries such as strains, sprains, and fatigue-related accidents.
• Environmental Factors: Weather conditions, such as high winds, rain, or extreme temperatures, can affect the safety of construction activities. Adapting work practices to account for environmental conditions is important for reducing risk.
• Defective Materials: Using substandard or defective materials can lead to structural failures or other issues. Ensuring that materials meet safety standards and are inspected before use helps prevent related accidents.
• Lack of Supervision: Inadequate supervision can result in workers not following safety protocols or engaging in unsafe practices. Effective supervision ensures that safety measures are followed and that hazards are addressed promptly.
• Improper Use of Safety Gear: Not wearing or incorrectly using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, gloves, or harnesses, can increase the risk of injury. Ensuring that all workers are equipped with and use the appropriate PPE is essential for safety.
• Failure to Follow Safety Protocols: Ignoring established safety procedures or taking shortcuts can lead to accidents. Adhering to safety protocols and conducting regular safety audits helps maintain a safe working environment.

Maximizing Your Compensation After a Construction Injury

One of the more frustrating aspects of construction injuries is that they are often life-altering. While appropriate medical care can help prevent further damage, injured workers may be forced to deal with the fallout of their injury for the rest of their lives. They may be unable to work in the same capacity they once were or may have to submit to ongoing medical care to treat the long-term symptoms of their injuries. Even seemingly minor injuries can have long-lasting effects.

Our construction injury lawyers in Hawaii pursue the maximum possible reward for your injuries because we know the struggle you face following an injury. To cover medical costs and lost time at work may require more money than you can possibly come up with on your own. If we win your case, we can help you make certain that both you and your loved ones are properly cared for.

Understanding Workers' Comp and Third-Party Claims in Hawaii

When you are hurt at work, you will typically be taken through the workers’ comp system. The company will probably pay for your initial medical care following the accident and may give you some compensation for missed work. However, in most cases, the compensation you get from workers’ comp is not enough to cover all of your expenses, medical or otherwise.

While you cannot file a civil suit against your employer for construction site injuries, you may be able to pursue further compensation from a negligent third-party.

Some examples of third-party liability include:

• Manufacturers, distributors, and installers of defective equipment
• Subcontractors or delivery services
• Negligent motorists in cases of roadside construction

A successful personal injury case requires you to prove a third-party was completely at fault, or at least partially at fault, for your injury. The team of Hawaii construction accident lawyers at Davis Levin Livingston has a long history of proving fault in construction accident cases. We know what it takes to gather the appropriate evidence and present a compelling argument to the court on behalf of our clients. Although the outcome of a case can never be guaranteed, you can rest assured that we will do everything possible to establish fault in your case and get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Contact Our Davis Levin Livingston Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction accident, contact our firm now! We offer a free initial consultation so that you can get much-needed legal advice on what your next steps should be, without any cost to you.

We can be reached online or by phone at (808) 740-0633. We look forward to helping you with your case.