Common Construction Site Injuries
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, and unprotected edges.
- Being struck by falling tools, materials, or debris.
- Injuries from cranes, forklifts, excavators, and other equipment.
- Trench and wall collapses.
- Electrical injuries and burns.
- Defective tools or safety equipment.
These accidents often cause back and spinal injuries, head injuries, fractures, and other catastrophic injuries with long recovery times.
Workers' Compensation and Its Limits
Most Florida construction workers are covered by workers' compensation, which pays medical care and part of lost wages regardless of fault. In exchange, workers generally cannot sue their own employer for negligence. Workers' compensation does not pay for pain and suffering, and wage benefits are limited.
Orellana Law does not handle workers' compensation claims, but we can review whether you have a separate injury claim against someone other than your employer.
Third-Party Injury Claims
Construction sites involve many companies. When someone other than your employer causes or contributes to an injury, you may have a personal injury claim against them in addition to workers' compensation. Possible third parties include:
- A general contractor or another subcontractor on site.
- The property owner or developer.
- The manufacturer of a defective tool, ladder, or machine.
- A driver who struck you in a work zone.
- An equipment rental company that failed to maintain equipment.
A third-party claim can include damages workers' compensation does not, such as pain and suffering and full lost earnings. For product failures, see our page on defective product injuries.
Injuries to Visitors and Passersby
People who are not workers can also be hurt by construction activity, such as a pedestrian struck by falling debris or a driver hurt by an unmarked hazard. These claims are typically handled under premises liability and negligence principles, not workers' compensation.
Fault and Deadlines in Florida
Florida follows modified comparative negligence under Fla. Stat. § 768.81(6). If you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover from other parties. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your share.
Most negligence claims must be filed within two years of the injury under Fla. Stat. § 95.11. Evidence on a construction site changes quickly as work continues, so early action matters.
What to Do After a Construction Injury
- Get medical care and follow your treatment plan.
- Report the injury to your supervisor in writing.
- Photograph the area, equipment, and any hazard if you can.
- Write down names of witnesses and the companies working on site.
- Keep medical records, pay stubs, and all workers' compensation paperwork.
How Orellana Law Can Help
Identifying Responsible Parties
We look at contracts, site records, and the equipment involved to find who besides your employer may be responsible.
Evidence and Damages
We gather the records needed to show fault and the full effect of the injury on your work and life.
Negotiation and Litigation
We pursue the third-party claim with insurers and, if needed, in court.
Serving all of Florida
Construction Site Injuries Guidance in Miami-Dade County and Across Florida
Orellana Law has one office in Miami and serves clients with construction site injuries matters throughout Miami-Dade County and across the entire State of Florida. Wherever you are in the state, you can meet with the firm by phone or video. Contact the firm to discuss your situation.
