Bridgeport Construction Accident Lawyer

Bridgeport Construction Accident Attorney

The construction industry in Bridgeport is vital to the city’s growth, but can significantly increase personal safety concerns for workers. If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, contacting a Bridgeport construction accident lawyer as soon as possible is key to fully understanding your legal rights.

Here at Sorrentino Legal, our Bridgeport construction accident lawyers assist our clients in navigating the complexities of their cases, approaching each one with compassion. We offer free initial consultations to all potential clients to further discuss your situation and see what legal avenues are available to you. Contact us today. 

Understanding Construction Accidents in Bridgeport

In America in 2023, every ninety-nine minutes, a worker died from a workplace-related injury. Bridgeport is home to several growing industries, from aerospace and defense to advanced manufacturing. Like any U.S. city, construction plays an ever-present role in the city’s economy. Those working daily on construction sites deal with heavy machinery, raised work areas, and hazardous materials. While essential to the city’s development, these environments often lead to serious accidents.

Bridgeport, Connecticut has a significant history of construction accidents, including the tragic 1987 L’Ambiance Plaza collapse that killed 28 workers and spurred major safety reforms. Construction work in Bridgeport remains hazardous, with falls, struck-by incidents, and equipment accidents among the most common causes of injury. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction accounts for about 20% of all fatal workplace injuries nationwide. Ongoing efforts by OSHA and local agencies aim to improve safety standards and reduce accidents on Bridgeport job sites.

Types of Construction Workplace Injuries

While more severe injuries, like head trauma, are a huge risk on construction sites, less severe injuries still qualify as workplace accidents and deserve medical care and financial compensation. For example, if you’re exposed to a sudden, loud sound at your site, it can develop quickly into incurable tinnitus, leading to a lifelong medical condition.

This can lead to the worker being unable to work, missing out on lost wages, and often requiring extensive medical treatment to fix the issue. It’s important to take your health, no matter how small of an issue you think it might be, seriously.

There are a few different types of common workplace accidents:

• Crush injuries are common for employees working with heavy machinery. When an employee’s body part gets caught in the machine, it can easily lead to lifelong disability or death.
• Objects falling on workers lead to traumatic brain injury. This can also occur during equipment malfunctions or vehicle collisions.
• Employees working around scaffolding, ladders, or elevated surfaces can fall, resulting in spinal cord injuries or other fall-related injuries.
• Electrical burns and chemical burns are common on many construction sites. These injuries can vary in their severity, but should always be looked over by a medical professional.

According to a 2023 report, extreme heat in the United States leads to a higher number of workplace fatalities, between 600 and 2,000 deaths a year. Severe heat should always be taken seriously, as it’s one of the three main causes of death and injury in the United States workplace.

Legal Framework for Construction Accident Claims in Connecticut

Every state in America has different laws pertaining to workers’ compensation, and understanding your state’s legal rules is vital to knowing your rights as an employee.

Connecticut follows the Workers’ Compensation Act (Chapter 568 of the Connecticut General Statutes), which allows workers to get guaranteed medical care, partial wage replacement, and other benefits without having to prove who was at fault for their accident.

Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance, meaning you don’t need to open a case to receive benefits. However, workers’ compensation insurance doesn’t account for pain and suffering or any punitive damages. If you suspect that your employer was negligent and that it led to your accident, seeking legal representation is a necessary next step.

Employer Negligence and Third-Party Claims

If a party other than your employer contributed to your workplace accident, you may be able to file a third-party claim. This could fall on a subcontractor, a machinery manufacturer, or a property owner. These types of claims can help provide additional financial compensation beyond your workers’ compensation benefits.

To prove negligence of your employer and/or a third party, it’s important to gather supporting evidence as soon as possible. After seeking medical care, be sure to request copies of all medical records. Take photos of any visible injuries, the accident site, if applicable, police reports, and witness names for statements.

An experienced attorney can help you gather all of this in a timely manner and be sure you’re filing within the appropriate deadlines. In Connecticut, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Failing to file within this period can prevent you from pursuing compensation.

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Contact Sorrentino Legal Today

If you or someone you love has been involved in a construction accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Sorrentino Legal is committed to providing the guidance and representation you need during this challenging time. Contact our team today to discuss your case and explore the right course of action for your situation.