Bellevue Construction Accident Attorney
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Construction sites in Nebraska are some of the most dangerous workplaces, with accidents often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, electrical incidents, and struck-by objects can leave workers with life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertain futures. When these tragedies occur due to negligence or safety violations, injured workers deserve skilled legal representation to secure the compensation necessary for recovery.
The Bellevue personal injury lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have over 55 years of experience fighting for construction accident victims throughout Bellevue and the surrounding areas. We understand the complexities of these cases and have achieved multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate construction incidents, identify responsible parties, and aggressively pursue compensation for injuries.
Understanding Construction Accident Claims in Bellevue
Construction accident cases involve unique legal considerations that distinguish them from typical personal injury claims. These cases may involve multiple liable parties and various legal pathways for recovery.
When injuries occur on Bellevue construction sites, workers typically have two primary avenues for compensation:
- Workers’ compensation benefits, which provide medical coverage and partial wage replacement regardless of fault
- Third-party personal injury claims against non-employer entities whose negligence contributed to the accident
Most injured construction workers assume workers’ compensation represents their only option for recovery. However, this system often provides inadequate compensation for serious injuries.
Third-party claims frequently offer significantly higher compensation that accounts for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other losses not eligible under workers’ compensation.
Our Bellevue construction accident attorneys carefully evaluate each case to identify all potential sources of recovery, maximizing the compensation available to our clients.
Common Causes of Construction Accidents in Bellevue
Construction sites contain numerous hazards that can lead to serious injuries when proper safety protocols are ignored or neglected.
Safety Violations and Regulatory Non-Compliance
Many construction accidents stem from failure to follow established safety regulations. OSHA requirements exist to protect workers, but when companies cut corners to save time or money, workers pay the price. Common violations include:
- Inadequate fall protection on elevated work surfaces
- Improper trenching and excavation safeguards
- Missing machine guards on power tools and equipment
- Insufficient personal protective equipment
- Failure to provide proper training and supervision
When these violations contribute to accidents, they often constitute negligence that supports third-party claims beyond workers’ compensation.
Equipment Failures and Defects
Construction machinery poses serious dangers when improperly maintained or is inherently defective. Cranes, forklifts, power tools, and scaffolding systems require proper care and inspection. Equipment-related accidents may involve:
- Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance
- Design defects in the equipment itself
- Inadequate training on proper equipment operation
- Missing safety features or warning labels
- Rental equipment provided without proper inspection
In these cases, manufacturers, rental companies, or maintenance contractors may bear liability separate from your employer.
Identifying Liable Parties in Construction Accident Cases
Unlike many workplace injury scenarios, construction accidents often involve multiple parties beyond the immediate employer. This creates opportunities for third-party claims with more comprehensive compensation.
The potentially responsible parties in construction accident cases include:
- General contractors responsible for overall site safety
- Subcontractors performing specialized work
- Equipment manufacturers or distributors
- Property owners with maintenance responsibilities
- Architects or engineers who created flawed designs
- Safety consultants who failed to identify hazards
- Material suppliers who provided defective products
Identifying all liable parties requires investigation and understanding of construction industry practices. Our Bellevue construction accident lawyers work with expert witnesses, including safety specialists, engineers, and medical professionals, to build compelling cases demonstrating liability.
Compensation Available for Construction Accident Victims
Construction injuries often result in substantial financial and personal losses. Through third-party claims, injured workers may recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
These tangible financial losses include:
- Present and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
- Lost income during recovery periods
- Diminished earning capacity for permanently disabling injuries
- Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to construction work
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications for serious disabilities
Unlike workers’ compensation, which caps wage replacement at approximately two-thirds of average weekly wages, third-party claims can recover 100% of lost income and future earnings.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the personal impact of injuries:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)
Workers’ compensation provides no compensation for these significant losses, making third-party claims particularly valuable for serious injuries.
Why Choose Knowles Law Firm for Your Construction Accident Case
Construction accident litigation requires knowledge of both construction industry practices and complex personal injury law. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm possess the necessary experience to navigate these challenging cases successfully.
Our approach to construction accident cases includes:
- Immediate investigation while the evidence remains fresh
- Consultation with construction safety experts
- Detailed analysis of applicable regulations and safety standards
- Careful documentation of all accident-related damages
- Strategic negotiation with insurance companies
- Thorough trial preparation when fair settlements aren’t offered
We handle all aspects of your case while you focus on physical recovery. Our attorneys provide personalized attention at every step of the legal process, keeping you up-to-date and involved in key decisions.
Contact a Bellevue Construction Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a construction accident in Bellevue, prompt legal action is crucial for preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Nebraska law imposes strict deadlines for both workers’ compensation claims and third-party lawsuits, making timely consultation with an attorney essential.
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have devoted their careers to helping injured construction workers throughout Bellevue and the surrounding communities. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial issues you face and work tirelessly to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (402) 431-9000 or through our contact form.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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