Miami Construction Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a construction accident in Miami, you’re not alone. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries, and unfortunately, accidents happen far too often. The aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, you may be unable to work, and you might not know what legal options are available to protect your future. At the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we are committed to helping injured workers and their families understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. Contact a dedicated Miami construction accident lawyer today.

Construction Accident Lawyer Serving Miami-Dade County

Whether you’re a construction worker, subcontractor, or even a bystander injured at or near a job site, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Our legal team is a proud representative of construction workers, and you can depend on a skilled Miami injury lawyer from our firm to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

Common Causes & Types of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are filled with hazards. Even when safety protocols are followed, accidents can still happen due to the nature of the work. When safety measures are ignored or corners are cut, the risks increase significantly. Some of the most common causes and types of construction accidents that lead to serious injuries are as follows:

• Falls from heights (scaffolding, ladders, roofs, or unfinished floors)
• Falling objects or debris (tools, materials, equipment)
• Electrocutions (exposure to power lines, faulty wiring, or defective equipment)
• Trench collapses
• Crane accidents
• Forklift accidents
• Machinery malfunctions or improper operation of heavy equipment
• Slip and fall accidents due to wet surfaces, debris, or uneven ground
• Explosions or fires caused by flammable materials or gas leaks
• Exposure to toxic chemicals or hazardous materials
• Being caught in or between equipment, machinery, or collapsing structures
• Vehicle accidents on or near the construction site
• Structural collapses (such as walls or supports giving way)
• Repetitive motion injuries and overexertion

Each of these types of accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, burns, and even amputations are unfortunately common outcomes.

Steps to Take After a Construction Accident

If you are injured in a construction accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Get medical attention immediately. Your health comes first. Call 911 if your injuries are serious or ask a coworker to help you get emergency care. Even if the injury seems minor at first, see a doctor as soon as possible; some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
2. Report the accident to your employer. In Florida, you generally have 30 days from the date of the accident (or from the date you became aware of the injury) to report it to your employer in order to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Report it in writing if possible and keep a copy for your records.
3. Document everything. If you’re able, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and anything that might have contributed to the accident. Get names and contact information of any witnesses. These details can be very important later.
4. Follow your doctor’s orders. If you’re receiving workers’ compensation, you’ll be required to see an approved physician. Attend all appointments and follow their recommendations to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
5. Contact a seasoned Miami construction accident lawyer. Construction accident claims can be complicated. A Miami construction accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA can review your case, advise you on your options, and handle communication with insurance companies or third parties so you can focus on recovery.
6. Be aware of deadlines for third-party claims. If a party other than your employer (such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor) was responsible for your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.

Workers’ Compensation Vs. Third-Party Claims

It’s important to understand the difference between workers’ compensation and third-party claims because the type of claim determines what compensation you can receive.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. That means you don’t need to prove anyone was negligent in causing your injury. If you were hurt while doing your job, you’re typically entitled to benefits. These may include medical care, a portion of your lost wages (generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a maximum), and disability benefits. However, workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or full lost income.

A third-party claim is different. If someone other than your employer or a co-worker caused or contributed to your accident, for example, a negligent contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against that party. In a third-party claim, you do need to prove negligence, but the compensation available is broader. You can seek damages for pain and suffering, full lost wages (past and future), emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

Many injured construction workers may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party claim, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Recoverable Compensation

The type and amount of compensation you can recover depends on whether you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim, a third-party claim, or both. Workers’ compensation benefits typically include the following:

• Medical expenses for authorized treatment
• Rehabilitation costs
• A portion of lost wages while you’re unable to work
• Temporary or permanent disability benefits

These benefits are limited. As mentioned, workers’ compensation does not provide payment for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.

Third-party claims can provide compensation for the following:

• All medical costs (past and future)
• Full lost income (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Contact a Miami-Dade County Construction Accident Lawyer

Don’t face a construction accident injury without a seasoned Miami injury lawyer in your corner. Here at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, we are dedicated to fighting for construction workers in Miami and throughout the state of Florida. Contact our firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.