Demolition is an essential phase of many construction projects. Destroying old buildings and ruined structures and removing the debris pave the way for new construction to begin.
Demolition contractors are trained and certified to safely contain toxic substances and destroy structures while avoiding damage to gas, power, water, and sewer lines. Despite strict regulations and training requirements, accidents occur, and sometimes people get badly hurt or killed.
Just as demolition is a specialized skill, representing victims of demolition accidents requires technical legal knowledge and access to industry experts. When you need help after a demolition accident, contact an experienced Las Vegas construction accident lawyer at Shook & Stone. Take advantage of a free consultation with one of our seasoned construction accident attorneys to learn about your legal options and how you could obtain fair compensation for your losses.
Causes of Demolition Accidents
Demolition involves the use of heavy equipment like excavators and front-end loaders, jackhammers, and sometimes requires explosives. When using such dangerous tools in an open environment, a lot can go wrong if everyone does not take all necessary precautions and do their jobs perfectly.
Some common demolition mishaps that can cause injuries include:
- Misusing jackhammers
- Defective jackhammers
- Release of toxic substances
- Blast-induced scaffolding collapses
- Insufficient containment of shrapnel
- Defective or poorly timed explosive fuses
- Falls from a height due to a blast shaking surrounding structures
Poorly managed demolition also could damage power or gas lines, creating electrocution or explosion hazards.
Whatever the mistake that caused your injury, someone’s negligence is to blame. The legal meaning of negligence is failing to take reasonable care to prevent injuries to others. Our diligent Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Shook & Stone will investigate the incident, determine who is responsible, and hold them accountable for their actions.
Your Rights If You Were Working When Injured
If you were injured while working on or near the site, you must make a claim through the workers’ compensation program. The program will pay your medical expenses and a partial wage while you cannot work. You can seek benefits through workers’ compensation whether you work for the demolition company, another contractor onsite, or were working for any employer in any capacity when you were hurt.
You cannot sue your employer when you suffer an injury at work. If your employer or a coworker was the sole cause of the accident, workers’ compensation is your only remedy. However, if you work for someone other than the party responsible for the accident, you could still sue a third party for damages. Even when your employer is partially responsible, if other parties are also blameworthy, you could sue them.
Workers’ compensation pays for your medical treatment and a partial wage while you cannot work. If your injury will never heal completely, you are eligible for permanent disability benefits. A lawsuit against a third party could provide compensation for the portion of your lost wages that workers’ compensation does not cover, plus money for your pain and suffering. One of our demolition injury lawyers in Law Vegas could estimate the damages you might claim in your specific case.
Filing an Injury Claim If Workers’ Compensation Does Not Apply
If you were a bystander, neighbor, or just driving by when you suffered a demolition accident injury, you could sue any party who had some responsibility for the incident. Responsible parties could include:
- The site owner
- The demolition contractor
- All the other contractors working at the site
- The city if permits were defective or inspections inadequate
- The manufacturer if the accident was the result of defective equipment
Our well-practiced attorneys in Las Vegas are skilled in determining whose negligence contributed to a demolition accident. If necessary, we can enlist experts in accident reconstruction, engineering, and other disciplines to make that determination. We identify and file claims against as many potentially responsible parties as possible to increase the insurance coverage available to pay your damages.
Nevada Revised Statute § 11.190(4)(e) requires you to file a lawsuit within two years of your injury, but it is best to secure legal representation soon after the incident. Doing so allows your Shook & Stone attorney to investigate the incident while evidence is available and witnesses’ memories are fresh. It also protects you from predatory insurance companies that might pressure you to resolve your demolition accident claim for less than its fair value.
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Contact a Las Vegas Attorney for Legal Help After a Demolition Accident
When demolition goes wrong, and you get hurt, you deserve comprehensive compensation for your injuries. You should not have to bear the financial burden of other people’s mistakes.
At Shook & Stone, our Las Vegas demolition accident lawyer knows how to investigate and win these complex cases. Initial consultations are always free, so call us today to learn more.
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