Construction Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Serving All of Nevada
The Las Vegas construction workers’ compensation lawyers at Burg Simpson know that construction sites are one of the most dangerous places to work. Even though construction workers comprise just 6 percent of the U.S. labor force, the construction industry accounts for nearly 20 percent of all worker deaths. Tragically, many of these deaths are younger workers. Construction is the second deadliest occupation—behind agriculture—for workers younger than 18.
Which Construction Workers Are Most Likely to Get Hurt?
Ironworkers get hurt on the job more than any other construction worker. When it comes to fatalities, things change. The workers most likely to die on the job are:
- Laborer. More than one-quarter of worksite fatalities strike the average laborer.
- Supervisor. 13 percent of construction site deaths are front-line supervisors.
- Roofer. These employees are the third most likely to die onsite, and the most likely to die from a fall.
- Electricians and Carpenters. This group rounds out the top five most endangered construction site vocations.
In addition to fatalities, construction sites pose a high risk of nonfatal injuries, with one in 10 construction workers getting hurt on the job every year. Nearly two-thirds of these injuries occur within a person’s first year in the industry, suggesting a lack of experience may play a role. However, many accidents are avoidable with proper training, supervision, and oversight.
Injuries sustained on construction sites are often serious, resulting in time away from work, extended medical treatment, and all of the financial worries that accompany these things. But is filing for workers’ comp or pursuing a personal injury claim the best way to seek compensation? The Las Vegas construction workers’ compensation lawyers at Burg Simpson are here to review your case free of charge to help you understand your options and move in the direction most suitable for your claim.
If you have been injured or a family member has been killed on a construction site, Burg Simpson’s Nevada construction accident attorneys can help. Call us today at 702-668-2070 to schedule your FREE case review and learn more.
Leading Causes of Construction Worksite Injuries
While there are several possible causes of construction accidents, more than half of construction site fatalities are a result of what industry experts have dubbed the Fatal Four. These are:
Falls
Falls from roofs, scaffolds, ladders, and other heights are the single greatest cause of construction site deaths. It is no coincidence that fall protection is also the most common construction site OSHA violation.
Injuries commonly caused by falls on a construction site include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Internal Bleeding
- Lacerations and Disfigurement
Struck by Object
Construction workers constantly get hit by objects. Whether it is a vehicle, an unstable wall, or an errant tool, object strikes make up roughly 10 percent of worksite deaths.
Being struck by an object on a construction site can lead to:
- Head Injuries (Including concussion and skull fractures)
- Eye Injuries
- Broken Limbs
- Chest and Abdominal Injuries
Electrocutions
Construction workers are also at abnormally high risk for electrocutions. These can happen through contact with a power line, but also through improper use of machinery because of faulty wiring.
Electrocution can result in:
- Severe Burns
- Cardiac Arrest
- Nerve Damage
- Muscle Damage
- Respiratory Failure
Caught Between Objects
Workers frequently get caught beneath or between objects. Inadequate access points, faulty trenches, and insufficient protective systems can lead to these fatal accidents.
Workers caught between objects on a construction site may face:
- Crushing Injuries
- Amputations
- Internal Organ Damage
- Compartment Syndrome
- Asphyxiation
Additional Causes
In addition to OSHA’s Fatal Four, common causes of construction-related workers’ compensation claims include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Heavy Machinery Accidents
- Heavy Lifting Accidents
- Construction Vehicle Accidents
- Repetitive Strain Accidents
The Las Vegas construction workers’ compensation lawyers at Burg Simpson have handled worksite injuries caused by tools, inadequate training and safety protocols, defective products, general negligence, and so much more. During our initial investigation into your injury, we will thoroughly evaluate your working conditions and other pertinent factors to identify all underlying causes. This will help us determine if a workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit will be best for your situation.
Workers’ Compensation: Am I Entitled to Benefits?
In Nevada, workers’ compensation is designed to ensure workers receive coverage for medical expenses related to on-the-job injury. A no-fault insurance, workers’ comp is available for nearly all employees in the state, regardless of the role they may have played in their accident.
Approximately 75 percent of workers’ compensation cases involve medical-only benefits. There are, however, additional benefits that injured construction workers may be entitled to. This is dependent on the severity and impact of the injuries sustained and may include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD). TTD typically covers a portion of a worker’s weekly salary. It is designed to reduce the financial impact of time away from work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD). TPD is for workers who can still work, but only in a limited capacity. It covers the difference between pre-injury wages and reduced wages earned while working in a limited capacity.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD). PTD offers long-term financial support to workers who are permanently unable to return to any type of work due to injury. It typically covers a portion of a worker’s average weekly wage until they reach retirement age.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD). PPD is for workers who have suffered a permanent impairment, but can still work in some capacity. It is calculated based on the severity of the impairment and the worker’s ability to earn a living.
- Death Benefits. When a construction worker dies from an accident, surviving dependents and spouses may be awarded death benefits. These typically cover funeral expenses and provide financial support for surviving family members.
It is important to remember that you only have 90 days from the date of your accident or diagnosis to file a workers’ compensation claim in Nevada. You must take action before this time expires or risk losing your benefits.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Pay For?
Workers’ comp in Nevada will cover all necessary medical treatment related to the injury, including:
- Emergency Medical Care
- Doctor Visits
- Hospital Stays
- Surgery
- Prescription Medications
- Physical Therapy
- Rehabilitation Services
When necessary, vocational rehabilitation benefits are also available. These may cover job training, education, and other services designed to help workers find suitable employment following an on-the-job injury.
In addition to medical expenses and vocational rehabilitation, workers’ compensation provides mileage reimbursement for travel to and from treatments and appointments.
For most injured construction workers, claims will also provide wage reimbursement of 66 ⅔ percent of the worker’s average monthly wage. These payments will continue until the worker’s doctor determines they are fit to return to work.
If your disability from a construction accident is permanent, you may be entitled to apply for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to workers’ compensation. The experienced Las Vegas construction workers’ compensation lawyers at Burg Simpson will happily assist you in exploring these possibilities if they apply to your situation.
What Is a Third-Party Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In the state of Nevada, employees are barred from suing their employer for work-related accidents. However, if a third party—someone other than your employer—is responsible for your workplace injury, you may be eligible to sue for damages and compensation.
Personal injury claims differ from workers’ compensation claims in several ways, including:
- There must be a liable party, someone responsible for your accident, to file a personal injury claim.
- The statute of limitations for workers’ comp in Nevada is 90 days. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Nevada is two years from the date of the injury.
- Workers’ compensation benefits are limited. Damages sought in a personal injury claim are often more substantial.
- The workers’ comp process is not as involved or lengthy as taking legal action.
Workers’ compensation provides benefits for medical expenses and lost wages, but not for much else. Damages that can be sought through a personal injury claim include:
- Economic Damages. Medical expenses, lost wages, assistive and adaptive technologies, home modifications, and other quantifiable costs.
- Noneconomic Damages. Pain and suffering, emotional duress, forced changes to lifestyle, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship, and similarly non-quantifiable costs.
Some construction site injuries are best handled through workers’ compensation. Others require legal action. The best way to determine which applies to your claim is through a free and confidential consultation with one of the Las Vegas construction workers’ compensation lawyers at Burg Simpson. During your initial case review, we will assess the details of your case, discuss all of your options, and help you decide which process will result in the best outcome for your specific needs.
Our Nevada Construction Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
At Burg Simpson, our Las Vegas construction accident attorneys have decades of experience helping injured workers seek the compensation they deserve. With a comprehensive understanding of Nevada workers’ comp laws and a long and proud history of successful personal injury litigation, our firm has the background and experience needed to help injured workers choose the best path for their case and fight for the full compensation they are due.
Our lawyers recognize that each construction accident is unique. We provide personalized legal representation, tailored to the distinct needs of our clients. We take time to understand the impacts of each situation, enabling us to provide straightforward answers to questions and thoughtful guidance throughout the legal process. We are committed to providing compassionate support and treating each of our clients with the respect and dignity they deserve.
We Stand Behind Our Results
Burg Simpson has a long history of achieving favorable outcomes for injured construction workers. Having secured over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, our attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to handle even the most challenging injury claim.
In addition to an impressive history of winning cases, Burg Simpson is nationally recognized as a leader in personal injury law. Our attorneys have received numerous awards and accolades from prestigious legal organizations, including Best Lawyers in America, the National Trial Lawyers Association, and U.S. News & World Report. Like our results, these recognitions are a testament to our commitment to justice and our tireless efforts to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome following serious injury.
We Are Relentless in Our Pursuit of Justice
The Las Vegas construction workers’ compensation lawyers at Burg Simpson are not afraid to take on large corporations, insurance companies, or other powerful entities. We protect the rights of injured workers and fight to ensure fair treatment after on-the-job injury—and we do it at no cost to the victim.
Our lawyers do not believe access to representation should be incumbent on financial stability. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay any upfront fees. We only get paid once we’ve won your case. During your free initial consultation, we can discuss our fee structure and how it is calculated to help you decide if what we offer is the best fit for your needs.
If you have been injured on the job, our professional construction injury attorneys are here to help you:
- Receive fair compensation for your injuries
- Have access to quality medical care
- Understand your legal rights within the workers’ compensation system
- Get reimbursement for legitimate expenses you have incurred during your injury
- Apply for additional Social Security benefits
- Explore third-party personal injury lawsuits
Contact Our Construction Worker Injury Lawyers Today to Learn More
If you have been involved in a construction accident in Las Vegas or anywhere else in Nevada, call Burg Simpson at 702-668-2070 or contact us online to schedule a free case review and learn about your rights. We have been handling these types of complex cases for more than 45 years. We know the ins and outs of complicated workers’ compensation and personal injury laws. We can help you decide which option is most appropriate for your situation.
