Frederick Construction Accident Lawyer

Construction injuries can be catastrophic and life-changing. Whether you were hurt on a construction site as a worker or a bystander, it’s important to consult an experienced construction accident lawyer in Frederick to explain your legal options clearly. The seasoned workers’ compensation and construction accident lawyers at Trollinger Law LLC are here for you.

Our team knows that recovering from an injury is painful and stressful, especially if it creates financial hardships and leaves unanswered questions about your next steps. Trollinger Law LLC provides client-centered legal representation that puts people first.

Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced construction injury lawyer in Frederick, MD.

Common Causes of Construction Accidents

Construction sites are busy areas with many potential hazards, from heavy equipment and materials to toxic substances and dangerous work areas.

Some of the most common causes of construction accidents include:

• Flying or falling objects
• Falls from heights, such as roofs, scaffolding, or ladders
• Ladder and scaffold failures
• Collapsed platforms or structures
• Trench and excavation collapses
• Inadequate guardrails
• Failure to provide adequate fall protection gear and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Exposed wires or other electrical hazards
• Unsafe machinery or a lack of proper guarding
• Slips and falls due to unsafe conditions
• Improper use of tools or equipment
• Fires and explosions
• Toxic exposure
• Lack of supervision
• On-site motor vehicle accidents

Types of Injuries in Construction Site Accidents

One of the most dangerous aspects of working on or near a construction site is that multiple types of work are often being performed simultaneously. As the number of contractors and subcontractors increases, so does the risk of injury due to miscommunication, coordination failures, or safety oversights.

Common construction site injuries include:

• Overexertion and repetitive strain injuries
• Broken bones
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Crush injuries
• Hand injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Lacerations and contusions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Burns
• Electrocution
• Amputation
• Respiratory injuries
• Hearing loss
• Visual impairment
• Other catastrophic injuries

Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims

After a construction accident, the type of injury claim that can be filed depends heavily on the circumstances of the case.

Workplace construction accidents

If you work in construction and suffer a job-related injury, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Maryland law. The state requires most employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation benefits cover all reasonable medical treatment and provide partial wage replacement to qualifying employees regardless of who caused the workplace accident.

In most construction accident cases involving injured workers, workers’ compensation is generally the exclusive remedy for recovering benefits for a job-related injury, regardless of fault. In exchange for providing no-fault workers’ compensation benefits, employers are generally protected from lawsuits brought by their employees under state law. However, if the party responsible for the accident was someone other than your employer, you could have a third-party personal injury claim.

Third-party claims

When a third party unrelated to the employer causes a construction accident, the worker may also be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against that third party, whose insurance may cover the resulting damages. If applicable, a third-party claim may allow accident victims to recover compensation not available through workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering and the full value of their lost wages.

A workplace accident lawyer in Frederick can review the details of your case and determine which type of claim is appropriate in your situation. In some cases, you can file both a workers’ comp and a third-party claim simultaneously.

Bystander claims

Another type of third-party claim involves non-employees. Workers are not the only people who fall victim to construction injuries. For example, if a pedestrian is struck by falling debris due to a contractor’s failure to secure materials, they could be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the contractor. In these personal injury cases, injury victims can seek compensation for medical expenses and other accident-related losses, such as lost income, rehabilitation costs, and emotional distress.

Maryland Construction Accident Laws

Numerous state and federal laws govern construction projects in Maryland. Among those are:

• Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS): Maryland’s statewide building code, based on model codes such as the International Building Code, which governs construction and building safety standards
• Model Performance Code (MPC): Maryland’s standards for constructing industrialized or modular buildings, along with rules for the construction or alteration of state-owned buildings.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards: Federal regulations that create workplace safety standards to protect employees
• National Electrical Code (NEC): Governs electrical installations and promotes hazard-free systems when applied correctly

State laws that apply to construction site injuries include:

• Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act – Outlines employer obligations and employee rights to benefits when job injuries occur
• Personal injury and negligence laws – Govern the deadlines to file personal injury claims in Maryland, how fault is determined (contributory negligence), and other important doctrines that may affect a victim’s ability to recover compensation

What to Do After a Construction Accident

After a construction site accident, report the incident to your supervisor, the site manager, or the property owner (or all three). Seek immediate medical care to treat your injury.

In the days and weeks following the accident, you can take these steps to protect your health and your potential claim, whether you go through the workers’ compensation system, personal injury claims process, or both:

• Attend all doctors’ appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
• Retain copies of your medical bills, receipts, and other proof of expenses related to your injury.
• Keep track of your time off work.
• Stay off social media and ask your family and friends not to post about your injury.
• Keep a daily record of your doctor visits, medication, and pain levels, and note how your injury affects your daily life.
• Do not give any recorded statements to any insurance representative until you speak to a lawyer.
• Do not accept any settlement offer until you have it reviewed by an attorney.
• Contact a Frederick construction accident attorney about your claim.

How Trollinger Law LLC Handles Construction Accident Claims

The aftermath of a construction accident can be overwhelming, but getting reliable legal help doesn’t have to be. The experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys at Trollinger Law LLC have years of experience helping clients in construction injury cases.

Our law firm focuses exclusively on workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, giving us deep insight into both areas of the law and how they overlap. Whether you need help filing a Maryland workers’ compensation claim, third-party claim, or a personal injury case after a construction accident, our legal team can provide comprehensive support, protect your legal rights, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Trollinger Law LLC has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for clients in both personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. With over 300 five-star Google reviews, we are proud of the personalized experience that we provide our clients.

Here’s what some of our past clients have to say about working with us:

“I’m not sure I have the words to adequately express my gratitude for Trollinger Law. From the very first phone call, Mr. Trollinger made me feel like I had an advocate. My complicated and lengthy case was handled by Hugh Williams, who kept me informed every step of the way. He patiently answered my many questions and did an absolutely amazing job representing me. My advice to anyone out there considering an attorney…please talk to Trollinger Law first. Don’t let your employer bully you into giving up your case. Don’t let pre-existing conditions discourage you from seeking the compensation you are entitled to. You are worth it and Trollinger Law will ensure you are treated with compassion and kindness every single step of the way. Many thanks to Hugh, Matt, Molly, and Chris for taking care of our community!”

—      RL

“The experience I had with Trollinger Law was great. They were very helpful in guiding me through a workmans comp case. I ended up getting more than I expected. The staff were very informative and knowledgeable. I hope to never need them again, but if I need a lawyer again they will be my first call.”

—      Mike Gray

Contact Trollinger Law LLC Today

After a serious injury, you need a lawyer who will pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. Reach out to Trollinger Law LLC for a free initial consultation with a construction site injury attorney serving Frederick today. Our law office serves clients throughout Frederick County, Southern Maryland, and Washington, D.C.