Construction Accident Lawyers in San Francisco
Injured on a Construction Site? Call Our Firm for Help.
Construction workers who help build and expand our communities face some of the greatest risks for injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Whether it’s a residential, commercial, or publicly-funded or subsidized infrastructure project, worksites are often filled with various hazards, heavy machinery, and different tradesmen, laborers, and contractors whose ability to collaborate effectively is vital to keeping workers free from harm.
Unfortunately, even the most safety-conscious workers can suffer injuries, which is why there are systems in place that enable injured workers to obtain needed benefits and compensation to treat their injuries and make ends meet while they recover. Navigating the pathways to compensation, however, is no easy task, as construction workers may have more options than applying for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you were injured on a job site or while visiting one, call Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn. We are experienced in construction accident cases and have won $500 million for our clients since 1980.
Call our San Francisco construction accident attorneys at (415) 940-7176 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Construction Accidents Are So Common in San Francisco
San Francisco’s constant development and infrastructure projects mean construction crews are working every day on residential towers, commercial properties, roadways, and public transit systems. Busy urban environments often create additional hazards, including limited space, congested traffic, and overlapping subcontractor responsibilities.
Construction workers frequently face dangerous conditions involving:
- Scaffolding
- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Power tools
- Electrical wiring
- Excavation sites
- Falling materials
- Toxic exposure
Even when workers follow safety procedures, negligent contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or third parties may create unsafe conditions that lead to catastrophic injuries.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Construction accidents can happen in many different ways. Some incidents cause temporary injuries, while others result in permanent disabilities or fatalities.
- Falls From Heights: Falls remain one of the leading causes of construction injuries and deaths in California. Workers may fall from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, platforms, cranes, and elevated walkways. The lack of fall protection equipment, unstable surfaces, and OSHA violations frequently contribute to these accidents.
- Scaffolding Accidents: Improperly assembled or poorly maintained scaffolding can collapse without warning. Workers may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or fatal injuries after falling from unstable structures.
- Crane Accidents: Crane accidents may involve falling loads, mechanical failures, collapses, or contact with power lines. These accidents often result in severe injuries because of the massive weight and force involved.
- Electrocution Accidents: Construction workers are regularly exposed to live electrical systems. Contact with exposed wiring, overhead power lines, or defective equipment can lead to serious burns, nerve damage, cardiac injuries, or death.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Construction sites often contain uneven surfaces, debris, exposed cords, wet areas, and hazardous walkways that can cause workers to slip, trip, or fall.
- Machinery and Equipment Accidents: Heavy equipment, such as forklifts, bulldozers, nail guns, saws, and compactors, can cause crushing injuries, amputations, and severe trauma when improperly maintained or operated.
- Trench and Excavation Collapses: Excavation accidents can bury workers beneath thousands of pounds of soil and debris. Trench collapses are frequently fatal and often occur when proper safety systems are not in place.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents
Many construction accidents are preventable. Unfortunately, safety shortcuts and negligence often place workers at unnecessary risk.
Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:
- Inadequate Safety Training: Employers must properly train workers on equipment use, hazard recognition, and site safety procedures. Lack of training increases the likelihood of serious accidents.
- Failure to Follow OSHA Regulations: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes safety standards for construction sites. Violations of these regulations can create dangerous working environments.
- Defective Equipment: Faulty machinery, defective tools, and malfunctioning safety gear can cause devastating injuries. In some cases, equipment manufacturers or distributors may be held liable.
- Poor Site Maintenance: Construction sites should be kept reasonably clean and organized. Debris, exposed hazards, and unsafe walkways significantly increase accident risks.
- Negligent Contractors or Subcontractors: Large construction projects often involve multiple parties working simultaneously. Contractors who fail to coordinate properly or enforce safety rules may contribute to serious injuries.
- Rushed Deadlines: Tight construction schedules sometimes pressure workers to ignore safety precautions or work excessive hours, increasing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue or oversight.
Common Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents often cause severe, life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
Some injured workers may never return to the same type of employment again. Long-term disabilities can place enormous financial and emotional strain on families.
Workers' Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims in CA
After a construction accident in California, injured workers may have more than one legal option available. Understanding the difference between workers’ compensation claims and third-party personal injury lawsuits is extremely important.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
California employers are generally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Injured workers may qualify for benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
Workers’ compensation may provide:
- Medical treatment coverage
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Supplemental job displacement benefits
- Death benefits for surviving family members
However, workers’ compensation usually prevents employees from directly suing their employer for negligence.
Third-Party Construction Accident Claims
While workers may not sue their employer in most situations, they may still pursue claims against negligent third parties.
Potential third parties may include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Property owners
- Equipment manufacturers
- Trucking companies
- Maintenance providers
Unlike workers’ compensation claims, third-party lawsuits may allow injured victims to recover damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Full lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
An experienced San Francisco construction accident lawyer can investigate all potentially liable parties and determine whether a third-party claim may apply to your case.
Proving Liability in a Construction Accident Case
Construction accident claims often involve complex investigations and multiple parties. To recover compensation in a third-party lawsuit, injured victims typically must prove negligence.
Evidence may include:
- OSHA investigation reports
- Safety inspection records
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Medical records
- Construction site photographs
- Equipment maintenance logs
- Expert testimony
At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we work to identify the root cause of the accident and hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they caused.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in California?
California law generally imposes strict deadlines for filing injury claims. The applicable deadline may depend on whether the claim involves workers’ compensation or a third-party lawsuit. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is important.
Can I sue my employer after a construction accident?
In most cases, workers’ compensation laws prevent employees from suing their direct employer. However, you may still have a claim against a negligent third party.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially responsible, you may still recover compensation in a third-party injury claim.
What if defective equipment caused my injury?
If defective machinery or tools contributed to the accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
How much is my construction accident case worth?
Every case is unique. The value of a claim depends on factors such as medical expenses, lost income, permanent injuries, and pain and suffering.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim?
While not legally required, an attorney can help protect your rights, especially if benefits are denied, delayed, or disputed.
Get Started on Your San Francisco Construction Accident Case with a Free Consultation
With over 150 years of combined experience, we have earned hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and we know what it takes to prove negligence on the part of a third party. Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn has relationships with numerous professionals throughout the legal community, and we can leverage those to give clarity to your case. Let us help you fight for the compensation you need.
Contact our San Francisco construction accident lawyers today at (415) 940-7176 to get started on your case.
Real Stories. Real People.
See what our clients have to say
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A knowledgeable and compassionate team, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are a true pleasure. And, most importantly, they deliver results; we got the outcome we were after and felt cared for every step of the way. With this team behind you,- Lisa
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- Client of RFTM
I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.
From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.
June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.
If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.
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Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.- Robert
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“I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”- Michelle
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“I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”- Guadalupe Hernandez
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“I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”- Jackie Q.
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“They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”- Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
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“They approach each case with creativity and care.”- Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
