Construction site accidents and injuries often come down to construction company liability. The construction company is legally responsible for keeping construction sites reasonably safe and free from hazards. It is the company’s job to inspect for dangers, repair defects, and warn workers and pedestrians of potential risks. Injuries on the job especially point to construction company liability, as it is the employer’s duty to maintain a safe workspace for employees.
A property owner may also be liable if the hazard that caused the accident was inherent to the premises, and not an element of the construction site. If a property owner knew that a tree on the property had rotted, for example, but did not warn contractors, the property owner may be liable for worker injuries if the tree falls and injures someone. If the city owned the construction site and an unsafe premises caused the accident, the city government could be liable.
Determining liability for a construction site accident can be difficult. The answer will depend on your status as a visitor, whether you were at work at the time, and how your injury or illness occurred. Potential defendants could include the construction company, an equipment manufacturer, a coworker, a property owner, the city, or a third party such as a driver or subcontractor. A lawyer can investigate your accident and help you determine liability.