Construction sites are known to be dangerous. Workers often use heavy machines, climb scaffolding, and deal with risky materials. Unfortunately, accidents are all too common. If you’ve been hurt on a construction site in Columbia, SC, you need a skilled legal team.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers are dedicated to helping accident victims in Columbia get the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation at (803) 573-0869 to discuss your case with a Columbia construction accident lawyer.
How The Jeffcoat Firm Can Help After a Construction Accident in Columbia, SC
A serious construction accident can turn your life upside down. You may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and prolonged physical pain. Handling insurers, contractors, and others can be tough, especially if you don’t know South Carolina’s tricky liability laws.
The Jeffcoat Firm brings over 101 years of combined experience to every case. Over the decades, we’ve recovered more than $90 million for injured clients across South Carolina. When your livelihood and well-being are on the line, you can trust our team’s proven track record of success, dedication, and legal skill.
Our seasoned attorneys offer:
- Comprehensive investigations: We’ll collect all key evidence. This includes accident reports, safety logs, eyewitness statements, security footage, and expert analysis.
- Strategic negotiations: Insurance providers often try to minimize payouts. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure any settlement reflects the true extent of your losses.
- Expert resources: We work with engineers, safety experts, medical professionals, and other specialists. This helps us build a stronger case when needed.
- Personalized guidance: We understand that every client’s situation is different. We’ll tailor our approach to address your specific circumstances, injuries, and goals.
- Trial representation: If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, we have no hesitation about taking your case to court.
Each of these steps is designed to protect your rights and boost your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Contact us to meet with a skilled Columbia construction accident attorney.
What Is My Columbia Construction Accident Case Worth?
While no two cases are the same, several factors influence the potential value of a construction accident claim.
Some of the most important considerations when evaluating a claim’s value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
These factors determine how much your case might ultimately be worth. Insurance companies often undervalue claims. Strong legal representation can make a difference in the final outcome.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Construction Accident Victims?
Construction accident victims in South Carolina can get both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover things like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages reflect the physical and emotional pain after an incident. For example, courts often compensate for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological harm. These damages may also account for loss of enjoyment if you can no longer engage in activities or hobbies that once enriched your life.
Punitive damages might be possible if the defendant acted very recklessly. These are rarely given and usually need proof of serious negligence or intentional misconduct.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer in Columbia?
Medical bills and missed paychecks add up quickly, making legal fees feel like an additional burden.
To address these worries, our firm works on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront costs: You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
- Aligned interests: Our payment is a percentage of your settlement or award, so we’re motivated to maximize your compensation.
- No financial risk: If we don’t win, you owe us no attorney’s fees.
We offer contingency fees so that all injured workers can access quality legal help, no matter their financial situation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Construction Accident in South Carolina?
South Carolina adheres to modified comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, the court will reduce your award by your share of the blame. For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault, your total compensation decreases by 20%. If the system finds you 51% or more at fault, it may bar you from any recovery.
Multiple parties, such as subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers, may share liability. Establishing fault is critical in construction accident cases. Our firm conducts a detailed investigation to reduce any blame placed on you.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Construction Accident Injuries
A construction accident can cause life-changing harm that extends beyond physical pain. Knowing the types of injuries can show why you need full compensation.
Below are some common injuries that occur on construction sites:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns and electrocution
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
Each injury can require a lot of medical care. It may need ongoing rehab and can cause serious emotional pain.
What Causes Most Construction Accidents in Columbia, SC?
Construction sites inherently involve heavy machinery, multiple contractors, and complex structures.
Common accidents include:
- Falls from heights: Unsecured scaffolding, faulty safety harnesses, or missing guardrails.
- Falling objects: Improperly secured tools or materials that can injure workers below.
- Equipment malfunctions: Defective machinery, such as cranes or forklifts, may malfunction.
- Electrocutions: Exposed wiring or live power lines can cause serious electric shock.
- Slip and falls: Debris, uneven surfaces, or wet floors can lead to broken bones or concussions.
- Vehicle incidents: Construction vehicles, like dump trucks or backhoes, pose additional risks.
No matter if your accident fits one of these categories or is something unique, we carefully investigate the case. This helps us find out how and why it happened.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Construction Accident in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the incident. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering any damages.
Below are some key points to keep in mind about the statute of limitations:
- Discovery rule: The clock may start later if you didn’t immediately realize you were injured.
- Wrongful death cases: Family members usually have three years from the date of death to file.
- Government entities: Claims against public agencies or employees may have shorter time windows.
Understanding these deadlines is critical. By contacting The Jeffcoat Firm promptly, you can ensure all relevant legal timelines are met.
What Should I Do After a Construction Accident?
Acting quickly after a construction accident can boost your future claim. Individuals should always:
- Seek medical attention. Your health should be your first priority. Prompt treatment also documents the severity of your injuries.
- Report the incident. Inform your employer or site supervisor and request that they create an official accident report.
- Gather evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any relevant site conditions.
- Obtain contact information. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Consult an attorney. Before speaking with insurance adjusters, reach out to a lawyer.
These steps not only protect your health but also help preserve vital evidence.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims
In South Carolina, many injured workers file a claim for workers’ compensation. This system helps pay for medical bills and covers some lost wages. However, workers’ compensation won’t typically compensate for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
Victims may pursue a third-party lawsuit for:
- Negligent subcontractors: If someone on-site who isn’t your employer contributed to the accident.
- Defective equipment: If the injury stemmed from a faulty product or tool.
- Unsafe premises: If the property owner failed to address hazardous conditions.
Pursuing a third-party claim alongside a workers’ compensation claim can help you recover the full extent of your damages.
The Role of OSHA and Safety Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets guidelines to minimize workplace hazards. Violations of these regulations can indicate negligence, helping to strengthen your claim.
Examples of potential OSHA violations include:
- Inadequate fall protection: Missing guardrails or defective harnesses.
- Faulty machinery safeguards: Broken safety guards or unmaintained equipment.
- Poor housekeeping: Debris, spills, or cluttered walkways.
- Lack of training: Workers who aren’t properly instructed on machinery use.
Any official citation or proof of non-compliance can strongly support a personal injury or third-party claim. It shows that the defendant ignored safety.
How a Lawyer Can Prove Negligence in a Construction Accident
In personal injury cases, you must show:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions or act responsibly.
- Breach of Duty: They failed to uphold that duty by being negligent or violating safety standards.
- Causation: Their negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered losses as a direct result of the accident.
Our attorneys gather accident reports, witness statements, expert testimony, and safety records. They use these to build a strong argument that meets legal requirements.
Contact Our Columbia Construction Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been hurt on a construction site, don’t face the aftermath alone. Call our Columbia office or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia construction accident lawyer. We’ll evaluate your case, discuss your rights, and guide you through the next steps with clarity and compassion.
