Construction Accident Lawyers In Des Moines, Iowa

No one imagines that construction is a profession without some degree of risk and injuries are a reality in this kind of business. With heavy machinery, dangerous and sometimes toxic materials, and dozens of skilled workers needing to operate as a well-oiled machine, even a relatively minor mistake can lead to serious injury.

The Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the rate of fatalities and serious injuries among construction workers is higher than the national average across other industries.

The most common types of construction site accidents are:

• Ladder falls from heights
• Roof, wall and trench collapses
• Unsafe or improper scaffold set up
• Electric shock, burns from welding arc flash or blast
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Construction truck and vehicle accidents
• Injuries from falling materials, tools and equipment
• Lifting injuries to back, knees, shoulders

Workers’ compensation is a necessary and critical safety net that gives workers in some of the most difficult jobs peace of mind that if they suffer a serious injury they and their family will still be taken care of. At Carter Law Offices, P.C., in Des Moines, Iowa, we work to make sure that safety net is there to catch you when you need it.

Recovering Compensation So You Can Recover Your Health

Despite tough economic times, construction across Iowa remains a busy and healthy industry. Along with that work comes the constant potential for a job-site injury. When you have been hurt, you should know your rights and your options to make sure you and your family are protected.

Our attorneys work with construction injury clients who have been hurt in accidents involving:

• Road construction
• Home construction
• Condominium and downtown construction
• Roofing
• Framing
• Concrete and foundation work
• Bridge construction

We are experienced workers’ compensation lawyers who will help you file the right documentation with the Iowa Industrial Commission and be your representative at hearings. Our goal is to make sure that you have needed access to the full range of benefits available to you. Whether you have suffered a serious back injury, head injury or other major trauma in a construction accident, we put our experience and dedication to client service behind the needs of every client.

Third-Party Lawsuits

Except under very specific circumstances, when you receive benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider, you forfeit the right to sue your employer for further negligence damages. However, you may still have the option of suing a third party found to be responsible for your accident and injuries. Third-party lawsuits are the only way to recover the full amount of lost earnings and money for pain and suffering. We will review your construction site accident case to determine whether the property owner, product manufacturer or another employee or subcontractor working on site may be held liable for further damages.

How Long Will Your Case Take To Settle?

Filing a lawsuit after a construction accident injury can be the most effective way to seek full compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. However, the timeline for a case like this can be unpredictable. Below are several key factors that can affect the timeline of your construction injury settlement:

• Injury recovery time: Your recovery process and health outcome significantly impact the case’s timeline. Severe injuries often require extensive medical evaluations to understand the long-term effects and necessary future treatments. For example, a back or head injury may need months of physical therapy and medical assessments before it is clear whether you will fully recover. The more comprehensive the prognosis, the easier it is to substantiate claims for future medical costs, which can streamline the case or at least clarify the damages sought.
• Estimated damages value: The potential value of compensation often influences how aggressively defendants may respond. The likely compensation amount can influence how hard defendants may fight the case. Higher damages often attract prolonged defenses from insurance companies, while lower damages may lead to faster settlements.
• Corporate defendants: If a large corporation is involved, expect a longer process. Companies with significant liability coverage often have legal teams and resources to delay cases, reducing their overall liability. They may also prefer drawn-out proceedings to discourage similar claims in the future. The risk of negative publicity and potential reputational damage can drive corporate defendants to adopt a more defensive stance, which can prolong settlement negotiations or even lead to protracted litigation. If a large company is involved, expect the process to take longer. Companies with significant liability coverage often have strong incentives to delay cases, using resources to minimize potential payouts.
• Fault and liability complexity: Cases with multiple at-fault parties can take longer, as each defendant may contribute to the delay by disputing fault. Cases involving several defendants often require extra time to identify the contributions of each party.
• Strength of evidence: Solid evidence can push a defendant to settle more quickly. However, if the evidence is unclear or disputed, the case may extend as both sides present arguments and counterarguments.

In complex construction injury cases, patience is often essential, especially when pursuing significant compensation. At Carter Law Offices, P.C., our attorneys can help you assess these factors and develop a strategy that aligns with your goals and the specifics of your case.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

Call 515-644-4871 or 402-979-8675 or send an email explaining your construction site accident and injuries.