Construction Site Injuries in Fort Myers: Who Can Be Held Liable?

Across Florida, construction sites are among the most dangerous places to work. Working at height, electrical hazards, falling objects, and heavy machinery all pose substantial risks to construction workers. The long-term impact of construction site injuries — including lost wages and medical bills — can be substantial for an injury victim and their family.

Holding the At-Fault Party Responsible for Causing an Injury

With different groups of people performing different jobs on a construction site, construction site accident claims tend to be complex. From one injury, there may be more than one person who caused it. 

Property Owners

Owners have varying levels of interaction with a construction site. If the property owner is frequently on-site in the day-to-day operations, they can be held responsible for injuries sustained by a construction worker. Site owners have a duty to provide notice to workers or any other person on a construction site about any known hazards. 

Machinery/Equipment Manufacturers

With heavy machinery and tools on construction sites comes the possibility that one of them could cause an injury. There are product liability laws in Florida that establish safety standards for all types of products. A violation of one of those norms could result in a construction site injury for which equipment manufacturers could be liable. 

Contractors and Subcontractors

Generally, both contractors and subcontractors have direct authority to establish safety requirements for a construction site. The operations of the construction site area are a byproduct of their planning and involvement. If an unsafe condition at the site led to an injury, a contractor may be held responsible. 

What Circumstances Lead To Construction Site Injuries Most Frequently

Safety hazards abound on many Florida construction sites. There are a range of potentially dangerous conditions that may cause an injury to occur for a construction worker or other individual:

• Accidents involving machines: Heavy equipment must be operated carefully and only by persons with the necessary knowledge and experience. When even a small mistake is made in their operation, the risk of injury increases significantly.
• Fuels and other flammable substances: With gasoline and other flammable substances on construction sites, fires can occur if proper care is not taken throughout the workday. 
• Depending upon the type of construction project, it may be necessary to perform a significant amount of digging. If that digging is not performed safely, dirt and debris may fall onto construction workers. 
• Electrical problems on construction sites are very possible given that exposed wiring and partially completed projects are common. When an electricity-related injury occurs, there are far-reaching consequences for the construction worker who is injured. 

Contact Difilippo & Pica, PLLC for a Free Case Review

Create a plan and defend your rights after being injured on a construction site. Contact Difilippo & Pica, PLLC today for a free case review. Our team of experienced legal professionals serves injured clients throughout Southwest Florida. Take control of your case to receive maximum compensation.