Construction Accident Lawyer in Fresno

Fresno’s construction industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by an increasing demand for new residential communities, commercial centers, and vital infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public facilities. This expansion is vital to supporting Fresno’s economic development but also introduces significant risks to workers and nearby bystanders. Construction sites can be dangerous environments where serious injuries happen far too often due to the inherent hazards of heavy machinery, working at dizzying heights, and navigating hazardous materials or structural elements.

Injured construction workers or even innocent bystanders who suffer harm on these sites may think that workers’ compensation is their only recourse. However, California law recognizes that third-party negligence—such as defective equipment manufacturers, unqualified subcontractors, or negligent property owners—can lead to injuries that surpass what workers’ compensation covers. When this happens, injured individuals may be able to file a third-party construction claim in California to pursue full compensation for damages that include pain, suffering, and long-term disability.

If you or your loved one were injured in a construction accident in Fresno, you need experienced legal guidance to navigate the complex process of recovery. Culver Legal specializes in helping injured workers and their families secure justice and maximum compensation. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where our Fresno construction accident lawyers can evaluate your case, advise you on your legal options, and help protect your rights. Contact us today at (310) 600-7881. Remember, our firm works on a contingency fee basis—meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Construction Accidents in Fresno
• Common Causes of Construction Accidents
• Common Injuries in Construction Site Accidents
• Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Site Injury?
• Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits
• What Damages Can Be Recovered?
• What to Do After a Construction Injury
• I’m Undocumented. Can I Still File a Construction Injury Claim in California?
• How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
• How Culver Legal Offers Support to Fresno Construction Accident Victims
• FAQs About Construction Accidents in Fresno
• Contact a Fresno Construction Accident Lawyer Today

Understanding Construction Accidents in Fresno

How and Where Construction Injuries Happen

Construction accidents in Fresno can take place in a wide array of environments, including new residential housing developments, commercial office buildings, retail centers, and critical infrastructure like roads and bridges. These accidents often happen during various phases of construction—excavation, framing, roofing, finishing, or demolition. The common thread is that these environments are inherently prone to hazards which, if not properly managed, can lead to catastrophic injuries.

Many injuries occur due to falls from elevated platforms, scaffolds, or ladders, while some happen from contact with hazardous materials or structural collapses. Bystanders or unwitting pedestrians near active construction zones can also be injured by falling debris or construction vehicle accidents. Given the complexity of such sites and the multitude of parties involved—contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and property owners—the risk level for injury is high. This environment demands strict adherence to safety standards set by OSHA and California regulations, but lapses occur frequently, leading to tragic accidents.

High-Risk Trades

Certain jobs within the construction industry involve particularly dangerous tasks. Roofing crews often work on steep surfaces with minimal safety barriers, increasing fall risk. Electricians work with live wires and high-voltage systems that can cause electrocution if mishandled. Steelworkers and ironworkers perform high-altitude tasks with heavy loads, risking falls or dropping objects. Excavation workers navigate unstable trenches, risking cave-ins, while scaffold builders face the danger of collapse or falling debris.

Understanding which trades carry higher injury risks can be important when establishing fault and liability—especially in complex injury cases where multiple parties may be involved. It also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety programs tailored to each trade’s hazards.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Falls from Heights

The danger of falls remains the leading cause of construction injuries in Fresno and across the country. These often happen due to unprotected edges, absence of guardrails, improper use of safety harnesses, or unstable scaffolding. Many falls are preventable with proper safety gear, regular inspections, and adherence to safety protocols mandated by OSHA and California laws.

Falling Objects and Debris

Construction sites frequently involve the movement of heavy materials, tools, or structural elements overhead. Without adequate netting, helmet protection, or secure storage, these objects can cause severe head injuries or crush trauma to workers and bystanders beneath.

Electrocution

Temporary wiring, exposed power lines, or faulty electrical tools pose significant hazards. Electrocution can lead to burns, cardiac arrest, or fatalities, especially when safety procedures are ignored or electrical equipment is defective.

Trench Collapses and Structural Failures

Excavation work is particularly dangerous due to the risk of trench collapses, which can trap workers underground. Structural failures, such as collapsing scaffolds or unsupported beams, can also trigger devastating injuries or deaths.

Heavy Machinery and Vehicle Accidents

Construction zones are filled with cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, and trucks. When operators are negligent, equipment malfunctions, or safety measures are lacking, workers or pedestrians can be seriously injured or killed by crush accidents or rollovers.

Inadequate Safety Training or Oversight

Many accidents could be prevented through proper safety training, supervision, and enforcement of OSHA standards. Lack of safety oversight, or inadequate training for high-risk tasks, often leads to preventable injuries.

Common Injuries in Construction Site Accidents

Brain Injuries and Head Trauma

Traumatic brain injuries resulting from falling objects or falls can cause long-term disability, cognitive impairment, and even death. Hard hats reduce risk but are not foolproof, especially during high-impact incidents.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Falls from heights, crush injuries, or direct trauma can lead to severe spinal injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, profoundly affecting quality of life and independence.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Heavy machinery accidents or structural collapses may cause amputations or crush injuries that require extensive reconstructive surgeries, prosthetics, and long-term rehabilitation.

Burns and Electrocution Injuries

Electrical faults, chemical burns, or fires on-site can cause disfigurement, internal injuries, and long-lasting health effects. Thermal burns often require skin grafts and multiple surgeries.

Fractures and Internal Injuries

Blunt trauma from falls or machinery impact can break bones or damage internal organs, often necessitating emergency surgery and long-term medical care.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Site Injury?

General Contractors and Subcontractors

Often the primary parties responsible for safety oversight, general contractors and subcontractors may be liable if negligence, poor safety protocols, or failure to enforce regulations caused the injury.

Property Owners

Owners who were aware of unsafe conditions or failed to ensure that safety standards were maintained can be held accountable for injuries sustained on their property.

Equipment Manufacturers

If defective or poorly manufactured tools or machinery caused the injury, the manufacturer might be held responsible through product liability claims.

Third-Party Vendors and Service Providers

Vendors supplying unsafe equipment, materials, or services—such as scaffolding rentals or chemical supplies—can be liable if their negligence contributed to an injury.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Lawsuits

What Workers’ Compensation Covers

Workers’ comp pays for immediate medical treatment, hospital stays, and partial wages while you recover. It generally prevents you from suing your employer for pain and suffering but provides critical support during recovery.

When to File a Third-Party Construction Claim in California

If a third party’s negligence caused your injury—such as defective equipment, unlicensed subcontractors, or property owner negligence—you can potentially file a third-party claim for additional damages. This can include pain, suffering, punitive damages, and long-term disability compensation not covered by workers’ comp.

What Damages Are Available in Construction Injury Lawsuits?

Medical Expenses

This includes immediate medical bills, surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, assistive devices, and future medical needs related to the injury.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, compensation can cover lost income, diminished earning potential, and disability-related costs.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages for ongoing pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish are an important part of recovering fair compensation.

Disability and Disfigurement

In cases involving permanent impairments or disfigurement, damages are awarded to reflect long-term impact on quality of life.

Wrongful Death Benefits

If a loved one dies due to a construction accident, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, financial support, and funeral expenses.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Construction Injury?

Report the Accident

As soon as possible, notify your employer or supervisor and ensure the incident is officially documented. Accurate reporting is crucial for both workers’ compensation and liability claims.

Seek Medical Attention

Get checked by healthcare providers right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.

Document the Scene

Take detailed photos of the accident scene, the conditions that contributed to your injury, and any safety violations. Gather contact information from witnesses, and record notes about what happened.

Consult an Experienced Attorney

Before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents, contact a qualified Fresno workplace injury attorney. Protecting your legal rights early on is critical, especially if third-party negligence may be involved.

I’m Undocumented. Can I Still File a Construction Injury Claim in California?

Absolutely. California law explicitly provides protections for all workers, regardless of immigration status. You can file for workers’ compensation benefits without fear of deportation, and you may also pursue third-party claims. An experienced attorney can help ensure your rights are safeguarded throughout the process, even if your paperwork for legal status is complex or uncertain.

How Long Do I Have to File a Construction Injury Claim?

Time limits for filing depend on the nature of your claim. In California, you generally have one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. For third-party claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the injury or discovery of the injury. Missing these deadlines can bar your ability to recover damages, so prompt legal advice from a Fresno-based law firm is essential to ensure your rights are protected.

How Culver Legal Assists Fresno Construction Accident Victims

• Performing in-depth investigations into the incident, including safety violations and violations of OSHA standards.
• Collaborating with industry experts, including safety inspectors and construction engineers, to establish negligence or defect causes.
• Filing and litigating personal injury and third-party construction claims in Fresno to maximize your compensation.
• Providing compassionate legal guidance tailored specifically for injured workers and their families, ensuring your rights are prioritized every step of the way.
• Handling negotiations with insurance carriers and opposing parties to obtain fair settlements or pursuing litigation if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Accidents in Fresno

Contact a Fresno Construction Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a construction accident in Fresno, you need experienced legal representation to help navigate your case. The dedicated team at Culver Legal is committed to fighting for your rights and pursuing maximum compensation. Call us now at (310) 600-7881 for a free consultation. Remember, our firm works on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover damages for you. Don’t delay—your health and your future are too important to wait.

Additional Resources

• California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)
• U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Construction Safety
• California Department of Industrial Relations – Workers’ Compensation Info
• CDC – Construction Injury Statistics
• Fresno County Building Permits & Safety Information