There's nothing simple about working on a construction site in Buckeye. Between heavy machinery, towering scaffolds, and tight deadlines, you're exposed to serious hazards every day. One careless move---one act of negligence---can leave you with life-altering injuries, lost income, and enormous medical bills.
If you're suffering because of a construction accident, you deserve answers and a clear path forward. You may have heard that workers' compensation is all you can get, but is that true? In many cases, it's not the whole story.
Law Bear's Buckeye construction accident lawyer referral service connects you with experienced attorneys who know how devastating construction injuries are to workers and their families. We're here to help you find legal representation that will explore your options, including identifying and holding all liable parties accountable. Our goal is to connect you with attorneys who can achieve the best possible results and maximize your compensation. Call us today at (309) 365-6510 for a free consultation to learn how we may be able to connect you with the right legal help.
Construction Accidents Are Among the Most Dangerous Work Hazards in America
Every day, construction workers build, repair, and improve the places where the rest of us live and work. But the price of that progress can be steep. Construction remains one of the country's deadliest occupations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers suffered approximately 173,200 recordable injuries in one recent year, with over 1,000 fatalities nationwide. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that about 60% of fatal construction accidents stem from four primary dangers: falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents.
These aren't abstract statistics. They're people whose lives and families have been turned upside down. When safety shortcuts, defective equipment, or negligent subcontractors cause injuries, the consequences ripple far beyond the job site.
Families lose income. Workers face surgeries, long recoveries, and chronic pain. And too often, they're told workers' comp is their only recourse---even when someone else caused their injuries.
Can You Sue for a Construction Injury in Buckeye, Arizona?
After a serious accident on a Buckeye job site, you might hear that your only option is to file for workers' compensation. While workers' comp is important, it generally only covers medical bills and partial wage losses. But it's not the end of the road in many cases.
Arizona law allows injured workers to pursue third-party lawsuits when someone other than their employer contributed to their injuries. Many workers don't realize that if there were a liable party other than their employer, a lawsuit against that third party could recover a broader range of damages than workers' comp alone.
Workers' comp generally won't pay for things like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or full lost wages. A third-party claim can.
A third-party lawsuit might be an option if:
- A subcontractor, vendor, or independent contractor caused your accident
- A property owner failed to keep the worksite safe
- A manufacturer sold defective equipment or tools that injured you
- A delivery driver or other non-employee driver crashed into you on-site
Even if your employer has workers' comp insurance, you still have the right to pursue these outside claims in many situations.
How much compensation can I get for a construction injury in Buckeye?
A third-party construction accident claim can be worth far more than workers' compensation alone. That's because a lawsuit lets you recover the full scope of your losses, including things that workers' comp doesn't cover. While no lawyer can promise a specific dollar amount, a third-party lawsuit can help you recover substantially more, including:
Economic damages
Economic damages pay for the concrete, measurable costs caused by your injury. In a construction accident lawsuit, these often include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Hospitalizations and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medications and medical devices
- Lost wages from missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity if you can't return to your trade
Construction injuries often bring long recoveries or permanent disability, so calculating future costs accurately is critical.
Non-economic damages
Some losses can't be tallied on receipts, but they're real and significant. Non-economic damages compensate you for how your injuries have changed your life, such as:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of the ability to engage in hobbies or daily activities
Workers' compensation does not pay these damages. A third-party claim is the only way for injured construction workers to seek this compensation.
Wrongful death
Tragically, 2-3 construction workers die every day in the U.S. because of fatal job-related accidents. In these heartbreaking cases, certain family members may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties. Damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Emotional suffering of surviving family members
No amount of money replaces a loved one. But pursuing justice can help secure your family's future and hold negligent parties accountable.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are rare, but they're sometimes awarded if a defendant's conduct was especially reckless or intentional. These damages go beyond compensating the victim; they're meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
For example, a manufacturer who knowingly sold defective scaffolding or a subcontractor who deliberately ignored safety regulations could face punitive damages.
How fault impacts compensation in Arizona
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault system. That means you can still recover damages in a lawsuit even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you're found 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
This makes it critical to have a lawyer who knows how to investigate, gather evidence, and fight back if the other side tries to shift blame onto you.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents That Lead to Lawsuits
Many serious construction accidents share similar root causes, often involving someone other than your employer. Identifying these causes is key to discovering whether you have a third-party claim.
Falls and scaffolding accidents
Falls remain the single biggest killer in construction. OSHA reports that falls account for nearly 35% of all construction fatalities. Scaffolds that collapse, unsecured ladders, and missing guardrails frequently trace back to negligent subcontractors, property owners, or equipment suppliers.
When another party caused your fall---even partly---you could have grounds for a lawsuit outside of workers' compensation.
Equipment and machinery failures
Construction sites are filled with powerful machinery, from cranes to forklifts to power tools. When this equipment fails because it's defective, poorly maintained, or improperly operated, catastrophic injuries follow. Manufacturers and maintenance companies may be legally liable for these failures.
Electrical hazards and explosions
Live wires, exposed circuits, and improper grounding turn construction sites into dangerous electrical zones. Electrical injuries can cause devastating burns, heart injuries, and fatalities.
Sometimes property owners, electrical contractors, or utility companies create unsafe conditions that put workers in harm's way. When that happens, they can be held responsible through a third-party lawsuit.
Types of Injuries Commonly Sustained In Buckeye Construction Accidents
Construction work involves intense physical labor, and when things go wrong, the injuries can be life-altering. While some injuries heal with time, others leave workers unable to return to their trade or even live independently.
Knowing the kinds of injuries often seen in construction accidents helps illustrate why workers need compensation beyond workers' comp alone.
Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
A falling tool, a collapsing scaffold, or an explosion can cause serious head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may not be visible on the outside but can affect memory, mood, coordination, and the ability to work.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Falls from heights, being struck by heavy objects, or equipment malfunctions can crush or sever the spinal cord. These injuries often result in partial or total paralysis, leading to lifelong medical costs and care needs.
Broken bones and crush injuries
Heavy materials and equipment pose constant risks of fractures, crushed limbs, and severe orthopedic injuries. While bones may heal, workers sometimes face permanent loss of strength or range of motion.
Burns, lacerations, and amputations
Electrical burns, chemical exposures, explosions, and machinery mishaps can leave workers with severe burns, deep cuts, or even traumatic amputations. These injuries often require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation.
Your Rights After a Construction Accident in Buckeye
By the time you're reading this, you've likely already been to the emergency room, visited your doctor, or started treatment for your injuries. If you haven't seen a doctor yet---even if you feel "mostly okay"---get medical attention right away. Some injuries, like brain trauma or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can become life-threatening without treatment.
Once you've addressed your health, there are other crucial steps to protect your right to full compensation. Here's what else you should consider doing:
- Contact a lawyer referral service. Construction accident cases often involve multiple parties, shifting blame, and aggressive insurers. A referral service can connect you with attorneys who specialize in investigating what happened, preserving evidence, and advising you on whether you have a third-party claim worth far more than workers' compensation alone.
- Keep all medical appointments and follow your treatment plan. Gaps in medical care can hurt your case by giving insurance companies an excuse to argue you're not as injured as you claim. Stick to your doctor's orders and keep records of every visit.
- Document your experiences and symptoms. Write in a journal or record videos describing your pain levels, emotional struggles, and how your injuries affect daily activities. This personal record can be powerful evidence of how the accident changed your life.
- Report the accident promptly. Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible so there's an official record of the incident.
- Gather evidence if you can. Photos of the scene, damaged equipment, safety hazards, and your visible injuries can make a huge difference in proving fault later.
- Don't rush into settlements. Insurance companies may push quick offers that fall far short of what your claim is worth. Always talk to a lawyer before signing anything.
Taking these steps doesn't just protect your health; it can strengthen your case and help the attorney you're connected with fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Law Bear Helps Connect Injured Construction Workers with Legal Representation
At Law Bear, we understand how much is at stake after a construction accident. You're worried about your health, your job, and your family's future. We're here to connect you with experienced attorneys who can carry the legal burden for you so you can focus on healing.
Our referral service connects you with legal professionals who:
- Investigate the accident scene
- Examine safety records and OSHA reports
- Work with construction and engineering experts
- Track down witnesses and secure testimony
- Identify every possible third party who may be responsible
- Fight insurance companies determined to protect their bottom line
We're dedicated to one goal: connecting you with attorneys who can help you recover the full compensation you deserve. The attorneys in our network typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win.
Why Choose Law Bear for Your Buckeye Construction Accident Case Referral?
There are plenty of referral services out there. So why Law Bear? Here's what sets us apart when you've been hurt on a construction site:
- Caring, human approach. We treat our clients like people, not case numbers. We know what you're going through, and we're here to help connect you with the right legal help.
- Nationwide network, local focus. We connect clients with attorneys across the country, and we specifically know which lawyers understand Arizona law and what matters for Buckeye construction workers.
- Vetted attorney network. We carefully screen the attorneys in our network to ensure they have the experience and track record necessary to handle complex construction cases.
- Thorough matching process. Construction cases are complex. We take time to understand your situation and match you with attorneys who have experience with cases similar to yours.
- Prepared for all outcomes. We connect you with attorneys who are ready to take your case to trial if that's what it takes for a fair outcome. The lawyers in our network won't settle for less than you deserve.
When your livelihood and health are on the line, you deserve to be connected with legal representation that will fight for you like family.
Key Takeaways
- Construction work remains one of America's most hazardous jobs, with thousands of serious injuries every year.
- Many construction accidents involve parties other than your employer, allowing you to file a third-party lawsuit.
- A lawsuit offers compensation beyond workers' comp, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full lost wages.
- Common causes of third-party claims include falls, defective equipment, unsafe property conditions, and electrical hazards.
- Arizona's pure comparative fault rules allow you to seek damages even if you share some blame for the accident.
- Law Bear's referral service connects you with attorneys who have nationwide resources but understand Arizona construction law.
- The attorneys in our network typically work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckeye Construction Accidents
Can I still file a lawsuit if I'm receiving workers' compensation?
Yes. Workers' compensation partially covers injuries on the job, but you may still pursue a third-party lawsuit if someone other than your employer caused your accident.
Who can I sue for a construction accident injury in Buckeye?
Potential defendants include subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or anyone whose negligence contributed to your accident.
Will my employer be upset if I file a third-party lawsuit?
A third-party lawsuit is separate from your workers' comp claim and generally does not directly involve your employer. An experienced lawyer can explain your rights and help avoid conflicts.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arizona?
In most cases, Arizona's statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of your accident. However, exceptions exist, so speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I sue even if my construction accident happened on private property instead of a public job site?
Yes. Whether your accident happened on private property, a commercial site, or public works, you may have a third-party claim if someone other than your employer was negligent.
Will filing a lawsuit affect my relationship with my coworkers or employer?
Not necessarily. A third-party lawsuit targets individuals or companies outside your employer, like subcontractors or manufacturers, so your employer usually isn't directly involved. However, every situation is different. A lawyer can help you understand potential impacts.
Call Law Bear Today for a Free Buckeye Construction Accident Consultation
You've built your life through hard work. One accident shouldn't destroy everything you've earned. At Law Bear, we believe you deserve answers, justice, and connection to the legal representation you need to move forward.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a construction accident in Buckeye, don't wait. Let our referral service connect you with experienced attorneys who can review your situation and explain your options---for free. Call Law Bear 24/7 at (309) 365-6510 or contact us online. The attorneys we connect you with typically work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win. Let's help you find the legal representation you deserve.