Detroit Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Construction site accidents are common work injuries and result in significant damage. If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, you should immediately contact Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC.

With our firm evaluating your case, you can prove liability, negligence, and damages to get the most out of your claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how much your case could be worth by calling (313) 462-7979.

How Common Are Construction Site Accidents?

According to the Occupational Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA), there were more than 5,283 on-the-job fatalities in 2023. Of those, approximately half were caused by extraction, construction, and transportation occupations.

This shows how dangerous the construction industry is and the inherent risk of performing this type of work for a living. However, despite the risk involved with this profession, employers should uphold the standard of care and ensure they follow proper protocol to prevent on-the-job injuries.

What Are Michigan’s Labor Laws?

Michigan labor laws are strict. There are many rules and regulations employers, including construction companies, must adhere to. Some examples of these laws include:

• Providing employees with workers’ compensation protection coverage, according to Comp. Laws § 418.115
• Paying employees a minimum wage of $9.65 per hour, according to Comp. Laws § 408.934
• Employees must be paid overtime when they work more than 40 hours per week, according to Comp. Laws § 408.414a
• Employers are required to keep employee records, including their name, birthday, hourly pay, and other details, according to Mich Comp. Laws § 408.479

What Are the Most Common Safety Violations for Construction Sites?

However, despite these regulations, the construction industry continues to see several safety violations on site. Some examples of safety violations commonly seen on Michigan construction sites include:

• Failure to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Improper use of scaffolding
• Lack of adequate safety equipment at excavation sites
• Failure to use or provide fall protection
• Inappropriate use of plastic or steel banding on railings
• Failure to use guard rails or cross braces
• Loading scaffolds beyond their maximum capacity
• Improperly securing scaffolds
• Use of compromised suspension ropes

Different Types of Construction Accidents

Construction site accidents can take many forms, and some occur more than others. The most common are known as “the fatal four,” which include the following:

1. Being struck by an object – Construction workers can be hit by falling objects, swinging loads, loads hanging low to the ground, swinging beams, or other equipment being moved across construction sites.
2. Slip and fall accidents – Slips, trips, and falls on construction sites produce devastating and life-threatening injuries. These frequently occur when building structures collapse, construction workers fall from rooftops or scaffolds, or workers fall off stationary construction vehicles.
3. Electrocution – This frequently occurs when extension cords are improperly used, or construction workers come into contact with power sources they shouldn’t.
4. Being caught in between an object – Crushing injuries occur during building collapses or when an item is being compressed by equipment or construction materials.

However, these are not the only types of construction site accidents that may occur. Others include:

• Failure to use necessary respiratory protection
• Violations of personal protective equipment
• Forklift accidents
• Trench or ground collapses
• Collisions involving powered industrial trucks
• Improper use of a ladder
• Issues with communicating hazards
• Bulldozer accidents
• Fires or explosions

What Injuries Happen on Construction Sites in Detroit?

The type of accident you were involved in could determine the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

For example, someone who was electrocuted might endure third-degree burns. Other types of injuries you might experience in a construction site accident include:

• Broken and fractured bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of limbs
• Contusion and abrasions
• Herniated discs
• Back injuries
• Neck injury
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Loss of motor function
• Disfigurement or dismemberment

What Causes Construction Site Accidents?

Your construction site accident attorney must carefully evaluate how your injuries occurred to determine their cause. Malfunctioning equipment, negligent coworkers, or lack of personal protective equipment might all contribute to your injuries.

Who’s Liable for Accidents on a Construction Site?

The parties responsible for causing your damages might surprise you. For example, suppose faulty or malfunctioning construction equipment caused your construction site accident injuries. In that case, you could hold the manufacturer and the company who sold you the defective equipment accountable.

You also could file a claim against one or more of the following parties:

• Contractors and subcontractors
• Supervisors
• The construction foreman
• The construction company
• Safety inspectors
• Construction vehicle maintenance technicians
• Other third parties

How to File a Construction Site Accident Claim in Detroit

After a serious construction injury, you may be overwhelmed by medical bills, time off work, and pressure from your employer or their insurance company. Knowing where to start with a legal claim can feel impossible — but you don’t have to navigate the process alone.

Step 1: Report the Injury Immediately

Tell your supervisor or employer about the injury right away and make sure it’s documented. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, reporting them early helps protect your rights.

Step 2: Get Medical Treatment

Always seek medical attention, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. This creates a record that ties your injuries to the construction site accident and supports your claim.

Step 3: Document the Scene and Witnesses

If you’re able, take photos of the accident site, your injuries, and any equipment involved. Get contact information from any coworkers or supervisors who witnessed the incident. These details may be important later if your case involves third-party liability.

Step 4: Contact a Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Before you talk to insurance adjusters or accept any settlement, speak with an attorney who understands construction accident claims in Michigan. Filing a workers’ compensation claim may not be enough — especially if someone other than your employer is at fault.

Why Choose Attorney Maurice Davis?

Maurice Davis has built a reputation in Detroit for standing up to large construction firms, insurance companies, and negligent contractors. When you work with Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC, you get:

• A full investigation into the cause of your accident
• Help identifying all liable parties (not just your employer)
• Accurate calculations of your damages, including lost wages, future medical care, and pain and suffering
• Aggressive representation in negotiations — and in court, if necessary

Filing a claim after a construction site injury isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about getting justice, protecting your financial future, and making sure unsafe practices are held accountable.

FAQs about Construction Site Accidents

Can I still file a construction accident claim if I’m a subcontractor, not a full-time employee?

Yes. Subcontractors and independent contractors may have the right to file a personal injury claim if another party’s negligence caused the accident. You might not qualify for workers’ comp through the general contractor, but you could pursue damages from a third party, such as the site manager, property owner, or equipment manufacturer.

What if I didn’t report the accident right away? Can I still file a claim?

You may still have a valid case, especially if there is medical documentation linking your injuries to the construction site. While reporting the injury promptly is always best, a delay doesn’t automatically disqualify you from compensation. A lawyer can help you determine how to move forward.

How are construction accident claims different from other personal injury cases?

Construction accident claims often involve multiple parties — contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or other subcontractors. These cases also frequently involve workplace safety laws and OSHA regulations, making them more complex than typical slip-and-fall or car accident claims.

Can I get compensation for pain and suffering after a construction accident?

Yes — but only through a personal injury claim, not workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp typically covers medical expenses and lost wages, but not emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life. To seek pain and suffering damages, a third-party personal injury lawsuit is usually required.

Will I have to go to court to win my construction accident case?

Not necessarily. Many construction injury claims settle out of court through negotiation. However, if the responsible party denies liability or refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial to fight for full compensation.

Get Help from A Construction Site Accident Lawyer Today

After being critically injured in a construction site accident, you may end up dealing with the aftereffects of your injuries for years to come.

Get help demanding justice when you contact an experienced Detroit construction site accident lawyer at Davis Injury Lawyers, PLLC. When you are ready to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation, fill out our quick contact form or call our office at (313) 462-7979 to get started on your insurance and civil claims.