Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites are a common sight in Texas, as new residential and commercial properties continuously sprout up throughout the state. As with any employer, construction companies have an obligation to provide safe, healthy and adequate conditions for employees who work hard to build and improve the community. Despite numerous safety regulations, the construction sector has one of the highest employee injury rates of any industry, and some of the most potentially dangerous situations.
Federal laws established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and governed by OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, provide a detailed list of regulations and procedures for ensuring that construction workers are kept safe on the job. Despite the efforts, construction remains a hazardous occupation. In recent years, OSHA has stepped up enforcement and efforts aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities at Texas construction sites. In 2007 alone, 144 construction workers died on the job and many more were injured.
Not only are Texas construction sites extremely dangerous, many construction workers who were injured at work receive inadequate compensation. In fact, the Houston Chronicle has reported that many contractor associations are regularly flooded with complaints from construction workers who aren't given the proper safety equipment or fail to receive proper medical care when they are injured on the job. Don't allow yourself to fall victim to under-compensation.
Construction Workers' Rights The most common construction accidents involve falling objects, falls, electrocution and incidents involving large or heavy machinery. It is up to employers to ensure that their employees are provided with the proper safety equipment, routinely maintained equipment and machinery, safe scaffolding, covers and warnings for holes, weak spots or power lines and that their workers are properly trained. Adequate working conditions can also be applied to sufficient breaks and overtime regulations for workers who must often endure the extreme Texas heat.
If you have experienced any of these accidents, or if you were injured while working on a construction site, it is vital to a successful case that you immediately report the accident and injury and bring your situation to the attention of a qualified personal injury attorney. OSHA regulations can be dense and liability laws are often complicated. Workers' compensation requirements and insurance regulations can also make these injury claims more difficult. When multiple contracting and subcontracting companies are involved or when there are additional premises liability issues, construction accident cases can quickly become complex.
Contacting the Firm Even though we have a reputation of winning and have recovered compensation worth tens of millions of dollars, we still take pride in the fact that we are also well known for making ourselves easily accessible and open to every client during their case. If you choose to work with our firm you can be confident that we will have your back every step of the way. If you have an emergency at any time of the day or night, we will answer. That is our level of dedication to our clients. To further show how committed we are, we work only on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees unless we win. Client satisfaction is our main priority, not our wallets.
The Ferguson Law Firm, P.C. is experienced in defending injured construction workers and has a strong knowledge of Texas labor and liability laws. We are also familiar with OSHA regulations and will thoroughly investigate your case to determine which regulations were violated and who should be held responsible. Our firm will also fight aggressively to defend your right to fair compensation against the large resources, legal teams and insurance adjustors many contractors and construction companies commonly assemble to protect them from overpaying injured workers. Don't allow yourself to be undercompensated. To discuss your case and its personal circumstances, fill out a free case evaluation or contact us directly.
Product liability it a specific area of law created to hold manufacturers, distributors, retailers and any other individual or business that makes products available to the public responsible for any injuries or illnesses their products cause. Similar to premises liability laws and dangerous drugs regulations, companies who make their goods or services public are legally obligated to act with reasonable care and must do whatever necessary to limit preventable and potential harm.
What is a dram shop?
If you are not familiar with the term dram shop, you are not alone. A dram shop is a legal term used to describe any establishment that sells or serves alcoholic beverages. This can include any bar, tavern, restaurant, liquor store or other form of business that sells alcohol. The word comes from an old term referring to shops that sold distilled spirits by small units of liquid called drams. Liability and regulations for dram shops are governed by a specific body of law that can differ from state to state. In Texas, establishments are prohibited from selling to minors and from serving visibly or seriously intoxicated customers. If you have ever seen someone get cut-off in a bar, you've witnessed dram shop liability laws in action.