Construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments in Texas. If you've been seriously injured in a construction accident in Dallas, Fort Worth, or surrounding areas, you need an experienced legal advocate who understands the complex issues involved in construction injury cases.
Armstrong Law Firm has successfully represented construction workers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex who have suffered injuries due to negligence on construction sites. We know how to investigate these complex cases, identify all responsible parties, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
- Common Types of Construction Accidents in Dallas
- Serious Injuries from Construction Site Accidents
- Who Is Liable for Your Construction Accident?
- Third-Party Claims vs. Workers' Compensation
- OSHA Violations and Construction Negligence
- Types of Compensation Available in Construction Accident Cases
- How We Investigate Construction Accidents
- Why Choose Armstrong Law for Your Construction Accident Case
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Our Dallas Construction Accident Lawyers
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Dallas
Construction sites in Dallas, Plano, Irving, and throughout North Texas present numerous hazards that can result in catastrophic injuries or death. The most common types of construction accidents we handle include:
Falls from Heights ![construction accident]()
Falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities in Texas. Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, structural steel, or other elevated surfaces. These accidents often occur due to inadequate fall protection systems, unsecured ladders, defective equipment, or lack of proper training.
Scaffolding Accidents
Scaffolding collapses and falls cause some of the most severe construction injuries. These accidents may result from improper assembly, lack of guardrails, overloading, defective components, or failure to secure the scaffolding to the structure.
Crane and Heavy Equipment Accidents
Crane accidents, forklift collisions, and other heavy equipment incidents can cause crushing injuries, amputations, or death. These accidents often involve operator error, mechanical failures, inadequate training, or third-party negligence.
Electrocution
Construction workers face electrocution risks from contact with power lines, faulty wiring, defective tools, or inadequate electrical safety measures. Electrical accidents can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, neurological damage, or death.
Trench and Excavation Collapses
Improperly shored trenches can collapse suddenly, burying workers and causing suffocation, crushing injuries, or death. OSHA requires specific trench safety measures that are frequently violated on construction sites.
Struck-By Accidents
Workers can be struck by falling objects, moving vehicles, swinging loads, or collapsing structures. These accidents often result from inadequate site management, failure to secure materials, or lack of proper barriers and warning systems.
Caught-In or Between Accidents
Workers can become caught in or between machinery, collapsing structures, or other equipment, resulting in crushing injuries, amputations, or death.
Serious Injuries from Construction Site Accidents
Construction accidents frequently result in life-altering injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Common construction injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and broken bones
- Severe burns from electrical or fire accidents
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Joint injuries and torn ligaments
- Respiratory injuries from toxic exposure
- Vision loss or blindness
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
These injuries often prevent workers from returning to their previous employment and can dramatically impact quality of life. Our Dallas construction accident attorneys work with medical experts to fully document your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
Who Is Liable for Your Construction Accident?
Construction accident cases are often complex because multiple parties may share responsibility for safety violations. Potentially liable parties can include:
General Contractors
General contractors have overall responsibility for construction site safety. They can be held liable for failing to implement safety protocols, inadequate site supervision, or creating hazardous conditions.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors responsible for specific work may be liable if their negligence contributed to your accident. This includes improper work practices, failure to follow safety regulations, or creating unsafe conditions.
Property Owners
Property owners and developers can be liable if they knew about dangerous conditions but failed to correct them, or if they maintained control over safety decisions on the construction site.
Equipment Manufacturers
When defective equipment, tools, or safety gear causes an accident, the manufacturer may be held strictly liable under product liability law.
Architects and Engineers
Design professionals can be liable if their plans or specifications created inherently dangerous conditions or failed to account for worker safety.
Equipment Rental Companies
Companies that rent or lease construction equipment may share liability if they provided defective or improperly maintained equipment.
Our experienced Dallas construction injury lawyers thoroughly investigate every aspect of your accident to identify all responsible parties and maximize your potential compensation.
Third-Party Claims vs. Workers' Compensation
Understanding your legal options after a construction accident is crucial. In Texas, construction workers may have multiple avenues for compensation:
Workers' Compensation Claims
If your employer carries workers' compensation insurance, you can typically receive medical benefits and partial wage replacement regardless of fault. However, workers' comp limits your compensation and generally prevents you from suing your employer.
Non-Subscriber Employers
Many Texas employers opt out of the workers' compensation system. If you work for a non-subscriber, you can file a lawsuit against your employer for negligence without the restrictions of workers' comp.
Third-Party Liability Claims
Even if you receive workers' compensation benefits, you can still pursue claims against third parties whose negligence caused your accident. These claims are not limited by workers' comp restrictions and can include compensation for pain and suffering, full wage loss, and other damages.
Third-party construction accident cases allow you to recover full damages including past and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling both workers' compensation and third-party liability claims.
OSHA Violations and Construction Negligence
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets mandatory safety standards for construction sites. Common OSHA violations that lead to construction accidents include:
- Inadequate fall protection systems
- Missing or improper scaffolding guardrails
- Failure to provide proper respiratory protection
- Inadequate hazard communication and training
- Unsafe ladder usage and conditions
- Electrical hazards and lack of lockout/tagout procedures
- Inadequate excavation and trenching protections
- Improper use of personal protective equipment
- Machine guarding violations
- Exposure to hazardous materials without proper safeguards
OSHA violations provide strong evidence of negligence in construction accident cases. When OSHA investigates your accident and issues citations, these official findings can significantly strengthen your claim. Our Dallas construction accident attorneys obtain and analyze OSHA reports, work with occupational safety experts, and use this evidence to prove the negligence that caused your injuries.
Types of Compensation Available in Construction Accident Cases
If you've been injured in a construction accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, recoverable damages can include:
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: All past and future costs of medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing care
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work during your recovery
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or reduce your ability to earn income, you can recover the difference between what you could have earned and what you can earn now
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of any personal property damaged in the accident
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, and other accident-related costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and limitations caused by your injuries
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts of your accident
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and experiences you previously enjoyed
- Disfigurement: Permanent scarring, burns, or other visible injuries
- Physical Impairment: Permanent disabilities or limitations in mobility and function
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence or willful disregard for worker safety, Texas law allows for punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
The value of your construction accident case depends on many factors including the severity of your injuries, the degree of negligence involved, the impact on your ability to work, and the insurance coverage available. Our experienced attorneys carefully evaluate all aspects of your case to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
How We Investigate Construction Accidents
Successful construction accident cases require thorough investigation and compelling evidence. Armstrong Law Firm takes a comprehensive approach to building your case:
Immediate Site Investigation
Time is critical after a construction accident. We move quickly to document the accident scene before evidence is destroyed or altered. This includes taking photographs and videos, measuring distances and heights, identifying hazardous conditions, and preserving physical evidence.
Document Collection
We obtain all relevant documentation including OSHA inspection reports and citations, safety plans and protocols, training records, equipment maintenance logs, previous accident reports, employment records, and building permits and inspection reports.
Witness Interviews
We interview workers who witnessed the accident, site supervisors and foremen, safety managers, and anyone else with relevant information about the conditions that led to your injury.
Expert Consultation
Construction accident cases often require expert testimony. We work with qualified experts including occupational safety specialists, construction industry professionals, accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and economists to calculate lost earning capacity.
Regulatory Compliance Review
We thoroughly analyze whether all parties complied with OSHA regulations, building codes and local ordinances, industry safety standards, equipment manufacturer guidelines, and company safety policies.
Insurance Investigation
We identify all available insurance policies and coverage limits, including general liability, workers' compensation (if applicable), commercial auto insurance, umbrella policies, and professional liability insurance.
This comprehensive investigation allows us to build the strongest possible case and identify all sources of compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Armstrong Law for Your Construction Accident Case
Extensive Experience with Construction Injury Cases
Attorney Warren Armstrong has successfully represented numerous construction workers injured in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Garland, and throughout North Texas. We understand the unique challenges of construction accident cases and know how to overcome them.
Proven Track Record of Results
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured construction workers and their families. While past results don't guarantee future outcomes, our case results demonstrate our commitment to maximizing compensation for our clients.
Comprehensive Legal Strategy
We handle every aspect of your construction accident case including initial investigation and evidence gathering, identification of all liable parties, negotiations with multiple insurance companies, retention of expert witnesses, preparation for trial when necessary, and protection of your rights throughout the process.
No Upfront Costs
We represent construction accident clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all case expenses during litigation, so you never have to worry about out-of-pocket legal costs.
Personalized Attention
At Armstrong Law, you're not just a case number. We provide direct access to attorney Warren Armstrong, regular case updates and communication, customized legal strategy for your unique situation, and compassionate support during this difficult time.
Understanding of Texas Construction Industry
Dallas and the surrounding metroplex have seen significant construction growth in recent years. We're familiar with the major construction companies, contractors, and developers in the area. We understand local construction practices, common safety violations, and the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Construction Accidents
What should I do immediately after a construction site accident in Dallas?
After a construction accident in Dallas, take these critical steps: (1) Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, (2) Report the accident to your supervisor in writing, (3) Document the scene with photos if possible, (4) Collect witness contact information, (5) Preserve evidence such as damaged equipment or clothing, and (6) Contact a Dallas construction accident lawyer before giving recorded statements to insurance companies. Prompt action protects both your health and your legal rights.
Can I sue for a construction accident if I was injured on the job in Texas?
Yes. In Texas, you may have multiple avenues for compensation after a construction accident. If your employer is a non-subscriber (does not carry workers' compensation insurance), you can file a negligence lawsuit directly against them. Additionally, you may have claims against third parties such as general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or other entities whose negligence contributed to your injury. An experienced Dallas construction injury attorney can evaluate all potential claims to maximize your compensation.
What types of compensation can I recover in a Dallas construction accident case?
Construction accident victims in Dallas may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and permanent disability. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. The total value depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of negligence involved.
How long do I have to file a construction accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including construction accidents. This means you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline. Additionally, if your case involves a government entity or specific contractual obligations, different deadlines may apply. To protect your rights, contact a Dallas construction accident lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.
What are common causes of construction accidents in Dallas?
Common causes of construction accidents in Dallas include: falls from heights due to inadequate fall protection, scaffolding collapses from improper assembly or defects, crane and heavy equipment accidents, electrocutions from contact with power lines or faulty wiring, trench collapses in excavation work, being struck by falling objects or equipment, equipment defects or lack of maintenance, inadequate safety training, OSHA violations, and negligent site supervision. Many of these accidents are preventable when proper safety protocols are followed.
How does OSHA affect my construction accident claim in Dallas?
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations establish mandatory safety standards for construction sites. OSHA violations can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your construction accident case. If OSHA investigated your accident and cited the responsible parties for safety violations, these citations can strengthen your claim. An experienced Dallas construction accident attorney will obtain OSHA reports, analyze violations, and use this evidence to prove that the defendant failed to maintain safe working conditions.
Contact Our Dallas Construction Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you've been injured in a construction accident in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in North Texas, you need aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Armstrong Law Firm has the experience, resources, and dedication to handle complex construction accident cases. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take on workers and their families. Our goal is to hold negligent parties accountable and help you rebuild your life.
Don't let insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Call our Dallas office at (214) 932-1288 for immediate assistance.
We serve construction accident victims throughout Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, and surrounding North Texas communities including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, McKinney, Frisco, Carrollton, Denton, Richardson, and beyond.
Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact Armstrong Law today to get started on your path to recovery and justice.
