Why Are Construction Sites So Dangerous?
Construction work involves heavy machinery, tall structures, and constant movement. Even with safety rules in place, accidents still happen often.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls remain the leading cause of death in construction. In 2024, falls to a lower level caused 389 of the 1,034 construction worker deaths nationwide. These risks are also present on construction sites throughout Fitchburg.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Construction Accidents?
Construction injuries can happen in many ways. Some of the most common causes include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs
- Being struck by falling tools or materials
- Getting caught between heavy equipment
- Electrical shocks from exposed wiring
- Trench or excavation collapses
- Defective tools or machinery
Each of these hazards can lead to injuries that affect your body, your income, and your daily life. Knowing what caused your accident is an important first step toward getting the help you need.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Construction Accident?
Figuring out who is at fault after a construction accident is not always simple. Several parties may share responsibility for your injury, including:
- The general contractor overseeing the site
- A subcontractor who performed unsafe work
- The property owner
- An equipment manufacturer
- A worker employed by another company whose actions caused harm
Our team looks closely at every detail of your accident to find every party who may be responsible. This helps make sure you are not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Construction Injury?
If you were hurt while working on a construction site, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation may cover reasonable medical expenses, a portion of your lost wages, and certain disability benefits, regardless of who caused the workplace accident.
However, workers’ compensation does not always cover every loss. If a third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your injury, you may also have a separate third-party injury claim. Our attorneys help you understand which options apply to your situation so you do not miss out on compensation you may be owed.
What Happens When a Construction Injury Is Catastrophic?
Some construction accidents cause injuries that change a person’s life forever. Spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and severe burns can require years of treatment and ongoing care.
If you suffered a catastrophic injury on a job site, the costs can be overwhelming. Long-term care, lost income, and emotional strain all add up quickly. We fight to help you secure compensation that reflects the full impact of your injury, not just your immediate medical bills.
What Should I Do After a Construction Accident in Fitchburg?
The steps you take right after an accident can affect your health and your case. If you are able, try to do the following:
- Report the accident to a supervisor right away
- Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the accident scene if it is safe to do so
- Write down what happened while it is fresh in your memory
- Avoid signing a settlement, release, or other insurance document you do not fully understand before getting legal advice
These steps help protect your health and preserve important evidence. Simple, honest documentation now can make a real difference later.
Can I Sue if I Was Injured on a Construction Site as a Visitor?
Not every construction accident involves a worker. Sometimes visitors, delivery drivers, or nearby pedestrians are hurt because a site was not properly secured.
Wisconsin law requires property owners to exercise reasonable care in maintaining safe conditions for people lawfully on their property. If a property owner failed to use reasonable care and that failure contributed to your injury, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
How Long Do I Have To File a Construction Accident Claim in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law sets time limits for filing an injury claim. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed within three years of the accident. However, some exceptions may change the deadline.
Waiting too long can put your right to compensation at risk. Speaking with an attorney early gives your legal team more time to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Talk to a Fitchburg Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Pemberton Personal Injury brings more than 90 years of combined experience to every case we handle, including cases against large companies with teams of lawyers working to limit what they pay out. Our founding attorney has been selected for Super Lawyers for 12 consecutive years, and our team has secured a landmark jury verdict in a high-stakes personal injury case. We also understand the other side because our team includes insurance defense experience that helps us anticipate how the opposing side will build its case.
We have successfully pursued and won third-party claims for workers injured on the job, even after other attorneys told them workers’ compensation was their only option. Many attorneys are not familiar with the exceptions to Wisconsin’s exclusive remedy statute and assume every workplace injury is limited to a workers’ compensation claim, but that is not always the case. We also work on a contingency-fee basis, so we do not get paid unless we recover compensation for you. This is part of The Pemberton Promise: our commitment to treat you with honesty, respect, and compassion, prepare your case as if it may go to trial, and fight for the maximum recovery you deserve. If you were hurt on a construction site in Fitchburg, reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.
