Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Lawyer

Legal Guidance for Injured Construction Workers

Construction workers face some of the most hazardous job conditions in the country. Heavy machinery, dangerous tools, and physically demanding tasks put workers at constant risk.

A construction accident can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and lost wages, making it difficult to provide for yourself and your family. If you have suffered injuries due to a workplace accident, the Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyers at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can help you understand your legal rights and provide a way forward.

Workers who sustain injuries in a Fort Lauderdale construction accident are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, you may even have a third-party claim against another responsible party for compensation.

At The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., our dedicated legal team can lead you through the process of recovering maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Call (954) 677-0155 today for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and help you explore your legal options. 

Schedule A Free Consultation

 

Fort Lauderdale Construction Accidents Guide

• Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
• Workers’ Compensation for Injured Construction Workers
• Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida
• Common Construction Injuries That Qualify for Compensation
• What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide?
• Third-Party Liability Claims for Injured Fort Lauderdale Construction Workers
• How The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld Can Help

 

Common Fort Lauderdale Construction Accident Causes

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields, with workers exposed to hazardous conditions daily.

Every day in the U.S., 15 construction workers leave for work and never return home, while another 59 workers are injured on the job, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Construction accident injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. Many workers who survive a construction accident are left with serious injuries that may prevent them from returning to work for weeks, months, or even a lifetime.

Fort Lauderdale is in the midst of a major boom. From new luxury condominiums near Las Olas Boulevard to large-scale commercial developments on the city’s outskirts, construction is seemingly everywhere.

Our city’s constant expansion is fueled by a thriving tourism industry, an ever-growing population, and ongoing urban revitalization efforts. But with more worksites come more opportunities for serious accidents, putting hardworking construction workers at risk every day.

Common Causes of Construction Site Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

Some of the most prevalent construction accidents in Fort Lauderdale include:

• Falls from heights – Scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms can lead to serious falls.
• Falling objects – Tools, materials, and debris can strike workers, causing severe injuries.
• Defective equipment – Malfunctioning machinery, such as forklifts, cranes, or nail guns, can cause life-threatening accidents.
• Electrocutions – Exposed power lines, faulty wiring, or lack of proper safety measures can result in electrical accidents.
• Slip and fall accidents – Uneven surfaces, spills, and unsecured equipment create hazards on a job site.
• Trench and building collapses – Structural failures can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Machinery accidents – Heavy equipment and construction vehicles can cause devastating accidents.
• Explosions and fires – Leaking gas lines, electrical failures, and hazardous chemicals are common risks.
• Lack of proper training – Inadequate safety training increases the risk of workplace injuries.

With Fort Lauderdale experiencing a surge in new construction projects, the risk of workplace accidents is higher than ever. If you’ve been injured on a job site, securing legal representation is crucial.

A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer with the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can help you navigate the complexities of the law and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Workers’ Compensation for Injured Construction Workers

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who suffer workplace injuries or illnesses while performing their job duties. The system ensures that injured workers receive necessary medical care and financial support without the need for lengthy and costly lawsuits against their employers.

Under Florida law, almost all employers, including construction companies, are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees.

Why Does Workers’ Compensation Exist?

The workers’ compensation system was created to streamline the process for injured workers to receive compensation. Instead of having to prove employer negligence, an employee who suffers a work-related accident can file a claim and receive benefits regardless of who was responsible.

In exchange, workers generally cannot sue their employers directly, except in cases of gross negligence.

Who is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Florida, an injured worker must:

• Be classified as an employee (independent contractors typically do not qualify unless they meet specific legal criteria).
• Work for a construction company that carries workers’ compensation insurance (Florida law requires construction industry employers with one or more employees to provide coverage).
• Have sustained an injury while performing job-related duties, such as operating machinery, working on active job sites, or completing assigned physical tasks.
• Develop an occupational disease or repetitive stress injury due to long-term exposure to hazardous conditions.

Some injuries may not be covered, such as those sustained during personal errands, unauthorized activities, or off-site incidents unrelated to job duties. Determining eligibility for benefits can be complex, and consulting a Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer with the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can help injured workers understand their rights.

Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Florida

To seek workers’ compensation benefits, an injured worker must follow specific steps:

1. Report the injury – You must notify your employer within 30 days of the accident, preferably in writing, detailing how the injury occurred.
2. File a claim – You must file an official workers’ compensation claim within two years of the injury date. Missing this deadline could result in a loss of benefits.
3. Seek medical treatment – Treatment must be obtained from an approved provider under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
4. Await the insurance review – The insurer will assess your claim and determine eligibility for benefits.

If your claim is denied or delayed, you have the right to appeal the decision. In cases of occupational illnesses that develop over time, the filing deadline may start from the date you became aware of the condition rather than the initial exposure.

Legal Assistance for Workers’ Comp Claims Is Vital

Filing for workers’ compensation can be overwhelming, and mistakes in the process can lead to delays, denials, or reduced benefits. Workers’ comp exists to support injured workers, but obtaining benefits is not always straightforward. Many claimants face denied claims, delays in payments, or disputes over medical treatments.

A Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer with the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can help ensure that all legal requirements are met, negotiate with insurance companies, and appeal unfair denials.

Insurance companies want to protect their profits. Instead of paying claims fully and fairly, they are in the business of undervaluing and denying legitimate claims. Sometimes, insurance companies pressure workers to return to work before they have fully healed.

Don’t allow the workers’ compensation provider to take advantage of you. A Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer with the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can help you protect your rights, ensure you receive the benefits you deserve, and challenge unfair claim denials. If you are facing obstacles with your claim, legal guidance can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you need.

Common Construction Injuries That Qualify for Compensation

Construction sites are some of the most hazardous workplaces. Workers are continually exposed to dangerous conditions. Injuries workers suffer on the job range from minor to life-altering, with some requiring long-term medical care or resulting in permanent disabilities.

Some of the most common types of construction accident injuries in Fort Lauderdale include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery can lead to concussions and severe head injuries, resulting in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Falls, collapsing structures, or being pinned by equipment can cause spinal cord damage, leading to paralysis or limited mobility.
• Broken Bones and Fractures – High-impact falls, machinery accidents, or being struck by heavy objects often result in serious fractures that require surgery and rehabilitation.
• Amputations – Severe crush injuries from machinery or falling debris can lead to limb loss, permanently affecting a worker’s ability to perform job-related tasks.
• Electrocution Injuries – Exposed wiring, faulty electrical systems, and power line accidents can cause serious burns, nerve damage, or cardiac arrest.
• Burns and Chemical Exposure – Fires, explosions, and exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to painful burns and long-term respiratory issues.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) – Continuous lifting, bending, or operating heavy machinery can cause conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic joint pain.
• Hearing or Vision Loss – Exposure to loud machinery, explosions, or hazardous materials can lead to permanent hearing or vision impairment.

What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide?

Workers’ comp provides essential financial and medical support to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This system ensures that injured workers receive the care and assistance they need to recover without the burden of proving employer negligence.

Medical Expenses

Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to a workplace injury, including:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Doctor visits and specialist care
• Surgical procedures
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment

Wage Replacement Benefits

If an injury prevents you from working, workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits, which vary depending on your ability to return to work:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Provides up to 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage if you cannot work for a limited period.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Offers partial wage compensation if you can return to work with reduced earnings.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Available for workers who suffer catastrophic injuries and are unable to work again.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Compensation for lasting impairments that limit work capabilities.
• Vocational rehabilitation – Assistance with job retraining or education for those unable to return to their previous roles.

Death Benefits for Families

In the case of fatal construction accidents, Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to the surviving family members, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses – Up to a set amount to help cover costs.
• Financial support for dependents – Ongoing payments to compensate for lost income, typically based on a percentage of the deceased worker’s wages. These benefits help cover living expenses for spouses, children, and other qualifying dependents, ensuring financial stability after the tragic loss of a loved one.

Third-Party Liability Claims for Injured Fort Lauderdale Construction Workers

While workers’ compensation benefits cover medical bills and lost wages, they do not provide full compensation for an injured worker’s losses, such as pain and suffering or full wage replacement. In Florida, employers who provide workers’ compensation insurance are immune from civil lawsuits, meaning employees generally cannot sue them for additional damages. However, construction workers frequently have another option: third-party liability claims.

Because construction projects often involve multiple independent contractors, subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners, liability may extend beyond just the employer.

If a third party’s negligence contributed to or caused an accident, such as faulty equipment, unsafe site conditions, or failure to follow proper safety protocols, injured workers may have the right to pursue compensation from those responsible.

Unlike workers’ compensation, which limits recovery to economic damages, third-party claims allow workers to seek additional compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages related to their injury.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Construction Accident Claim?

Construction sites often involve multiple companies working together, increasing the likelihood that a third party’s negligence contributed to an accident. If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a valid third-party claim. This could include:

• Equipment manufacturers – If a defective tool or machine caused your injury, the manufacturer may be held responsible.
• Subcontractors or private contractors – If another company promoted hazardous conditions by failing to follow safety regulations, they could be liable.
• Property owners – If dangerous site conditions, such as unstable structures or poor maintenance, contributed to your accident, the property owner may be at fault.

Why a Third-Party Claim is Important

Unlike workers’ compensation, which covers only medical bills and partial wage replacement, a third-party lawsuit can provide compensation for:

• Pain and suffering – Monetary relief for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Full wage recovery – Unlike workers’ compensation, which only covers a portion of lost wages, a third-party claim can compensate for total lost earnings.
• Future medical expenses – Coverage for long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatments needed due to the injury.

Taking Legal Action

Determining who is responsible for a construction accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share fault. A Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyer can evaluate your case, identify all responsible parties, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld Can Help

Pursuing compensation after a construction accident can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from serious injuries. Our team at The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. has extensive experience handling workers’ comp claims, personal injury claims, and personal injury lawsuits against third parties. Our goal is always to secure the maximum compensation possible for you.

Why Choose Us?

• Comprehensive Legal Representation – We handle both workers’ compensation cases and third-party personal injury claims.
• Personalized Attention – We provide one-on-one guidance to ensure every client understands their legal options.
• Proven Results – We have secured life-changing settlements and verdicts for injured construction workers.
• No Upfront Fees – We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Get a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fort Lauderdale construction accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Our Fort Lauderdale construction accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call (954) 677-0155 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today.

Let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery. 

Schedule A Free Consultation

 

Law Offices Of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Office

Address: 101 NE 3rd Ave Suite 1500
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 677-0155