Wrongful Death and Construction Accidents
As the Seattle and Bellevue, WA, area continues to grow, we can expect more construction. That will be a boom for the local economy and culture, though more construction does come with a few dangers. When accidents occur at construction sites, the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Quick Law Group, PLLC can help.
Here, our lawyers consider the importance of filing a wrongful death lawsuit over a fatal construction accident. It’s crucial to note that this is an option for families of construction workers as well as non-construction workers who were near a construction site.
Statistics on Fatal Construction Accidents
According to numbers from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), 5,333 individuals died while on the job in 2019. Of that total, 1,061 worked in private industry construction. That’s roughly 20 percent of all worker fatalities that year.
Victims of Fatal Construction Accidents
While construction workers accounted for roughly one-fifth of construction fatalities in 2019, the numbers don’t provide a full story. The team at our Bellevue law firm wants to consider who these accidents affect.
- Construction Workers - Given the numbers from OSHA above, fatal accidents are a dangerous reality for many people who work in construction.
- Bystanders and Motorists - Non-workers who happen to pass by a construction site could be the unfortunate victims of accidents.
- Surviving Loved Ones - The loss of a loved one can have serious repercussions for a household, both financially and emotionally.
Common Causes of Fatal Construction Accidents
Among construction workers, the most common causes of fatal injuries are known as the fatal four. This includes:
- Falls - Falling from a considerable height is a major hazard for many construction workers.
- Being caught in or between objects - This refers to being buried by building materials, getting crushed by equipment, and similar types of accidents.
- Being struck by objects - This covers being struck by falling objects as well as by heavy machinery and vehicles.
- Electrocution - Working with wiring and electrical elements at a construction site is extremely hazardous, and requires great care and training.
For non-construction workers, the causes of fatal injuries can vary. There’s a risk of crane accidents, collisions with construction vehicles, scaffolding collapses, and falling objects from a construction site.
This is why construction sites need to follow safety guidelines to protect their workers as well as non-workers who are in the area.
Proving Fault in a Construction Accident Case
In order to establish fault in a construction accident, it must be shown that the construction company or a third-party at the construction site breached their duty of care. This breach of duty means that the construction site was not safe, and this negligence contributed to a fatal accident.
A skilled construction accident attorney can review the evidence in your case and let you know if you have a lawsuit that’s worth pursuing.
Legal Damages Sought in a Wrongful Death Case
In a fatal construction accident lawsuit, it’s possible to seek damages to compensate for the following losses:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical care prior to death
- Lost earnings from the deceased loved one
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
In addition to these compensatory damages, punitive damages may also be sought from the negligent party. These punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for their actions or inaction that contributed to the loss of a loved one.
Contact Our Attorneys
If you live in the Bellevue area and have lost a loved one in a construction accident, Quick Law Group, PLLC can help. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, contact our attorneys online or call our law firm at (425) 576-8150.