McAllen Construction Site Injury & Accident Lawyer

Were you injured at a construction site in McAllen, Texas?

Did you suffer an injury at a construction site in Texas? Whether you were an injured worker, a pedestrian or somebody else who was hurt through no fault of your own, it is important to find a lawyer who is not just familiar with Texas construction law, but who also has experience in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

Your construction accident lawyer should be well-equipped to help you recover the compensation to which you are entitled. Below, we discuss some of the most common types of construction accidents in McAllen, some of the injuries most likely to have been suffered, and your legal options if you’ve been injured in a McAllen construction site accident. 

Common Types of Construction Accidents in McAllen

Construction sites are dangerous. With heavy machinery, loud noises, and dangerous tools all around you, there are nearly endless actions that can lead to serious accidents. Understanding the types of accidents that may occur can help in identifying the cause and assessing your legal options. 

• Site Accidents: Injuries occurring directly on the construction site due to unsafe working conditions.
• Equipment Malfunction: Accidents caused by faulty machinery or tools.
• Crane Accidents: Injuries resulting from crane collapses or improper crane operation.
• Slip and Falls: Common in construction sites due to uneven surfaces, debris, or spills.
• Fires and Explosions: Resulting from flammable materials or improper handling of hazardous substances.
• Electric Shock: Injuries from exposed wires or faulty electrical systems.
• Defective PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Accidents due to failure of safety gear.
• Caught-in-Between Accidents: Injuries from being caught or crushed between objects or machinery.

Some serious accidents may combine two or more of these causes. For example, someone who slips and falls could suffer a brain injury if their hard hat is defective. 

Common Injuries Caused by Construction Accidents in the Rio Grande Valley

 Among the most common causes of construction site injuries are:

• falling from high places like a beam of catwalk
• getting struck by heavy equipment like a crane or loader
• colliding with an unprotected area like a column or bar

In each of these situations, inclement weather can often be a contributing cause of injury. Construction often continues during high winds, rain, or extremely hot weather, and all of these can present additional risk.

The specific injuries that can be suffered after a construction site accident include: 

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain injuries can be Cause by falls, falling objects, or being struck by equipment.
• Spinal Injury: Damage to the spine, often resulting in long-term disability or paralysis.
• Burns: This includes burn injuries from fires, explosions, or chemical exposure.
• Crushing injuries: From being struck by or caught between heavy equipment. 
• Electrocution: Severe injuries from electric shocks.
• Wrongful Death: Accidents that lead to the death of a worker or bystander.

Can I Sue for My Injuries After a Construction Accident?

Victims of a construction accident may be entitled to compensation. Each case is unique, and it’s important to discuss your options with an experienced McAllen construction accident attorney. Depending on your situation, compensation could include:

• Worker’s Compensation: Covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured workers.
• Premises Liability: For non-workers injured on the site due to negligence.

Types of damages you might sue for include:

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Lost wages
• Long-term disability
• Pain and suffering

What if the Site Owner Isn’t Responsible for the Accident?

In many cases, third parties may be liable for construction accidents. These include equipment manufacturers (for defects in machinery, tools, or PPE) or subcontractors (for negligence or failure to follow safety protocols). This is yet another reason it’s important to hire an experienced construction accident attorney. Failing to thoroughly investigate a claim could lead you to sue the wrong party and leave you unable to recover damages. 

How Long Do I Have to Sue After a Construction Accident?

An individual who suffers a personal injury in Texas has only two years from the date of the accident in which to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, even just one day, you could be unable to recover any damages from those responsible for your injuries. Don’t delay in preserving your right to sue. 

Can I Sue if I Have Received Workers Comp Benefits?

You can still bring a private third-party action if your employer is not at fault or only partly to blame for your accident, even if you have received workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer may pressure you not to sue, so be sure to thoroughly discuss your options with your attorney. 

Should I Hire a Construction Site Injury Lawyer?

You often can’t even see who caused you to get hurt if you were injured on a construction site. For that reason, the process of filing a construction accident claim can be confusing. A McAllen construction site injury attorney with years of experience navigating the Texas legal system and the courts in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact the Law Firm of  Ricardo A. Garcia and let us get started on your case today!