Construction Accidents In Nebraska: What to Do When Injured at a Job Site
Construction sites are busy places with lots of moving parts. Equipment backing up, cranes swinging objects around, and scaffolding that reaches into the air, all make for the chaotic scene that is a building site. Construction workers deal with this type of environment every day, yet when another worker is careless or negligent, a construction worker is often seriously injured as a result. In addition to their injury, a construction worker faces the stress of being unable to provide for their family. If you or someone you love has been injured in a construction site accident due to someone’s negligent and reckless behavior, contact a Nebraska construction accident lawyer right away at (308) 633-4444.
Common Types of Construction Accidents
Created by Congress, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards and provides training and education for the construction industry. Despite strict rules and regulations regarding construction site safety, violations continue to occur in a rush to complete jobs. Common violations include lack of or deficient:
- Fall protection
- Scaffolding general requirements
- Ladders
- Fall protection training
- Electrical, wiring methods, components, and equipment
These violations of OSHA standards correlate to the what OSHA refers to as the “fatal four” in the construction industry:
- Falls
- Struck by object
- Electrocution
- Caught-in/between
Construction deaths accounted for 21 percent of worker fatalities in private industry during 2016. OSHA faces tough challenges when it comes to enforcing standards. There is roughly one compliance officer for every 59,000 private industry workers in the United States. The lack of personnel in relation to a large number of industries regarding oversight often leaves construction sites overlooked.
Construction workers injured due to the carelessness of other workers need immediate medical attention and the services of the Pahlke Law Group. Our law firm has served Nebraska residents for more than 30 years. We understand the financial and emotional toll a serious injury brings to a family. Failure to provide a safe work environment, along with the reckless behavior of others, are possible grounds for a personal injury claim. If you feel your injuries are directly related to these factors, contact us today.
An Example of Our Past Success
An example of our past success is the following case involving product liability for fall protection that failed to warn, resulting in paraplegia. This example is meant to demonstrate the Pahlke Law Group’s commitment to our clients and does not intend to guarantee, nor predict, the outcome of your particular case.
Ronald “Tim” Bacon v. DB Industries, AKA DBI/SALA
Verdict: $21,131,633
Mr. Bacon was an ironworker working on the second story of a fire escape while a crane load of decking was brought in overhead. One piece of decking weighed between 140 and 190 pounds, and while the first load missed Mr. Bacon, the second hit his lifeline fall protection, which failed to stop his fall. Mr. Bacon fell 12 feet and suffered paraplegia as a result.
The defendant eventually offered $250,000 to Mr. Bacon, who declined the offer, deciding instead to entrust his case to the jury. His trust was well-placed, as the jury returned a verdict in the amount suggested by Robert Pahlke in his closing argument.
Mr. Bacon suffered a life-altering injury due to the failure of his lifeline fall protection. Whenever a safety device fails, a worker is struck by a crane or falls from unsafe scaffolding, the case with Mr. Bacon demonstrates the devastating outcome of falling from any level. Mr. Bacon was smart not to settle for an amount that was less than he deserved. An amount of $250,000 would not last long toward the enormous and continued costs associated with paraplegia patients. The amazing spirit showed by Mr. Bacon impressed the jury, as he demonstrates a strong will to not let his paraplegia get him down. The money awarded to him will never return him to his former life, but will provide financial peace and the medical and personal care he will require for the rest of his life.
Nebraska Construction Accident Lawyer
According to a 2016 report from the Bureau of Business Research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska’s construction industry is expected to grow through this year. The research indicates that upwards of 55,000 people might work in the industry by 2018. This is good news for employment seekers and an alert to those already in the industry. As more workers flood construction sites, many working for subcontractors, the risks for injury greatly increases. Different subcontractors mean different bosses, and unless there is a strong and well-organized construction site manager, chaos and recklessness quickly develop.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured while working on a Nebraska construction site, call (308) 633-4444 or contact us online today. Our highly-experienced lawyers will evaluate your case with you for free. Should we decide there are sufficient grounds to file a claim, we can get to work on your behalf right away. There is typically no attorney fee unless we collect money for you through a judgment or settlement. Depending upon your case, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A lack of training or an understaffed inspection office is no excuse for construction site injuries. While most workers are aware of the inherent dangers of a busy job site, those who ignore safety measures and who act in a negligent manner must be held accountable. Personal injury law is complex, and that’s why hiring a professional firm like the Pahlke Law Group is important to make sure your claim is argued correctly. If we are unable to settle your case out of court, we are unafraid to go to trial. The Pahlke Law Group is dedicated to obtaining the best possible results for our clients.
Let us concentrate on the details of your case, so you can concentrate on your family and your health. The statute of limitations, witness accounts, and aggressive insurance carriers all must be considered and dealt with in a timely manner. Don’t delay—contact us as soon as possible at (308) 633-4444.
Client Testimonial
“Very Professional and friendly.”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Terry B.
March 2020
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