We’ve all had those neighbors – the one who decide to renovate their house and make it like new. Their workers wake you up at 7 am on a Saturday, with their machines and hammers. They don’t always seem to have consideration for the other people in the neighborhood. However, you don’t hold it against them because they’re your friend and you understand they only have so much control. But what happens if you get hurt at a construction site while walking past this friend’s house? If it’s under reconstruction, can you expect the homeowner to be liable for any injuries you suffer? This is a good question. It really comes down to who is the more negligent party. You might have to file a claim against both the property owner and the construction company. It depends on the circumstances of your case.
The best thing to do is to reach out to a Charlotte, NC personal injury lawyer right away. They can listen to your story and give you an idea of what avenue to pursue. They can let you know if you have a claim in the first place. And, if you do, they’ll help you pursue that claim.
What Kinds of Injuries Could Happen at a Construction Site?
Even if you’re just passing by a job site, you can get hurt. You may be walking your dog or taking a stroll to the park. The next thing you know, you’re getting hit in the head by a brick or piece of construction equipment. You end up in the emergency room needing surgery. The construction crew goes home at quitting time and doesn’t think twice about your injury.
There are all sorts of injuries that can happen on a construction site. You don’t have to be a construction worker to get hurt. You could be doing a walk-thru on your own house while it’s under renovations. Or, your neighbor could be showing you what they’ve done to their new kitchen. Or, as mentioned above, you could be idly walking by and have an errant piece of equipment hurt you.
Some of the common injuries that take place on construction sites include:
- Head and neck injuries – If you are hit in the head with a brick or piece of equipment, you’ll suffer some serious injuries. Hopefully, it’s just a small object. But even these can cause contusions and lacerations. If the object is a large piece of equipment, you could even suffer a fractured skull or traumatic brain injury.
- Back injury – If you fall because of a dangerous condition on a construction site, you can end up with a back injury. You may suffer a spinal cord injury or disc issues. These things usually require surgery and long-term physical therapy. The defendant should be held liable for these injuries.
- Broken bones – If you fall or are hit with any sort of object, you could suffer a broken bone. You could suffer a broken wrist, ankle or leg. Any sort of injury is expected in these kinds of accidents.
The defendant should be held responsible for your medical bills at a minimum. The question is – what exactly is the defendant?
Who Will Your Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer Pursue for Damages?
In cases like this, there are really 3 possible defendants. You may have to file a claim against the property owner’s insurance policy. Or, you might have to file a lawsuit against the construction company. Finally, if a piece of equipment was defective or faulty, you’ll have to pursue the manufacturer of the equipment.
Regardless of who you sue, your Charlotte injury attorney will have to prove negligence. This requires that they show the following four (4) things:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached this duty
- You were injured
- Your injuries were caused by the defendant’s breach
If you can demonstrate negligence, you’ll be entitled to damages. These may include any of these following:
- Medical bills and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- pain and suffering
Your Charlotte personal injury lawyer will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Injury Lawyer in Charlotte, NC if You Were Hurt at a Construction Site
If you or your loved one were hurt at a construction site, you should call a skilled personal injury law firm in Charlotte right away. Your attorney can review your case and let you know who you need to pursue. They can also answer any questions you might have. The consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.
