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Boston Construction Accident Lawyer

Just because a construction site is, by definition, a hazardous place to work, doesn’t mean that when people are injured there, they don’t have legal rights. A construction worker doesn’t enter onto a construction site and say “I realize this can be a dangerous place to work and I hereby give up all my legal rights if I am injured here.” Far from it. Regardless of the risk of injury that accompanies construction sites, all parties having an interest in that project - from the property owners, to general contractors, to subcontractors, to machinery and equipment suppliers - have a responsibility to make that construction site as safe as possible. Accidents and risks, such as scaffolding falls, can be prevented by implementing strict and enforceable safety standards, for example: Providing warnings of the hazards present at the site; Hiring qualified and careful employees; Carefully coordinating all job safety, and supervising compliance with all applicable safety laws and standards. When these practices aren’t followed, when construction schedules are rushed or inexperienced crews hired, terrible injuries can result. If you, a loved one, or a colleague has been hurt while on the job, contact a experienced construction accident attorney in Boston. Our firm represents the injured throughout Massachusetts.

Accidents and injuries that occur on construction sites are an interesting kind of legal ‘hybrid’. They commonly present two different types of legal actions: Because a great many of the types of injuries that occur on construction sites are caused by either the negligence of the construction worker or the negligence of a co-worker, and because the injury occurred by definition while on the job, many of these types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation laws in Massachusetts. However, on many occasions, injuries occur at construction sites that are not caused by the worker himself, or by a co-worker, but instead are caused by “outside” persons that are not employed by the same employer as the victim.

These “outside” persons or companies are known as “third parties”. A “Third Party Claim” in this situation is not governed by the exclusivity provisions of the Massachusetts Workers Compensation Act. As a result, a construction worker who has been injured due to the negligence of a party (again, a person or company not employed by the injured worker’s employer) can file a lawsuit in the regular, civil court system to recover compensation for his injuries. These laws can be very complicated. As you have probably seen by now, most laws aren’t written to be easy.

Do These Types of Injuries Happen Only At Major Commercial Construction Sites, Such as Office Buildings and Skyscrapers?

No. Construction Site Injuries can occur in many places: At your own home, a major industrial development, a highway project, or anywhere.

Who might these “third parties” be, who can be sued in civil court outside of the workers’ compensation system?

Some examples include:

  • The Property Owner(s)
  • Heavy Equipment Manufacturers
  • Tool Manufacturers
  • Contractors Who Are Not Employed By The Employer Of The Injured Victim
  • Scaffolding Manufacturers
  • Ladder Manufacturers
  • Chemical Manufacturers
  • Materials Suppliers
Injuries that occur at a construction site can often be catastrophic. They can include, but certainly aren’t limited to:
  • Amputation of hands or limbs
  • Scarring and disfiguring burns
  • Back or neck injuries caused by falls or vehicle collisions
  • Spinal cord injury and paralysis
  • Blindness
  • Traumatic brain injury.

These types of injuries can involve lifelong costs to a victim for round-the-clock care, physical therapy, adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, specially-equipped vans, and many other related expenses.

What Types Of Damages Is Someone Who Is injured At A Construction Site Entitled To Receive In Court?

Generally speaking, the same types of damages as any injury victim suing in civil court. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical and Hospital Expenses – Present and Estimated Future Costs
  • Lost Wages – Present and Estimated Future Earning Capacity
  • Professional Care from Health Care Providers Such as Physical Therapists
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Possible Loss of Consortium Claims for Spouses of Injured Victims

We have many years of experience in investigating and litigating construction site injuries, and in securing needed compensation for victims of these types of injuries. Our Boston construction accident lawyer William Kickham knows how to find the evidence and answers we need. We know how to prove liability, and we know how to maximize the compensation you deserve to receive for those injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured at a construction site in Massachusetts, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.


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"When I fell in that supermarket and knew I had broken my leg, one of the first things that went through my mind was, "How am I ever going to take on a company this size and receive any decent compensation for what's happened to me?" Because of you, I received a sizable settlement payment for my injury. I hope more people learn about the kind of legal talent you offer." Jeanine W.
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"The act of placing my father in a nursing home was probably the most painful decision I've ever had to face. You took our case on, and you and your associates fought the owners of this business, tooth and nail. You never gave up. As a result, my father's estate was paid considerable money for his pain and suffering." Joan W.
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"My whole life changed on a dark day in December 1989, when I was hit and pinned against a wall by a commercial delivery truck. I was almost DOA at the hospital Emergency Room. Because of my injuries, I cannot work full-time ever again. Because of you and your colleagues' work, I received a large settlement." Jim Y.
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"My mother had suffered a heart attack in the fall, and the hospital doctors completely missed this in her vital signs and EKG. My mother died the next day, and she didn't have to. But because of your diligence and talent, her estate received a very large settlement payment, along with revised ER protocols to prevent such errors in the future. For my mother and future patients, we thank you for what you did for her." Dorothy W.
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"When our son was hit by a car in a crosswalk, our one and only concern was his recovery and well-being. We had no idea what we were facing: A maze of obstacles put up in our path by the insurance company for the driver who hit our son - denying responsibility for the accident. If we hadn't had you by our side, we feel we would have been eaten alive by this insurance company's lawyers. You guided us from day one, and you never rested." Bob and Mary J.
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"You know what impressed me most about you (aside from your legal talent)? I know that my injuries from my car accident weren't the worst that you had in front of you - my case was far from the biggest case in your office - but you represented me like my case was worth a million dollars. I can't thank you enough." Margaret G.
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"There are two things that I will never forget about my car accident: The sound of screeching tires just before my car was hit by the other driver, and, much later, the sound of you telling me that the entire ordeal was over with, and that I was going to receive just compensation for my injuries. The rest, I want to forget - but I'll never forget you and what you did for me." Karen D.
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"Choosing to hire William D Kickham was one of the best decisions I could have made in recent years. He was very prompt, to the point and delivered on his promises. He is a true professional and I couldn't be happier with his results. I will continue recommended his services to anyone in need of legal guidance." Rick
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