Were you injured in a construction accident in Lakeland, FL? Construction sites are dangerous, and construction accidents happen all too often. With all the growth in Lakeland, Florida, construction sites are popping up everywhere. This increased construction activity only increases the odds of accidents.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the private construction industry accounts for more workplace fatalities than any other business sector. If you have been hurt in a construction accident, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and even pain & suffering in some cases.
Reach out to Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law today to schedule a free consultation with a Lakeland construction accident lawyer. We can help investigate your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. You can contact us online or call (863) 999-9000 for further assistance.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law Can Help After a Construction Accident in Lakeland, Florida
We understand that the time after a construction accident in Lakeland, Florida can be difficult. Most accidents leave victims unable to work, which only adds to the financial stress of medical bills and other expenses. You need an experienced attorney who knows how to get you the compensation you are owed.
Residents of Lakeland, Florida know they can trust Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law with all their personal injury needs. This includes car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, and more. With over 25 years of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims, Attorney Grajek has the knowledge and experience you need on your side after one of these accidents.
Some ways our Lakeland personal injury lawyers can help after your accident include:
- Investigating your accident to determine all potential defendants
- Assessing your claim to determine whether workers’ compensation is the sole remedy or whether third-party claims may exist
- Working with your medical providers to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Handling all communications with your employer and the insurance company
- Fighting to protect your rights and ensure that you are not ordered back to work too soon
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement for your injuries
- Filing a lawsuit and fighting for you in court when settlement negotiations stall
If you have been hurt in a construction accident, contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law today to let us get started helping you. Reach out now to schedule your free consultation with a Lakeland workers’ compensation lawyer.
What Is My Construction Accident Case Worth?
Construction accident cases can get complicated. Workers’ compensation likely applies in many situations, and that can make these claims even more complex. Since no two accidents are the same, it is difficult to compare the value of one case to another.
However, there are some key factors that affect how much your case may be worth. Ultimately, the severity of your injuries usually has the most effect on the value of your case. Cases with more severe injuries are usually worth more than those with less severe ones. Some of the factors that influence your case’s value include:
- The severity of your injuries
- How much time you missed from work
- Your pay rate prior to the accident
- Whether you will be able to return to work
- Whether you will experience a full recovery from your injuries
- Any anticipated future medical care needs
- Whether any third-party claims may be present
If you would like to better understand what your case may be worth, we will provide you with a free case evaluation and help you get an accurate estimate of your case’s value.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
In Florida, employers with four or more employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance. Employees who experience an on-the-job accident are typically limited to the damages provided by the Florida workers’ compensation rules. In most cases, this limits victims to recovering just their economic damages.
Economic damages in construction accidents typically include the cost of medical treatments and lost wages. Employees cannot sue their employer for additional damages except under a few limited exceptions.
However, if a third-party claim is present after your construction accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering. These types of non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
A third-party claim may be an option when someone other than your employer is responsible for the accident. This could include equipment manufacturers, property owners, or other companies performing work at the site.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
We understand that money is already tight after an accident. Going without a paycheck is difficult, and the accumulating medical bills only make things worse. The last thing you probably want to think about is the cost of hiring a lawyer.
Thankfully, hiring a construction accident lawyer will not cost you anything upfront. Construction accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer takes their fee as a percentage of the client’s compensation. If the lawyer does not win the case, they do not receive a fee.
For workers’ compensation cases, attorney’s fees are capped under Florida law as follows:
- 20% of the first $5,000 of benefits
- 15% of the next $5,000 of benefits
- 10% of remaining benefits for the first 10 years
- 5% on benefits that accrue after 10 years
If a third-party claim is involved, the fee may be higher. Contingency fees on third-party claims often range from 33% to 40% of the recovery, depending on the lawyer’s experience, their success rate, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Construction Accident in Florida?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you are being blamed for your construction accident. If the workers’ compensation laws apply, you can still receive compensation even if your own negligence led to the accident. There are only a few exceptions, such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when you would not be able to recover compensation.
However, third-party claims are a little different. Florida’s comparative negligence rules would typically apply to those situations. You may still be able to recover compensation, but only if you are found to be less than 51% responsible for your accident. Your portion of the fault would reduce your recovery.
For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, you may only be able to recover 70% of your damages in a third-party claim.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries. Some workers never fully recover from these devastating accidents. Some common types of injuries suffered in construction accidents include:
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Wrongful death
If you have been injured in a construction accident, contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law today. Let us help you recover compensation for all your injuries and help you hold the responsible party accountable.
What Causes Most Construction Accidents in Lakeland, Florida?
There are several common causes of construction accidents in Lakeland. Falls are one of the leading causes of construction accidents. Additionally, falls are responsible for more construction deaths than any other type of accident. Some other common causes of these accidents include:
- Electrocution
- Falling objects
- Equipment malfunction
- Dangerous scaffolding
- Improper or lack of training
- Inadequate safety equipment
- Fires and explosions
Let us help you investigate the cause of your accident and determine all your legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Construction Accident in Florida?
The statute of limitations in Florida for most construction accident claims is two years from the date of injury. This timeframe applies to both workers’ compensation claims and third-party personal injury lawsuits. Failure to file a lawsuit before the time expires can forever bar you from recovering any compensation for your injuries.
Since there are a few exceptions to this rule, you should always seek the help of an experienced construction accident lawyer as soon after your accident as possible.
You have 30 days to report your workplace injury to your employer for a workers’ compensation claim.
Let the team at Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law help you determine the filing deadline for your case and make sure that you do not lose your opportunity to recover for your injuries.
Contact Our Lakeland Construction Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a construction accident in Lakeland, Florida, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. Contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law to let us put our experience to work for you. We will fight diligently to get you a full and fair recovery for all your injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lakeland construction accident lawyer.