Have you been injured in a construction accident in La Jolla, California? Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can help when you call (858) 585-9031. We offer a free consultation with a La Jolla construction accident lawyer.
Our attorneys are committed to helping injured workers and families secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We’ll explain your rights under California law, guide you through workers’ compensation or personal injury claims, and you won’t owe attorney fees unless we win your case.
Why Choose Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers After a Construction Accident in La Jolla?
Construction sites in La Jolla, CA, are some of the busiest in the state. Unfortunately, accidents on these sites can leave workers with devastating injuries. At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how overwhelming the aftermath of a construction injury can be.
Here’s why clients choose us to handle their accident claims:
- Our team has over 80 years of combined experience and has built our practice on helping injured workers and their families rebuild their lives.
- Our attorneys have secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements.
- Our lawyers know how to evaluate every potential avenue for recovery, including workers’ comp, personal injury, and product liability claims.
- Our attorneys are recognized for their skill and integrity by respected organizations in the legal field.
- We represent construction accident victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a La Jolla personal injury attorney. We’re standing by to assist you.
Causes of Construction Accidents in La Jolla
Despite strict OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations, accidents still happen when safety measures are ignored. Faulty equipment, inadequate supervision, rushed timelines, or insufficient training can all put workers at risk.
At Pines Salomon, we regularly represent workers injured in incidents such as:
- Slips and falls from scaffolds, ladders, and rooftops overlooking steep coastal terrain
- Excavation and trench collapses during foundation or utility work
- Structural failures during demolition or build-outs in older buildings
- Struck-by accidents involving dropped tools or falling construction debris
- Caught in/caught between accidents with heavy machinery such as loaders and backhoes
- Crane, forklift, or hoist accidents on commercial sites
- Nail gun and power tool malfunctions
- Chemical exposure or on-site explosions
- Defective safety equipment or harness failures
- Electrocution and electrical burns from unsafe wiring
No matter the cause of your accident, our lawyers will thoroughly investigate what happened and determine your legal options for pursuing compensation from the at-fault party.
Common Injuries in La Jolla Construction Accidents
The injuries suffered on construction sites are often severe, requiring lengthy recovery periods, costly medical treatment, and time away from work.
Our attorneys have represented workers suffering from:
- Head and brain injuries (TBIs) from falls or struck-by accidents
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis after falls or machinery accidents
- Multiple fractures or crush injuries requiring surgical repair
- Severe burns or disfigurement from explosions or electrical accidents
- Amputations and limb loss from machinery accidents
- Eye injuries and vision loss from chemical splashes or debris
- Hearing damage from prolonged machinery exposure or explosions
- Soft tissue injuries that limit mobility and function
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Neck and back injuries from lifting or sudden impacts
Some of these injuries may heal with treatment, while others cause permanent disability or tragically result in wrongful death.
What Compensation Is Available After a Construction Accident in California?
Injured construction workers in California have several possible options for financial recovery.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you were injured while working on a construction site, you likely qualify for benefits through California’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits may cover:
- Medical treatment with authorized providers
- Partial wage replacement, usually up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation services, if necessary
- Death benefits for surviving family members
However, workers’ compensation has limitations. It does not fully replace lost wages and does not allow recovery for pain and suffering.
Personal Injury or Third-Party Claims
In many cases, injured construction workers may also have a claim under California’s personal injury laws. These claims allow you to recover damages beyond workers’ comp, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full wage loss.
Third-party claims may be brought against parties that are not your employer, including:
- Subcontractors or site managers who failed to maintain safe conditions
- Property owners or developers who cut corners on safety
- Architects or engineers whose design flaws contributed to the accident
- Manufacturers of defective equipment, tools, or safety gear
Through a personal injury lawsuit, you may recover damages for:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium or companionship
At Pines Salomon, we work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to track and calculate the full long-term costs of your injuries. Our goal is to ensure your recovery reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My Construction Accident in California?
It’s common for insurance companies or contractors to argue that the injured worker caused their own accident. They may claim you weren’t following safety protocols or that your actions contributed to the incident.
Fortunately, California’s workers’ comp system is no-fault. You can typically recover benefits regardless of who caused the accident, unless the injury resulted from your intoxication or intentional misconduct.
However, for personal injury lawsuits, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
For example, if you were found 20% responsible for failing to secure your harness before a fall, but the contractor was 80% at fault for not providing proper safety equipment, you could still recover 80% of your damages.
How Long Do I Have To File a Construction Accident Claim in California?
California’s workers’ compensation laws require you to report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident. After that, you typically have one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim with California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation.
If you are filing an injury lawsuit against a negligent third party, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in court. Families seeking compensation for the loss of a loved one also generally have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, with the time period starting from the date of death.
If you miss a filing deadline, you could permanently lose your claim through the workers’ compensation or court systems. That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.
What To Do After a Construction Accident in La Jolla
The steps you take immediately after a construction accident can significantly affect your health, your financial recovery, and your legal case. If you’re hurt on a jobsite, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical care immediately: Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Delayed treatment can worsen your condition and harm your claim.
- Report the injury to your employer or supervisor: Do this in writing and keep a copy for your records.
- Document the accident scene: Take photographs of the site, equipment, and conditions. Collect witness names and statements if possible.
- Save all evidence: Preserve your clothing, safety gear, and tools involved in the accident.
- Do not give statements to insurance companies without a lawyer: Adjusters may use your words against you to reduce or deny your claim.
- Contact a La Jolla construction accident lawyer: An experienced attorney can protect your rights and guide you through the claims process. Your lawyer will ensure you pursue all available compensation.
At Pines Salomon, we handle all aspects of your claim, from filing and negotiating with insurers to representing you in court. We will protect your rights throughout the process and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
Contact a La Jolla Construction Accident Lawyer Today
At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we believe that no injured construction worker should have to face financial stress because of a preventable accident in La Jolla, CA. We’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients and dedicate 80 years of combined legal experience to every case.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a La Jolla construction accident lawyer. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and outline the next steps in pursuing your claim.
