Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States, with thousands of workers suffering injuries or losing their lives on job sites every year. In Chattanooga and throughout Tennessee, construction workers face numerous hazards, from falls and falling objects to heavy equipment accidents and exposure to harmful substances.
When accidents happen, the physical, emotional, and financial toll on workers and their families can be devastating.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options. At The Higgins Firm, our dedicated Chattanooga construction accident attorneys have been fighting for injured workers and their families for years. We know the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Construction accidents can happen in countless ways, but some types of incidents are more common than others. Our attorneys have experience handling a wide range of construction accident cases, including:
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. Scaffolding accidents, ladder accidents, and falls from roofs or bridges can result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. Employers have a duty to provide fall protection gear and ensure that work surfaces are stable and secure.
Construction workers often work with heavy equipment and machinery, which can pose serious risks. Being struck by a moving object, such as a crane or forklift, or getting caught in or between equipment can lead to crushing injuries, amputations, and even death. Proper training, maintenance, and safety protocols are essential to preventing these accidents.
Electrocution is another leading cause of death in construction. Contact with power lines, faulty wiring, and exposed electrical equipment can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening injuries. Chemical and thermal burns are also common, often due to exposure to caustic substances or hot materials.
Construction sites are often cluttered and chaotic, with uneven surfaces, uncovered holes, and debris scattered around. These conditions can lead to slips, trips, and falls, which can result in serious injuries. Employers must keep work sites clean and well-maintained to minimize these risks.
Many construction accidents are preventable and often occur due to negligence or a failure to follow safety regulations.
Some common causes include:
When accidents happen, it’s essential to identify all parties who may be liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
In most cases, injured construction workers in Tennessee are covered by workers’ compensation, which provides benefits for medical expenses and lost wages without having to prove fault. However, workers’ compensation may not cover all of your losses, and there may be other avenues for seeking additional compensation.
Our attorneys thoroughly investigate construction accidents to identify all potentially liable parties, such as:
We work tirelessly to gather evidence, prove negligence, and hold these parties accountable for their actions.
Construction accident victims may be entitled to various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of their case. These may include:
Our Chattanooga construction accident lawyers work closely with medical experts, vocational specialists, and other professionals to fully assess your damages and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
If you’ve been injured in a construction accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
At The Higgins Firm, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
When you work with our skilled legal team, you can expect personalized attention and aggressive advocacy every step of the way. We will:
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial strain that a construction accident can put on you and your family. Our goal is to take the burden of dealing with the legal process off your shoulders so that you can focus on your recovery and moving forward with your life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident in Chattanooga or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to seek experienced legal representation. The Higgins Firm has a proven track record of success in handling complex construction accident cases and fighting for the rights of injured workers and their families.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable Chattanooga construction accident attorneys. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide honest advice about your legal options. Let us put our skills and resources to work for you and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
You Have Questions. We Have Answers.
In most cases, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee, per Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-3-104. For workers’ compensation claims, you must notify your employer within 15 days of the accident, per Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-6-201.
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for work-related injuries in Tennessee. However, there are some exceptions, such as if your employer intentionally caused your injury or doesn’t carry workers’ comp insurance. Additionally, you may have a third-party claim against other negligent parties, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will work to minimize any allegations of comparative fault and protect your right to compensation.
At The Higgins Firm, we handle construction accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront costs or attorney’s fees unless we win your case. If we recover compensation for you, our fee will be a percentage of the total recovery.
