Florida Construction Accident
Attorneys

Negligence and safety violations are to blame for many construction accidents. Some of the most common accidents we see as construction negligence attorneys in Florida include:

• Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and roofs
• Electrocutions and unsafe wiring
• Falling objects and debris
• Heavy machinery accidents (forklifts, cranes, bulldozers)
• Trench collapses and structural failures
• Exposure to toxic chemicals or hazardous materials
• Employer negligence and OSHA violations

Part of your job as a construction worker is to be aware of and mitigate the risks of your situation. However, a lack of proper safety training, insufficient protective equipment, or structural failures aren’t always things you can see coming.

If you or a loved one were injured or lost their life on a Florida construction job site, it’s essential that you speak with a construction site accident attorney in Florida who has experience with and a deep understanding of the state’s construction accident laws. Call Gordon & Partners today to schedule a free, no-obligation case review and find out if you have a case.

Your rights after a construction accident in Florida depend on your work status as either an employee or a third party.

• If you are an employee: You may be entitled to workers’ compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more if you were injured on the job. Florida is a no-fault state for construction accidents, so you will not need to prove employer negligence in order to file successfully.
• If you are not an employee: Non-employee, third-party construction workers such as independent contractors and non-union workers have less recourse than employees, though may be able to collect compensation via a product liability or personal injury claim.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims

Construction employers in Florida are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, as are sub-contractors with one or more employees.
Workers’ compensation provides for medical expenses, lost wages, and death benefits in the event of a construction accident. It is a no-fault system and does not require employer negligence in order to claim.

Personal injury claims are also meant to compensate for damages due to on-the-job construction injuries, but they can only be filed against third parties, not employers. Unlike workers’ comp, personal injury claims require you to prove that your injuries were caused by another party’s negligence.

How Employer Negligence and OSHA Violations Affect Your Case

If your injury was caused by employer negligence and/or an OSHA violation, you may be entitled to additional compensation via a personal injury lawsuit.

Employers can be negligent in a number of ways, including failing to provide a safe workplace, failing to monitor and maintain equipment, or failing to provide employees with proper safety training. OSHA violations provide clear evidence of your claim, but they are not always necessary to prove employer negligence.

Wrongful Death

Florida’s construction sector has the highest number of fatalities of all industries in the state, with 92 reported deaths in 2023. For families who have lost a loved one to a construction accident, recourse may be available through their family member’s workers’ compensation insurance. This compensation is meant to provide for reasonable medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral expenses.

Depending on the situation, additional compensation for wrongful death may be available through a personal injury lawsuit. An attorney can oversee your family’s claim and make sure you get the full compensation you are entitled to.

Case Validity

Do you have a valid case? The only way to know for sure is to speak with a FL construction accident lawyer. Before contacting a lawyer, jot down as much basic information as you can regarding your construction accident claim, including:

• Name of your employer/company
• Contact details of the site supervisor
• Date and location of your accident
• Machinery or equipment you were using when injured
• Whether any equipment or machinery you were using malfunctioned
• Working conditions at the time of the accident
• Safety conditions, such as gear or standard protocols, being followed
• Any known history of citations or safety violations

These details will make it easier for a lawyer to assess your case and determine whether a duty of care was breached and your injuries were caused as a direct result.

The steps you take immediately after a construction accident can have a big impact on the legal outcome of your claim.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention 
It is imperative that you seek medical care immediately after your accident, even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured. In addition to protecting your health and safety, a prompt medical evaluation lends much-needed support to your workers’ comp or personal injury claim. Hold on to all relevant medical records and bills since you will need these when you file.

Step 2: Report the Accident
Report what happened to your employer or site supervisor as soon as possible. This will kick off the internal reporting process and help ensure the safety of your co-workers. In the case of serious injury or death, the accident must be reported to OSHA within 24 hours (for an accident) or eight (8) days (for a fatality).

Step 3: Document Evidence
The more evidence you have in support of your claim, the better. Construction accident evidence may include witness statements, accident reports, and medical reports, plus photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions you may have been exposed to.

Step 4: Contact a Florida Construction Site Accident Attorney
A qualified construction accident law firm in Florida can help you navigate your legal rights, file your workers’ comp or personal injury claim, and maximize your financial recovery. Learn more about how an attorney can help below, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal counsel.

Gordon & Partners has decades of experience handling complex construction accident claims in the state of Florida. Get the support you need after a construction accident, and never settle for less than you deserve.

Our services are provided on a case-by-case basis and may include (but are not limited to):

• Independently investigating the accident
• Determining fault and liability
• Gathering and analyzing all available evidence in support of your claim
• Filing your claim accurately and on time
• Maximizing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies to maximize your settlement

There are no upfront costs to working with our Florida construction accident law firm – we don’t get paid unless you win. Contact us now to find out if you have a case and how much you might be entitled to.