You show up to work, just like any other day. You clock in, put on your gear, and get to it. Then out of nowhere something goes wrong. A fall, a faulty piece of equipment, a misstep on a scaffold. And just like that, your life changes.
Construction work is dangerous, and even when you follow every safety rule, accidents still happen. In California, construction accounts for 17% of all workplace fatalities, with 94 workers losing their lives in 2020 alone. Many more suffer serious injuries that leave them unable to work, drowning in medical bills, and unsure of what to do next.
That’s where we come in. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we help injured construction workers in Van Nuys get the compensation they deserve. Whether your injury happened because of unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or someone else’s mistake, you have rights and we’re here to protect them.
You’ve worked hard your whole life. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you shouldn’t have to fight alone. Let’s talk about your options. Your consultation is free.
Why Construction Accident Claims in Van Nuys Can Be Challenging
Getting hurt on a construction site is bad enough. But dealing with insurance companies, paperwork, and legal loopholes? That can feel impossible when you’re trying to recover. Many injured workers assume that filing a construction accident claim is straightforward report the injury, get compensation, and move on. Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple.
Insurance companies don’t want to pay out large claims. They may delay, deny, or downplay your injuries, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. Your employer might push back, blaming you for the accident or saying your injury isn’t as bad as you claim. Meanwhile, medical bills keep stacking up, and you’re left wondering how to move forward.
Many workers also don’t realize they might be eligible for more than just workers’ compensation. If someone other than your employer a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer was responsible for the accident, you could have a personal injury case as well. That could mean higher compensation for lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering.
This is where a construction injury attorney makes a difference. A good accident lawyer fights back against insurance companies and employers who try to avoid responsibility. If you were in a construction accident today, it’s important to know your rights and options before accepting any settlement.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Accident?
Many injured workers assume that if they get hurt on the job, their employer’s insurance is the only place to turn. But construction sites involve multiple companies working together, which means liability can go beyond just your employer.
A construction accident lawyer near you will investigate who really caused the accident and hold them accountable. Here’s how different parties can be responsible:
Contractors & Subcontractors: If a general contractor fails to enforce safety regulations like securing scaffolding or providing proper protective gear they could be held liable. Let’s say a worker falls from an unstable scaffold because a subcontractor ignored safety guidelines. That worker may have a construction accident claim against the subcontractor as well as the site owner.
Property Owners: Some accidents happen because a construction site was unsafe from the start. If a property owner knew about a hazardous condition but failed to fix it, they could be responsible for injuries.
Equipment Manufacturers: If faulty machinery, defective tools, or unsafe materials caused your injury, you might have a product liability case against the manufacturer. A construction accident law firm can investigate whether the equipment was defective and pursue a case on your behalf.
Every construction accident today is different, which is why it’s important to talk to a construction site accident attorney who knows how to hold the right people accountable.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits – What’s Right for You?
After a construction site injury, one of the biggest questions is: What type of claim should I file? The answer depends on who was responsible and the kind of compensation you need.
Workers' Compensation Benefits
Most construction workers in California are covered by workers’ compensation. This means you don’t have to prove fault you just need to show that you were injured while doing your job.
Workers’ comp can help with:
- Medical bills related to your injury
- Partial wage replacement if you can’t work
- Disability benefits if your injury is long-term
But here’s the catch: Workers’ comp does not cover pain and suffering. It also limits how much money you can receive, no matter how serious your injury is.
Construction Accident Personal Injury Lawsuits
Unlike workers’ comp, a personal injury lawsuit allows you to recover full compensation not just for medical expenses, but also for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost future income.
You might have a personal injury case if:
- A third party (not your employer) was responsible for the accident.
- The accident was caused by faulty equipment or a negligent contractor.
- Your employer violated safety laws, leading to the accident.
For example, if a construction worker is electrocuted because the electrical contractor failed to properly secure live wires, the worker could sue the electrical contractor in a personal injury lawsuit.
Can You File Both?
Yes. If your employer’s insurance covers you through workers’ comp, but another party (like a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer) was also responsible, you may be able to file both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit.
This is why it’s important to speak with a construction site injury attorney who can determine the best path for maximum compensation. A good accident lawyer will evaluate all possible claims, deal with insurance companies, and make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
If you’re unsure about your options, talking to a construction accident lawyer near you can help you figure out your next steps. The right construction injury attorney will fight to get you the compensation you need to move forward.
What Are the Most Common Types of Construction Accidents & Injuries?
Construction work comes with risks, and even when you follow safety rules, accidents happen. Some injuries heal with time, while others lead to chronic pain, permanent disability, or even life-changing conditions. Here’s a look at some of the most common construction accidents and the injuries they cause.
Falls from Heights (Broken Bones, Spinal Injuries)
Falling from a ladder, scaffolding, or an unfinished structure can cause severe injuries, from broken bones to spinal cord injuries that affect mobility.
For example, imagine a worker on a Van Nuys construction site adjusting a roof panel. His harness wasn’t properly secured by a subcontractor, and when he slipped, there was nothing to stop the fall. After multiple surgeries and months of medical attention, he was left with permanent mobility issues and needed financial compensation to cover his medical care and lost wages.
If a fall like this happens, a personal injury lawyer can investigate whether safety violations, defective equipment, or negligence contributed to the accident.
Electrocution & Electrical Hazards (Burns, Nerve Damage)
Electricity runs through almost every construction site, and exposed wiring, unfinished electrical work, or faulty equipment can cause serious harm. Workers who suffer electrocution often deal with severe burns, nerve damage, or internal injuries that impact their long-term health.
Take the case of an electrician who was rewiring a commercial building when a faulty circuit caused a massive electrical shock. He suffered nerve damage in his hands, leaving him unable to work. In situations like this, an experienced attorney can determine if the equipment manufacturer, site owner, or another third party is responsible.
Falling Objects & Debris (Head Trauma, TBI)
A construction site is full of tools, materials, and debris. When something falls from above, a worker may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or fractures even if they’re wearing a helmet.
For example, a worker might be standing near a scaffold when a heavy metal beam slips from a crane. A direct hit to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury that leads to memory loss, speech issues, and long-term disability. Cases like this often involve multiple responsible parties, including equipment operators, contractors, or even government entities overseeing safety regulations.
Machinery & Equipment Failures (Amputations, Crush Injuries)
Heavy machinery is a part of nearly every construction site, and when brakes fail, guards are missing, or controls malfunction, workers get hurt. These accidents can lead to amputations, crush injuries, or even catastrophic injuries that change a person’s quality of life forever.
A construction worker operating a commercial truck might suffer crushed legs if the brake system malfunctions, pinning him against a barrier. If the faulty part was manufactured incorrectly, the equipment provider could be held responsible for his injuries.
Caught In/Between Accidents (Severe Internal Injuries)
Some of the most dangerous construction accidents happen when a worker gets caught in or between heavy materials or equipment. These incidents often lead to internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe bone fractures.
For example, a laborer on a Van Nuys high-rise project might get caught between a moving crane and a wall. Without proper safety precautions, he could suffer internal bleeding, organ damage, or long-term disability. When these cases occur, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney investigate who was responsible.
Toxic Exposure & Hazardous Materials (Lung Damage, Poisoning)
Some construction sites involve dangerous chemicals, dust, or asbestos, which can cause serious respiratory issues, lung damage, or poisoning. Workers exposed to hazardous materials may not show symptoms immediately, but over time, they develop chronic health conditions.
A worker demolishing an old commercial building may breathe in asbestos fibers, leading to lung disease years later. In these cases, multiple parties including property owners, developers, and product manufacturers may be responsible.
How Long Do You Have to File a Construction Accident Claim in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. But if your case involves a government entity like if you were injured on a city-funded project you may have as little as six months to file a claim.
Waiting too long can hurt your case. Insurance providers often use delays against injury victims, claiming that a late claim means the injury wasn’t serious. If you’re unsure about deadlines, getting a legal consultation early can help protect your rights.
Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Van Nuys
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Even if your injury seems minor, symptoms like internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries can take time to appear. Seeing a doctor right away ensures your injuries are properly documented for your personal injury claim.
Report the Accident to Your Employer
Let your supervisor or site manager know about the accident as soon as possible. If the injury isn’t documented, insurance issues may arise later.
Document the Scene (Photos, Witnesses, Records)
Take pictures of the hazard, your injuries, and the construction site. If co-workers saw what happened, get their statements. Having solid evidence helps your experienced attorney build a strong case.
Don’t Sign Anything from Insurance Without a Lawyer
After an accident, insurance providers may rush to offer a settlement. But these early offers often don’t cover the full extent of your injuries. Before signing anything, speak to a personal injury lawyer to make sure you’re getting the compensation you actually deserve.
Contact a Construction Injury Attorney ASAP
A personal injury lawyer who handles construction accident claims can help you navigate insurance issues, medical benefits, and financial compensation. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of recovering the full amount you’re entitled to.
If you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or a serious injury, an initial consultation with a construction accident lawyer near you can help you figure out your next steps. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Understanding Cal/OSHA Regulations & How They Affect Your Claim
California has strict safety standards for construction sites, and Cal/OSHA (California Division of Occupational Safety and Health) is responsible for making sure employers follow them. These rules exist to protect workers from workplace injuries, but when safety violations happen, accidents are more likely to occur.
Let’s say a worker is on a multi-story scaffold, and there are no proper guardrails or harnesses provided. If he falls and suffers serious physical injuries, Cal/OSHA may investigate and find that the construction company violated safety regulations. This could be powerful evidence in his case.
If your injury happened because your employer ignored safety laws, it can strengthen your personal injury claim. Our team works with safety experts and investigators to review OSHA reports, accident scene photos, and witness statements to prove negligence. The stronger the evidence, the better chance you have at maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Construction Site Injury?
A workplace accident can leave you unable to work, facing medical bills, and dealing with serious injuries. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to seek fair compensation for your losses.
- Medical Expenses – Construction accidents often lead to serious physical injuries that require hospital visits, surgeries, or long-term rehabilitation. A personal injury attorney can help you recover the cost of medical treatments, prescriptions, therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages & Future Income – If your injuries keep you from working for a period of time or if you can’t return to your job at all you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Not all damages are financial. Many accident victims deal with chronic pain, emotional trauma, and a reduced quality of life. These non-economic damages can be included in your claim.
- Permanent Disability Benefits – If your injuries are severe enough that you can’t return to work in any capacity, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits.
- Wrongful Death Claims – If a construction worker loses their life due to unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, or a trucking accident, their family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. This can cover funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.
Every case is different, which is why having an experienced lawyer on your side is crucial. We fight to make sure you get the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to not just a quick settlement from an insurance adjuster.
How We Win Construction Accident Cases
Winning a construction accident case isn’t just about proving that an accident happened it’s about proving who is at fault and showing how much the injury has affected your life. Our firm takes a strategic approach to every case, working with medical experts, accident reconstruction teams, and workplace safety investigators to build strong claims.
- Investigating the Accident Scene – The first step is gathering all available evidence. This includes reviewing OSHA reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and safety records. If the employer violated workplace safety rules, that can be key evidence in proving liability.
- Using Expert Witnesses – In many cases, we bring in medical specialists to testify about how the injury has impacted the worker’s daily life, mobility, and ability to earn a living. We may also use construction safety experts to explain how the accident could have been prevented.
- Fighting Powerful Insurance Companies – Construction accidents often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, contractors, property owners, and equipment manufacturers. Each will have their own insurance provider trying to avoid paying a fair settlement. We know their tactics and we push back hard to make sure our clients get maximum compensation.
- Proven Track Record of Success – We have successfully helped accident victims recover financial compensation for workplace injuries, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and more. Our personal injury law firm has won cases against some of the biggest construction and trucking companies in California, and we know how to handle the legal process effectively.
If you’ve been injured in a construction site accident, you deserve more than just a quick settlement. You deserve real justice and full compensation. Let’s talk about your case today. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Why Choose Our Van Nuys Construction Accident Law Firm?
When you’re dealing with construction accident injuries, you need more than just a lawyer you need someone who truly understands what you’re going through. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we focus on helping injured workers get the compensation and support they deserve.
We’ve spent decades handling personal injury accidents in Van Nuys, fighting for construction workers injured in trench collapses, falls, structural collapses, and heavy equipment failures. We know how to take on insurance companies and employers who refuse to take responsibility.
Our approach is simple: personal attention, clear legal advice, and aggressive representation. We don’t treat you like another case file. We take time to understand how your injuries have impacted your life, your work, and your family—and we fight to get you every dollar you’re entitled to.
Meet Attorney Adrianos Facchetti
Adrianos Facchetti isn’t just another personal injury attorney in Van Nuys. He’s spent years standing up for injured workers, making sure they aren’t left to deal with medical bills, lost wages, and financial losses on their own. With a strong track record of settlements and verdicts, he knows what it takes to hold negligent companies accountable.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring a construction accident attorney—you’re getting a legal team that fights for you like family.
Construction Accident FAQs
Can I Get More Than Just Workers’ Compensation?
Yes. Workers’ compensation laws cover medical expenses and lost wages, but they don’t cover pain and suffering, long-term disability, or emotional distress. If someone other than your employer—like a contractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer—was responsible for your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for additional damages.
For example, if a scaffold collapse was caused by faulty equipment, you could have a case against the manufacturer for a defective product.
What If My Employer Is Denying Responsibility?
Employers and insurance companies don’t always play fair. They might claim:
- The accident was your fault
- Your injury isn’t work-related
- You didn’t report the accident properly
If your employer is refusing to file an accident report or denying your benefits, it’s time to speak with a construction injury lawyer. We can help gather evidence, medical records, and witness statements to prove your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Construction Accident Lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Our legal fees only come from your settlement—if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
How Does OSHA Investigate Construction Accidents?
After a serious workplace injury, Cal/OSHA may step in to investigate. They’ll look at safety violations, accident reports, and company records to see if proper protocols were followed. If they find that your employer ignored safety regulations—like failing to secure heavy equipment or not providing fall protection—it can strengthen your case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Construction Injury Claim?
If your injury is minor and your employer is covering your medical bills and wages, you might not need a lawyer. But if:
- You’ve suffered serious injuries like spinal damage, eye injuries, or repetitive motion injuries
- Your workers’ comp claim is being delayed or denied
- You think a third party is responsible for your accident
Then hiring a Van Nuys construction accident lawyer can maximize your compensation and make sure you’re not taken advantage of.
What Happens If a Construction Accident Leads to Death?
If you’ve lost a loved one in a construction accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. This can help recover funeral expenses, lost income, and financial support for surviving family members.
For example, if a worker is killed in a trench collapse due to a contractor’s negligence, the family could hold them accountable for their financial losses. We understand that no amount of money can replace a loved one, but we fight to make sure families aren’t left struggling after a tragic loss.
Contact a Van Nuys Construction Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt on a construction site, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti is ready to fight for you. We offer a free case evaluation, and you don’t pay a thing unless we win.
Call us today at (626) 793-8607 to schedule your free consultation. Let’s get you the compensation you deserve.
