Life-Changing Results for Construction Accident Victims
Our firm has a history of securing life-changing results for construction accident victims. These results matter because they represent real people helped and real companies held responsible for failing to put safety first. As construction injury lawyers in Dallas, we are proud of these outcomes because they help survivors and families who need it most.
Our construction accident verdicts and settlements include:
- $860 million for a woman whose daughter was killed by a crane that crashed into her Dallas apartment.
- $44 million record-setting verdict for a construction superintendent struck by a crane.
- $32 million settlement for a woman who lost her husband in an accident near a construction site.
- $16.5 million settlement for a worker who was crushed in a plant construction accident.
“At Arnold & Itkin, the whole company is selfless—amazing. It meant a lot to me because I don’t think I could have made it through without them.”
- Joe Gonalez, workplace accident survivor.
Construction Accident Statistics & Insights
12,300 construction workers were injured in Texas in 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported that 107 workers lost their lives that year. That figure represents about 22% of all workplace fatalities in 2018. In 2021, there were 127 construction workers killed in accidents. Safety standards are in place to protect construction workers, but these numbers show that accidents are continuing to occur in this field more than any other.
Despite advances in safety technology and increased awareness, the construction industry remains perilous. Workers often face hazardous conditions without adequate safety measures. Employers need to actively comply with safety regulations and provide regular training to mitigate these risks. Enhanced safety protocols and vigilant supervision could significantly reduce the rate of accidents, safeguarding the lives of countless workers.
More than half of construction worker fatalities across the U.S. can be traced to one of the four following causes, dubbed the “Fatal Four” by OSHA:
- Falls, which accounted for 33.5% of fatalities in 2018.
- Struck by object accidents, which accounted for 11.1% of fatalities.
- Electrocutions, which accounted for 8.5% of fatalities.
- Caught-in/between accidents, which accounted for 5.5% of fatalities.
These statistics reveal one thing: construction workers face significant dangers each day on the job. Whether you've been in a Dallas scaffolding accident or are suffering after being struck by a heavy object, help is available. Employers are responsible for taking care of their employees, and when they don't, they are liable for damages.
Understanding Dallas Construction Accident Laws
Construction accident laws in Dallas are designed to protect workers and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve when injured. In Texas, these laws cover employer responsibilities, workers' rights, and the procedures for filing injury claims. Understanding these laws is crucial for construction workers, as it can significantly impact their ability to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs.
Under Texas law, employers must provide a safe working environment, in compliance with OSHA standards. However, Texas is unique in that it does not require private employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. This can complicate the process for injured workers seeking compensation. If an employer does not subscribe to workers' compensation, workers may need to file a negligence lawsuit to recover damages. Knowing the nuances of construction accident laws in Dallas can help injured workers navigate these challenges more effectively.
Local Dallas Support & Resources for Construction Accident Victims
Being involved in a construction accident can be a jarring experience, both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, Dallas offers a wealth of resources aimed at supporting accident victims and helping them rebuild their lives. From medical care to legal assistance, accessing the right support can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
Medical facilities like Parkland Health & Hospital System and Baylor University Medical Center are well-regarded for providing comprehensive trauma care and rehabilitation services. Additionally, victim support groups and non-profit organizations such as the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) connect accident victims with essential resources and support networks. These services ensure that injured workers receive not only the immediate medical care they need but also the ongoing rehabilitation support necessary for a full recovery. Leveraging these resources can provide a strong foundation for rebuilding after a construction site injury.
Common Causes of Dallas Construction Accidents
Construction sites can be dangerous places, but this does not mean that accidents “just happen” or that they should be expected or even excused. They have specific causes. Each accident can be traced to one or more factors that led to its occurrence, and in many cases, they can be traced back to a particular decision, act, or failure to act that created an unsafe work environment for the worker who was ultimately injured.
The pressures of meeting deadlines and cutting costs often lead to lapses in safety measures, posing a significant risk to workers. Supervisors might overlook minor safety breaches that collectively lead to severe accidents. It's essential that construction companies foster a culture of safety where guidelines are strictly followed, and any deviations are swiftly addressed to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
The following are examples of potential construction accident causes:
- Violation of OSHA fall protection standards for ladders or scaffolding
- Defective power tools or construction equipment
- Poorly maintained construction vehicles, tools, or equipment
- Lack of proper safety training and education for construction site workers
- Lack of communication between workers operating cranes or other heavy machinery
- Lack of safety precautions when working with or near electricity and power lines
These and other failures put construction workers at risk for burn injuries, electrocution, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other life-changing or even fatal injuries.
Employer Responsibilities in Construction Safety
Employers are responsible for worker safety, even in industries like construction where hazards are plentiful. They must make sure that construction sites are properly supervised, that workers are trained on safety, that safety standards are implemented, and that equipment is properly maintained. When they put safety second to making deadlines, construction companies put every worker's safety in jeopardy. Our Dallas construction accident attorneys fight to hold them accountable when this happens.
Besides adhering to federal and state regulations, employers must undertake site-specific safety assessments to identify potential hazards. Regular safety audits and training sessions should be mandatory to keep the workforce informed and prepared. Implementation of incident reporting systems encourages transparency and helps track near misses to improve future safety measures, reinforcing a strong safety culture within the organization.
After a Dallas Construction Accident: Dos & Don'ts
Here are a few helpful tips we can offer when it comes to dealing with a serious construction site accident in Dallas:
- DO inform your supervisor or manager that you've been injured.
- DO seek medical attention as quickly as possible, no matter how minor your injuries may seem.
- DO talk to a Dallas construction accident lawyer about your rights and options.
- DON'T sign a statement or accept a settlement before talking to your lawyer.
- DON'T let your employer pressure you to return to work if you aren't ready.
Crane Accidents in Dallas, TX: An In-Depth Look
Crane accidents are devastating because of their weight, size, and location. Because cranes are typically used in densely populated areas, the collapse of one can be catastrophic for those near it. A crane collapse causes thousands of pounds of steel to crash into buildings and onto busy streets. Crane collapses often involve serious injuries or fatalities, and they are nearly always preventable with the proper safety procedures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the United States has an average of 44 crane-related deaths each year. Crane accidents typically happen at construction sites or in the manufacturing industry. These industries combine to account for 64% of all crane accidents.
Operating a crane requires specialized training and an acute awareness of potential hazards. Ensuring that all personnel involved with crane operations are certified and aware of emergency protocols is crucial. Risk assessments should always precede any crane operation, factoring in environmental conditions such as weather and ground stability to mitigate the likelihood of tragic accidents.
Common Dallas crane accident causes include the following:
- Improper usage of the crane
- Improper crane for the job
- Poor weather
- Improper set-up
- Falling debris
- Hazardous conditions near the crane
Companies must train their crane operators properly, be sure that every worker at a job site is trained to avoid crane accidents and ensure that they are installing cranes securely and safely. When a crane is involved with an accident, it’s almost certain that the accident could have been prevented.
Our team takes on crane accident cases in Dallas and across the U.S. involving:
- Struck by an object that falls from a crane
- Struck by a swinging crane load
- Falling from a crane
- Electrocution
- Struck or run over by a crane
- Crane collapses and overturns
- Boom collapses
- Boom or crane contact with power lines
North Texas Leads the Entire Nation in Crane Accidents
During its comprehensive report on crane accidents, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found a shocking fact: our state had nearly as many crane accident fatalities as the next four states combined. Between 2011 and 2015, Texas had 40 crane fatalities while the next 4 states had a combined total of 44 fatalities. Our state has a crane accident issue, and the companies who lease, manufacture, and operate them are very aware of it.
Since 2012, North Texas has had several deadly crane accidents. Crane accidents became such a problem in the northern part of the state that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a special safety initiative in the region. During this initiative, OSHA conducted more than 77 inspections and handed out more than 65 violations. Of these violations, 71 percent were for a willful, serious, or a repeated offense. In other words, the OSHA initiative confirmed that North Texas has a widespread and obvious issue with crane safety.
The concentration of construction projects in urban areas like Dallas demands even greater vigilance. Ensuring compliance with stringent safety protocols is non-negotiable, reflecting the pressing need for continuous monitoring and improvement in crane safety measures across the region to prevent future tragedies.
Deadly North Texas crane accidents in recent years include:
- 2012: 2 workers killed at the University of Texas Dallas
- 2013: 1 Alvarado worker killed when struck by a crane
- 2013: 1 Mansfield worker killed by a falling sheet of metal coil
- 2015: 1 Dallas worker crushed to death between the crane boom and truck
- 2017: 1 Commerce worker killed by granite that fell from a crane
- 2017: 1 Royse City worker struck by a crane beam and killed
- 2017: 1 Dallas worker killed by a crane that fell over
- 2019: 1 Dallas woman killed when a crane collapsed into her apartment
- 2023: 1 worker hit and killed by a collapsed crane at a Celina construction site
Crane Safety Violations
OSHA has strict safety standards regarding crane use. These standards are in place to prevent catastrophic crane accidents that can cause serious injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, some individuals and companies overlook OSHA’s crane safety standards. Using an unqualified signalperson or crane operator, failing to perform routine inspections, working too close to power lines, and using an improperly qualified rigger are examples of common safety violations related to cranes. When any aspect of crane safety is overlooked or ignored, the results can be disastrous. That’s why our Dallas crane accident attorneys are so passionate about helping people who have lost loved ones or experienced life-changing injuries in preventable crane collapses, falls, and more.
The enforcement of OSHA regulations through regular site inspections and strict penalties for non-compliance is crucial. Safety audits should be a routine part of the operational culture, ensuring continuous improvement in safety and mitigation of risks associated with crane operations. A proactive approach involving regular training and certification for personnel can significantly reduce the prevalence of violations.
We deal with crane injuries caused by such violations as:
- Improperly qualified and/or documented signalperson
- Materials rigged by an improperly qualified rigger
- Failure to perform monthly or annual inspections
- Failure to ensure a working radius at least 20 feet from power lines
- Failure to keep operator manuals and other documentation in the crane cab
- Failure to follow up on and address a deficiency noted during an inspection
- Failure to replace missing or damaged crane warning labels and decals
Choose a Firm with Construction Accident Case Experience
When choosing an attorney after a construction accident, you want a legal team that has a proven history of securing favorable outcomes. While we can't guarantee a specific result for any client, we can tell you that we take on cases that we truly believe in and that we're ready to fight for relentlessly, with the full backing of our experience and resources.
When a mother lost her daughter because a crane collapsed on her East Dallas apartment, she came to our Dallas construction accident lawyers. When a construction superintendent was struck by a piece of equipment from a collapsing crane, resulting in him having to get an above-the-knee amputation, he turned to Arnold & Itkin. When four injured contract workers suffered physical and psychological injuries from a massive plant explosion—an explosion that could have been prevented had the company repaired their reboiler or at least shut down the plant during construction—they came to our firm. In these cases and many others, we delivered the results that matter.
We have won more than $20 billion in verdicts and settlements for people across the U.S. who have experienced the worst injuries and losses.
All About Dallas
Dallas is the seat of Dallas County and is the third largest city in Texas. Because the city is so economically and culturally diverse, Dallas is a prime choice for businesses, individuals, and families. Dallas is industrialized but has suburbs that appeal to those looking for a quieter lifestyle. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, famous art districts, highly rated restaurants, and more shopping centers per capita than any other city in the country. The Dallas Park System includes 397 parks that cover more than 20,000 acres of land. Popular attractions include the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Dallas World Aquarium.
Dallas is a part of an urbanized area known as the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and this region is home to one-fourth of all Texans. There are also 22 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the Metroplex, and with a major inland port, four railroads, and two airports, Dallas is an established transportation hub. The major industries in the area include financial services, defense, telecommunications, transportation, and information technology.
Dallas, TX Resources
Our Dallas Construction Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help: (888) 493-1629
If you need help after a construction accident, our experienced Dallas construction accident attorneys are ready to assist. Lost wages, medical bills, and any other damages might be recoverable after your accident. No one should have to suffer because of negligence, and we've stepped in to help workers just like you. In fact, our team has recovered billions of dollars for clients over the years. Whether you need help getting compensation from your small employer or are facing a large corporation, we're ready to bring the fight required to help you move forward.
For your free, confidential consultation, give our Dallas injury attorneys a call at (888) 493-1629. We have the dedication required to fight for the answers you deserve.
