Expert Construction Accident Lawyers Serving Santa Rosa, CA
The most common fatal construction accidents include falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught between objects. Non-fatal accidents include falls and being struck by an object, as well as overexertion. Luckily in this situation, there are two options for recovering financial damages.
Workers Compensation Claims in California
The first option for injured construction workers to recover medical expenses is to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation claims generally follow a no-fault system, meaning you do not have to prove negligence. You only need to prove you were injured and that the injury occurred at or during your job.
Your employer’s insurance pays worker’s comp and usually covers medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. However, worker’s comp limits are capped. Sometimes the amount the insurance is willing to pay is not enough to fully cover damages, in which case you will need the help of a Santa Rosa construction accident attorney to file an additional civil lawsuit.
Construction Accidents and Personal Injury Claims
A civil lawsuit or personal injury claim can help you acquire additional compensation beyond what a worker’s comp claim awards. Construction accidents can lead to severe and life-altering injuries and even death. Injuries of such severe nature can result in ongoing expenses and a permanent inability to work. Our goal is to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
In a construction accident lawsuit, you must prove the defendant’s negligence caused the accident and your subsequent injury. Negligence in a construction site accident can occur in a broad variety of situations. Some of the more common occurrences are as follows:
- Falling from scaffolding that was improperly erected or maintained
- Injuries from defective equipment or vehicles
- Electrocution from defective equipment
- An accident due to a reckless driver
- Injuries stemming from a toxic chemical leak or spill, because of defective equipment or improper safety standards
These are just some situations that would constitute negligence on either the property owner or the equipment manufacturer’s part. There are hundreds of other situations that could happen that would indicate negligence.
If the accident occurred because of defective equipment, you will need to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. You will need to prove that the equipment or tool was unreasonably dangerous when it left the manufactures facility, you were using the tool correctly, and the tool’s defect directly caused your injury. If the accident was not caused by a defective tool, you will need to prove that the property owner or business owner was negligent. For example, if the business owner violated an OSHA regulation and the violation caused your accident, he or she may be held liable. You will be able to claim damages to recover the costs of:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional agony
- Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed in a construction site accident)
- Punitive damages (if the defendant was grossly negligent)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I do after a construction accident in Santa Rosa?
Get medical care immediately, report the injury to your employer, and document everything. Then speak with a construction accident lawyer to understand your rights before giving detailed statements to insurers; learn more.
Can I sue if I already filed a workers’ compensation claim?
Yes. Workers’ comp covers basic benefits, but if a third party (like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer) caused your injury, you may also file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.
What types of injuries qualify for a construction accident claim?
Common injuries include falls, head and spine injuries, crush injuries, burns, electrocution, amputations, and injuries from defective tools or machinery.
How long do I have to file a construction accident claim in California?
Workers’ compensation claims must be reported quickly, often within 30 days. Personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years, but some cases have shorter deadlines.
How much does it cost to hire a construction accident lawyer?
Nothing up front. North Bay Legal works on a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if your case is successful.
Why Choose North Bay Legal for Your Wrongful Death Case?
At North Bay Legal, we understand the deep emotional and financial toll a wrongful death can take on families in Santa Rosa. Our lead attorney, Michael C. Li, brings decades of experience to help you seek justice and closure. Here’s why families trust us with these sensitive cases:
- Extensive Experience: Michael C. Li, a UC Hastings graduate, is a seasoned trial attorney and a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum with a history of successful wrongful death claims.
- Personalized Guidance: You’ll work directly with Michael—not a case manager—ensuring your family receives the compassionate, individualized attention you deserve.
- No Legal Fees Unless You Win: We operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there’s no cost to you unless we recover compensation.
- In-Depth Local Knowledge: Based in downtown Santa Rosa, we have extensive experience with Sonoma County courts and understand local procedures and expectations.
- Proven Results: We’ve helped grieving families recover damages for funeral costs, lost income, emotional suffering, and more in the wake of preventable tragedies.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us handle the legal burdens so your family can focus on healing.
Meet Our Lead Attorney: Michael C. Li
- Graduate of University of California, Berkeley (1972) and UC Hastings College of the Law (1975).
- Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum, AAJ, and CAALA.
- Admitted to the California State Bar in 1976.
With Michael’s trusted guidance, North Bay Legal is prepared to advocate for your loved one’s memory and the compensation your family deserves.
Our law firm has earned numerous 5-star ratings from our clients
Read more of our testimonials.
Contact Our Santa Rosa Construction Accident Attorney Today
Contact attorney Michael Li today to help you understand your rights after an injury at a construction site. Construction sites are inherently hazardous due to dangerous equipment, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials, making legal representation crucial. Based in Santa Rosa, we serve clients in Sonoma County and the surrounding areas.
The Santa Rosa personal injury lawyers at North Bay Legal fight aggressively for our clients to get them the compensation they deserve. We work directly with each of our clients because we want them to be with us through every step of the process. Our Santa Rosa construction accident lawyers are committed to providing effective representation, and we always keep our clients as a top priority. Contact us today to begin building your case, and take the first step in getting your life back on track.
