The Unique Landscape of Las Vegas Construction
Las Vegas is famous for its glittering skyline, which is constantly changing with new casinos, hotels, and attractions. But it’s not just the towering resorts that are under perpetual construction. The city’s infrastructure is under near-constant development to accommodate growing traffic and visitors, resulting in extensive roadwork projects. More recently, the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix has brought a surge of tourists and global attention, with unprecedented pressure to modernize and expand existing facilities quickly, not to mention build up and tear down F1-related attractions.
The Las Vegas area sees ongoing, large-scale construction such as:
- Massive Hotel & Casino Projects: From remodeling existing properties to erecting brand-new resorts, these projects can be incredibly extensive, requiring specialized equipment and numerous subcontractors. They may also require the demolition of decades-old hotel and casino properties, an added layer of complexity and risk.
- Roadway Improvements: Las Vegas freeways and surface streets are increasingly congested due to population growth and tourism. If you live and work in the Vegas area, it seems that road construction is constant. Crews often work overtime to complete expansion projects, which can lead to rushed timelines and heightened accident risks.
- Sporting Venues: With Las Vegas quickly establishing itself as a premier sports destination, new stadiums and arenas are either on the drawing board or under construction. Projects like the new Vegas baseball stadium and the recently built Allegiant Stadium create jobs and opportunities—but they also introduce additional hazards.
- Special Event Setups: Large sporting events, trade shows, and conventions require temporary structures, stages, seating, and extensive electrical work. Setting these up or tearing them down rapidly can create hazardous conditions if proper safety measures aren’t enforced. This also applies to the city's many shows and concerts.
- Formula 1 Preparation: Las Vegas hosted the Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time in 2023 with a 3-year agreement and an intent to run for many years into the future. This involves building grandstands, making roadway modifications, and installing large-scale signage and lighting—projects that can introduce new dangers to the already busy streets.
No matter the project, the need to meet deadlines and budgets can result in overlooked safety measures. If you or someone you know has been injured while working on one of these projects, a construction accident attorney in Las Vegas can investigate the details of your case and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Common Types of Construction Accidents in Las Vegas, Nevada
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with numerous hazards present each day. However, employers have a moral and legal obligation to uphold safety standards and protect the overall well-being of their workers by mitigating these risks. The right training, equipment, and a safety-first culture can prevent serious construction site accidents.
OSHA violations and safety lapses can lead to such construction accidents as:
Falls from Heights
Workers performing tasks on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops face a constant risk of falling. A malfunctioning harness, weak guardrail, or insufficient training can turn even a routine task into a life-threatening event.
Falling Objects & Debris
Tools, building materials, and equipment at a construction site can drop from above if improperly secured. Even a small object can cause catastrophic injuries if it gains enough momentum and strikes a worker below.
Machinery Accidents
Cranes, forklifts, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery are common on large-scale construction sites. Inadequate training, mechanical failures, and poor communication can lead to collisions, rollovers, or crush injuries.
Electrocutions
With the setup of lighting, wiring, and sound equipment—especially during special event preparations—electrocutions are a serious concern. Inadequate grounding, exposed wires, or a lack of proper training can have fatal consequences.
Roadway Work Zone Collisions
Road construction crews often work close to speeding traffic, making them susceptible to accidents involving negligent or distracted drivers. Nighttime schedules can also reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Trench Collapses
Excavations for building foundations, utility lines, or other infrastructure are common. If the trench isn’t properly shored up or stabilized, it can collapse, burying workers underneath thousands of pounds of dirt and rubble.
Equipment Malfunctions
Defective construction tools or machinery can fail without warning. When a company fails to maintain equipment or manufacturers design faulty products, workers may pay the price with severe injuries.
There are many types of construction accidents, but they don't “just happen.” Identifying their cause and holding at-fault parties accountable is our mission as a Las Vegas construction accident firm.
Determining Liability in a Construction Accident
Construction sites typically involve numerous entities—such as developers, general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and equipment suppliers—any of whom may share liability. General contractors and subcontractors, for instance, must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and maintain a hazard-free work environment. Failing to enforce safety protocols can make them culpable. Property owners also bear responsibility if they neglect known dangers or refuse to take essential precautions. In addition, defective equipment or machinery can implicate manufacturers whose design or production errors cause unexpected malfunctions. Even architects and engineers can be held accountable when improper design or structural oversight creates dangerous working conditions, while delivery drivers, inspectors, or other third parties might contribute to an accident by acting negligently at the site.
In each of these scenarios, our construction accident lawyers in Las Vegas undertake a comprehensive investigation—reviewing contract documents, safety records, maintenance logs, and more—to establish every at-fault party.
Common Las Vegas Construction Site Injuries
The injuries resulting from construction accidents can be severe, leaving victims and their families facing long-term or even permanent consequences. The impact may be widespread, with physical, financial, and emotional harm suffered.
Some of the most common construction injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often caused by falls from heights, blows to the head, or objects falling from above. Brain injuries can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and ongoing medical care.
- Spinal cord injuries, which may be caused by falls or severe impacts at construction sites. When the spinal cord is damaged, the harm is often irreversible and may cause partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures, resulting from slip and fall accidents, falls from heights, machinery collisions, or falling objects. Severe fractures may require surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
- Burns and electrocutions may happen at Las Vegas construction sites due to electrical accidents, fires, or exposure to chemicals. These may be life-altering, demanding multiple surgeries and leaving permanent scarring.
- Amputations, causing lifelong disability and profound emotional trauma. Machinery entanglements or crush injuries at construction worksites can lead to the loss of a limb or extremity.
Tragically, some construction accidents are fatal, leaving families devastated and struggling to cope with emotional and financial burdens. When dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one or any construction site injury, it is essential to work with a Las Vegas construction accident lawyer who understands the full scope of your damages—including medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional distress you’ve endured.
Contact a Las Vegas Construction Accident Attorney Today
Las Vegas construction projects fuel the city’s growth and economy, but they also expose workers to considerable risk. If you’re suffering from a serious on-the-job injury, you deserve an advocate who will fight tirelessly for your rights. At Arnold & Itkin, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers are ready to help you navigate the legal process and seek the resources and compensation you need to rebuild your life. But, you must act quickly.
Nevada law limits the time you have to file a claim after a construction accident. Missing important deadlines can mean forfeiting your right to financial recovery. What's more, construction sites change rapidly as projects move forward—evidence can be lost or destroyed, and witnesses can be hard to track down. Speaking with a construction accident attorney in Las Vegas early on ensures that critical evidence is preserved and that your claim is properly documented.
Don’t let an employer or insurance company diminish the severity of your injuries. Contact us now for your free consultation: (888) 493-1629.
